Annual Christmas dinner takes Mexican twist

Organizers of Pueblo’s annual Christmas Dinner for the less fortunate plan to spice things up this year.

The dinner will be in true Pueblo fashion, serving a Christmas staple for many locals: tamales.

The dinner will he held at Union Depot, at 132 West B Street, on Christmas Day from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The menu includes enchilada casseroles, red/green chili, rice, beans and tamales.

About 1,500 people are expected to attend the dinner. Organizer Jerry Carter said the theme is an opportunity to embrace’s Pueblo’s rich Mexican heritage.

“It just made sense that they’re being an abundance of tamales and an abundance of tamale makers — to kind of utilize that to our advantage,” Carter said.

Both Burrito’s Betty and Liz’s Tamale House will donate tamales for the dinner, but Carter said upwards of 1,400 tamales are needed.

“Honestly the meaning to me for Christmas is about giving, and that’s why me and my mom decided to give tamales to those people who unfortunately they can’t really have a family dinner,” said Andres Hernandez, whose mom owns Liz’s Tamale House.

Carter said he’s not just seeking food donations from businesses.

“Not only just restaurants, but also the individual tamale makers, those abuelitas and mamas out there, who make these tamales every year,” Carter said.

Those looking to donate food can bring it to Union Depot starting on Dec. 21. For more information on donating prepared food, contact Carter at 719-671-6566.