Facts about Tacos

Last week, we focused on expressing gratitude for items and experiences that begin with the letter S. Today, we invite you to participate by sharing something you are thankful for that starts with the letter T. Your contributions can help foster a spirit of appreciation and reflection.

I’m absolutely thrilled about Tacos! They bring such joy and flavor to my life. What about you? What amazing thing that starts with the letter T are you grateful for?

🌮 Taco 'Bout Tasty: 8+ Fun Facts About Tacos

Hard shell or soft wrap, spicy or sweet; tacos are more than just a quick snack. They’re flavorful history lessons, edible inventions, and crowd favorites across continents. Let’s dig in and uncover what makes tacos so terrific!

🌮1. Tacos Come from Mexico

Tacos were born in Mexico centuries ago, with early versions made from corn tortillas filled with fish, insects, or beans. Today, you’ll find tacos piled high with all kinds of fillings, from grilled steak to squash blossoms!

🥇 2. There’s a Taco for Every Time

Tacos aren't just a dinner dish. In Mexico, breakfast tacos filled with eggs and potatoes are a popular choice, and street taco stands often serve lunch and late-night snacks. Tacos are a round-the-clock craving!

🌽 3. Corn Tortillas Are the Originals

The very first tacos were made with corn tortillas, which are naturally gluten-free and packed with history. Flour tortillas came later, and now there are even spinach, beet, and cheese-flavored versions.

🍤 4. The First Taco Truck Rolled Out in 1974

The taco truck trend began in Los Angeles, where Raul Martinez transformed an old ice cream truck into a mobile taco kitchen. Today, taco trucks are everywhere, from festivals to parks to city streets!

🏆 5. Tacos Have Their Own Day

National Taco Day is celebrated on October 4th in the U.S. But really, every Tuesday can be Taco Tuesday. The perfect excuse to pile on toppings and indulge in happiness.

💡 6. Tacos Spark Invention

Crunchy shells? Soft wraps? Folded cheese? Creative minds are always reinventing tacos. There's even the "walking taco," where you scoop toppings into a bag of chips and eat with a fork. Instant portable party!

🎖️ 7. Tacos Help Honor Veterans

Many communities and food festivals use taco-themed events to raise funds or provide meals for veterans, especially during holidays or local appreciation weeks. Tacos serve up comfort and community.

🌮 8. There’s a Taco for Every Taste

Tacos come in endless styles:

• Fish tacos with tangy slaw
• Veggie tacos with roasted sweet potatoes
• Dessert tacos with chocolate shells and whipped cream
• Even breakfast tacos with eggs, cheese, and salsa

If you can imagine it, you can taco it.

✨ Bonus Taco Tidbits!

• The world’s largest taco was over 35 feet long!
• Taco Bell isn’t in Mexico—it was founded in California.
• There's a “Taco Emoji,” but no official “Burrito Emoji” until 2015.

There's so much to be thankful for! Practicing gratitude is not only good for your well-being but also brings joy to those around you. So let’s always keep that cheerful spirit of thankfulness alive!

Next week, we’re going to have some fun celebrating everything that starts with the letter U! Let’s come together and share our appreciation for everything from cozy comforts to the most captivating curiosities. It’s the perfect time to embrace and enjoy all the wonderful things that begin with this delightful letter!

Get your printable coloring worksheet here: 

🌮 T Is for Taco: “Build-a-Taco of Thanks”

Let kids create their own paper tacos filled with gratitude-themed ingredients, mixing fun textures, favorite moments, and personal appreciation, one topping at a time!

🎨 What You’ll Need:

• Taco shell shapes (paper cutouts, printable templates, or folded brown/yellow cardstock)
• Construction paper in red, green, orange, purple, white (for toppings)
• Markers, scissors, glue
• Optional: real taco snacks for a follow-up fiesta!

🖍️ Activity Instructions:

Part 1: Create Your Taco Canvas

1. Cut out or fold a taco “shell.”
2. Provide colored paper strips and shapes to represent taco toppings:
   • Green = gratitude for nature 🌿
   • Red = love and warmth ❤️
   • Orange = fun or laughter 🧡
   • Purple = creative ideas 💜
   • White = peaceful moments 🤍

Part 2: Add Your Thankful Toppings

1. On each ingredient, kids write or draw something they’re thankful for in that theme:

   • “Mom’s hugs” on a red tomato piece
   • “Jumping in leaves” on a green lettuce piece
   • “Story time” on a purple bean or cheese strip

2. Glue all the toppings inside the shell to create a Gratitude Taco bursting with flavor and a sense of gratitude.

3. Title the plate: “What’s in My Taco of Thanks?” or “Topping My Day with Gratitude!”

🌮 Optional Extensions:

• Write a silly taco poem or chant:
  “With lettuce and kindness, I’m feeling just fine, my taco of thanks is tasty by design!”
• Make mini tacos for friends and include a kindness note tucked inside.
• Display tacos on a “Gratitude Café” bulletin board; everyone’s flavor is welcome!

Books about tacos:

1. Pizza and Taco: Who's the Best? by Stephen Shaskan

2. Taco Tuesday Finger Puppet Board Book by Brick Puffington

3. Taco Tuesday: More Than 100 Recipes by Publications International Ltd.

4. Make Your Own Taco Sticker Activity Book by Ellen Kraft

Make story time special! Before diving into a book with your little ones, take a moment to ensure the story is just right for them. Choose child-friendly books that spark their imagination and curiosity!

Return to the Alphabet Hub!