"national taco day" news and stories

Happy National Taco Day!

Corn has a storied history in Mexican culture, stemming back from indigenous cultures that believed it to be the "foundation of humanity," according to Mexican food historian Agustín Gaytán. "It is revered as the seed of life. According to legend, human beings were made of corn by the Gods."

Tortillas have endured as a mainstay of the Mexican diet -- and have become increasingly prominent in the United States as well, especially with the invention of tortilla-making machines in the 1960s.

The taco picnic set up above covers the main fillings -- meat, dairy (sour cream and cheese), vegetables and sauces (guacamole and salsa) -- but what does your family taco night include? Share your preferred fillings in the comments!

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One of my great food memories is getting together with my best friend and making tacos. We'd get all the fixings - beef, lettuce, shredded cheese, tomatoes, etc - and really make an event of it. Tacos is one of those meals you probably don't have as much when you become an adult - unless you're rushing around and make a stop at Taco Bell - so today is a good day to start making them again.