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Thanks to a collaboration between the restaurant Cantina La Martina and the organization Lighthouse, the fourth edition of “La Tamalada” was held with great success on February 15. This was the first event in Philadelphia organized by co-owners, Mexican chef Dionicio Jiménez and his Puerto Rican wife, Mariangeli Alicea Sáez, since they closed their Kensington restaurant in November 2025.

Mexican tamales are an ancestral, pre-Hispanic dish made from nixtamalized corn masa filled with savory or sweet ingredients, wrapped in plant leaves, and steamed.

“La Tamalada” is a Mexican tradition to celebrate Candlemas Day on February 2. Mariangeli Alicea Sáez shared that their event was born from the annual King’s Cake celebration with children in the community held at McPherson Library in Kensington.

Chef Dionicio explained that “organizing these events helps unite the community, to get to know one another as tamal makers, cooks, and chefs, and to keep lifting our community up.” Lighthouse’s executive director, Edwin Desamour, stated that the couple is an example to follow in the challenging task of running a business, and that it was a pleasure to collaborate with them.

Attendees were able to enjoy their favorite tamales from the following vendors: Karla Torres and Ernesto Ventura from La Ingrata restaurant; the Morales family of Cinteotl Tamalli; Mariangeli Alicea Sáez and Dionicio Jiménez of Cantina La Martina; Elvia Zavala of Mija Mexican Table; Carolina López of Delicias Carolina; Pablo E. Alicea; Ana Montañez of Chef Ana’s Kitchen; and Marcos Espinoza.

Puerto Rican chef Ana Montañez partnered with Verónica Pérez to prepare a birria tamal with a Puerto Rican pastel twist—coconut malanga—resulting in an original flavor fusion.

Meanwhile, the Zavala family offered an Oaxacan‑style chocolate tamal. The Morales family presented their authentic mole poblano tamal made with natural ingredients.

Four judges evaluated the six competitors, who presented their dishes for tasting in order to choose the best tamal.

Jasmine Rivera, director of the Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition; Edgar Ramírez, executive director of Philatinos; Josh Moore, whose food‑focused social media page has earned recognition; and Leticia Roa Nixon, legendary community reporter for Impacto, rated the delicious tamales based on flavor, fillings, texture, creativity, and presentation.

The judges agreed that it was not easy to choose a winner because all competitors stood out for their originality and flavors.

The Lighthouse is a community‑based, nonprofit organization founded in 1893. Its mission is to provide educational and recreational programs that improve the quality of life of families in the Kensington neighborhood. Edwin Desamour and his team ensured that “La Tamalada” was a family-friendly event enjoyed by the community in a warm and safe environment.