It’s tamale time with a trio of festivals celebrating the wildly popular dish and holiday staple in December.
“This is an all immersive tamale festival,” said Sal Flores, founder of the Long Beach International Tamale Festival, which is set to take place at Long Beach City College Dec. 9 and will not only offer tamales but also live Latin music, cultural dancing and vendors. “It’s for anyone who loves tamales and Latin culture,” Flores said.
But before the Long Beach event takes place, Orange County tamale lovers can head to the 10th annual La Habra Tamale Festival. It’s set to take place Dec. 2 around City Hall.
Also happening the same weekend as the La Habra festival is the Indio International Tamale Festival, which is set for Miles Park Dec. 2-3. There’s also the Placentia Tamale Festival on Dec. 7 and Posadas in Downtown Downey on Dec. 9.
Here’s what you need to know about the festivals.
La Habra Tamale Festival
When: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 2
Where: 301 S. Euclid St.
Cost: Free to enter
Information: lahabraca.gov
The 10th annual festival includes dozens of food and retail vendors selling all sorts of grub and of course tamales. There’s a tamale competition between the vendors and a dessert tamale contest too. The festival includes live music from groups like Latin party band Grupo Neblina and Latin jazz group Timba Tumbao. There will be a holiday tree lighting ceremony, a kids play area, photos with Santa and camel rides. Yes, people can ride an actual camel for $5.
Indio International Tamale Festival
When: 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. Dec. 2-3
Where: Miles Park, 82524 Miles Ave. Indio
Cost: Free to enter
Information: indiotamalefestival.com
With more than 200 vendors, six stages of live entertainment, beer gardens, and more than 50,000 people expected to attend, this is likely the biggest tamale festival around. It includes the Tamale Plaza where all sorts of tamales can be devoured. There’s more than just tamale action too because…
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