33rd annual International Tamale Festival returning to Downtown Indio this weekend
Cynthia White
INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Get ready to savor traditional family recipes and creative new flavors at the 33rd annual International Tamale Festival in Downtown Indio this weekend, December 6th and 7th.
The Festival runs from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day. Admission is free, with free parking at the Riverside County Fairgrounds and a complimentary shuttle to Miles Avenue Park.
The journey starts at the Chavez Jessup GMC Tamale Trail – the heart of the tamale experience. Every stop along the trail celebrates the rich culture and flavor behind every dish.
Entertainment at the event includes live music, cultural performances, and carnival rides, along with lucha libre Mexican wrestling. Families can visit Santa’s Village for crafts and photo opportunities, and spread cheer at the Holiday Toy Drive by bringing an unwrapped, new gift to Santa’s Workshop.
The festival also features the crowd-favorite Tamale Eating Contest where the goal is to eat the most cheese tamales in two minutes, as well as a juried Best of the Fest Tamale Competition.
You can also kick off the holidays and celebrate community at “Flock the Block,” a festive lane of decorated trees by schools, nonprofits, neighbors, and local businesses.
For more information, visit indiointernationaltamalefestival.com and @IndioTamaleFest on Instagram.