Natilla melcochas are a traditional Costa Rican sweet made with sour cream and sugar. They are the protagonists of a beautiful tradition called "The Feast of Maria's Melcochas," celebrated every December 7th in San Ramón, Costa Rica, on the eve of the celebration in honor of the Immaculate Conception of Maria. In this popular festival, children of all ages joyfully run through the streets of the city shouting cheers to the Virgin Maria and visiting houses where someone with that name lives, and they will shout "Maria, Maria," and she will ask "What is causing so much joy?" to which the children will reply - "melcochas, melcochas"; and Maria will give them delicious melcochas, candies, and sweets.
The tradition was born in Bajo La Paz in the early 1900s, where a woman named Doña Paula Mesén decided to make melcochas to give to children in honor of the Virgin Maria, so to this day, this festivity is commemorated with much joy and devotion.
Natilla melcochas are sour cream candies with a taste and creaminess very similar to traditional custard. The texture of these delicious little sweets is varied, ranging from hard consistency melcochas to ones similar to caramel. The recipe for these melcochas has been passed down from generation to generation, and just tasting them brings pleasant memories to mind.
Melcochitas are very easy to find in bakeries, grocery stores, and street vendors. Don't wait any longer and share this sweet tradition that delights all Costa Ricans.
