Celebrate the rich tastes, smells, and variations of tamales from the Southwest and Mexico at the 18th Tucson Tamal & Heritage Festival! The cultural event is held every year on the first Saturday of December at Casino Del Sol’s AVA Amphitheater — a Tucson tradition marking the beginning of the holiday season.

Each year, the festival draws out more than 10,000 people and this year’s event is happening on Saturday, December 2 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The festival is always free and you just pay for what you want to eat and drink. Indulge in delicious tamales, fry bread, tacos, burritos, kettle corn, churros, and aguas frescas (just to name a few).

The event will be fun for the whole family and aside from the food there’s going to be live local entertainment including Tejano acts, Folklorico groups, Aztec dancers, mariachi, and Pascua Yaqui Tribe Cultural Dancers.

You’ll also have the opportunity to shop for unique gifts from Artisan Vendors selling beadwork, jewelry, blankets, and artwork. There’s even going to be a farmers market full of vendors selling jams, hats, soaps, shirts, chiles, and more.

And of course, don’t miss the celebrated tamal contest!

The contest is determined by more than 50 Judges in four categories: Traditional, Corn, Gourmet, and Sweet. Cash prizes from $150 to $500 are given for first, second, and third place in each category, with the top prize of $750 going to the “Best Tamal” winner.

Additionally, this event provides participants with an opportunity to raise funds for their organizations, households, or communities as vendors.

Casino Del Sol and the AVA Amphitheater are located at 5655 W Valencia Rd. For more information, visit casinodelsol.com.

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