From Google search: where are tamales from

'Mesoamerica Origin. Tamales originated in Mesoamerica as early as 8000 to 5000 BC. The preparation of tamales is likely to have spread from the indigenous cultures in Guatemala and Mexico to the rest of Latin America. According to archaeologists Karl Taube, William Saturno, and David Stuart, tamales may date from around 100 AD.'

From the little food from latin america I ever ate, tamales are my all time favourite and I also liked ceviche in costa rica.  Ceviche is raw fish with loads of lemon juice or marinated I forget. It was a delicacy in costa rica.

I have decided I dont really like traditional mexican food that much unless I make it myself canadian style. Too meaty otherwise.