MUSCATINE, IOWA (September 16, 2019) — A taco is a traditional Mexican dish consisting of a flour or corn tortilla folded around a filling, which is generally made of spiced meats and garnishes like salsa and cilantro.
The history of the taco is generally unknown, although the word “taco” can probably be traced back to silver mines in Mexico in the 18th century. They used the word “taco” when referring to an explosive plug that consisted on gunpowder wrapped in paper. Some anthropologists say the taco predates the Spanish in Mexico in the 16th century, suggesting inhabitants of the Valley of Mexico lake region ate tacos filled with fish.
In 1962, the fast-food chain Taco Bell first opened its doors in California and is believed to have helped push the widespread popularity of Mexican food in the US, a variety we call Tex-Mex. Traditional tacos include tacos al pastor (“shepard style”), tacos de asador (“grill tacos”), tacos des camerones (“shrimp tacos”), and tacos de lengua (“beef tongue tacos”), among others. Last year, Americans ate over 4.5 billion tacos. So whether you like Tex-Mex tacos, or traditional Mexican recipes, the versatility and variety of tacos are endless!
Families can celebrate their love of tacos by stopping by the Muscatine Art Center on Friday, October 4, anytime between 3:00 and 4:30 p.m. to build their own taco using fresh ingredients. Kids can also participate in a taco themed craft. This event is free, no registration required. We will read the book “Dragons Love Tacos” at 3:30PM.
The Muscatine Art Center is located at 1314 Mulberry Avenue in Muscatine, Iowa. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10AM-5PM, Thursday evenings until 7PM, and Saturday and Sunday, 1-5PM. Donations are appreciated. Visit www.muscatineartcenter.org for more information about programs and events and to download a class brochure. Please contact Katy, Program Coordinator, with any questions about our upcoming programs at 563-263-8282 or by email at kloos@muscatineiowa.gov.
