Celebrate the Taste of Tucson at the 18th Tamale Festival (2023)

If you love tamales, you won’t want to miss the 18th Tamal Festival at Casino Del Sol on Saturday, December 2, 2023. This annual event celebrates the rich tastes, smells and variations of tamales from the Southwest and Mexico. You can sample different types of tamales, from traditional to exotic, and even enter a tamal contest to win cash prizes. The festival also features live entertainment, food trucks, artisan vendors, farmers market vendors and fun for the whole family. The best part is, it’s free and open to the public!

The Tamal Festival is a great way to learn about the history and culture of tamales, which are a staple food in many Latin American countries. Tamales are made of corn dough (masa) wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves, and filled with meat, cheese, vegetables, fruits or other ingredients. They are cooked by steaming or boiling, and served with sauces or salsas. Tamales are often eaten during holidays and special occasions, such as Christmas, Dia de los Muertos and Cinco de Mayo.

The Tamal Festival is presented by Casino Del Sol, a premier destination for gaming, dining, entertainment and hospitality in Tucson. The festival takes place at the AVA Amphitheater, a state-of-the-art outdoor venue that hosts concerts, festivals and other events throughout the year. The festival runs from 10am to 5pm, and admission is free. You can find more information about the festival, including how to become a vendor or enter the tamal contest, on the Casino Del Sol website.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy delicious tamales, live music, local art and more at the 18th Tamal Festival. It’s a fun and festive way to celebrate the diversity and heritage of Tucson and the Southwest. See you there!