(NEXSTAR) -- Once served by the Mayans and Aztecs for ceremonies, hunters and warriors, tamales date back over 9,000 years, according to the Library of Congress.

For many, tamales are a holiday staple. A family tradition passed down for generations.

"I love them," Sandra Cortinas, a resident of McAllen, Texas, said. "They're very, very important. It's a tradition and I think holidays would not be the same without our delicious tamales. It brings the family together."

There are many different types and flavors of tamales. Maria Del Carmen Chavez from McAllen uses her own backyard banana peel leaves in order to make them.

Chavez offers over 30 types of tamales that she sells at local farmers markets, all made without artificial ingredients.

"It's like fast food from Mexico," Chavez said

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