AUSTIN, Texas - Several culinary students at Travis High School got the chance to cook up culture Tuesday during their annual Tamalada.

The event is a holiday tradition for many Latino families to come together and make the dish.

The students helped cook the fillings, knead the masa and prepare the wrappers.

Austin ISD's superintendent said it's a great way to keep the tradition alive.

"Culture and family... togetherness. That is so important to the upbringing of all of our kids, and you know it's always going to happen in different ways. It's just important that it does happen," said Superintendent Geronimo Rodriguez.  

The students usually sell the tamales to benefit the culinary department, but this year, they're just sharing them with the community.