With the tippy-tops of downtown Tucson’s skyline illuminated, and the trees sparkling with twinkle lights, downtown Tucson is in full holiday mode — and we haven’t even gotten to some of the best Christmas-themed events yet.
Coming up on Saturday, December 14, The Downtown Parade of Lights and Festival hits the streets!
The festivities, which are sponsored by Rio Nuevo District, Arizona Bowl, Visit Tucson/Vamos a Tucson, and more, begin at 4 p.m. with food trucks and vendors.
Then, the parade kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Keep in mind that the parade route is new this year, starting at 17th Street and Fourth Avenue and ending at Armory Park.
Also, The Downtown Parade of Lights is honored to present Chef Carlotta Flores as the 2024 Grand Marshal.
The annual parade thanked Carlotta and her family for “their love and contribution to the Tucson community,” adding that the community joins them “in celebrating her efforts by attending the parade to honor her dedication to our beloved city.”
Then, chow down on some local cuisine!
More than 15 food trucks will be parked in the area, waiting to warm your bellies. Most of the food trucks will be located on 12th Street between Scott Avenue and Sixth Avenue, but there will also be some distributed along the parade route.
The exact locations are TBD, but here’s the list of food trucks:
Participating Food Vendors
- Lahaina’s Waffle Dogs
- Gigi’s Peruvian/Mexican Fusion
- Jackie’s Food Court
- La Bufadora Fish Tacos
- Tacoqueta
- Sushi Hana
- DC Jumbie Latin Caribbean
- Charly’s BBQ
- Mafia Kitchen
- Takoyaki Balls
- Cowpig
- Espresso Self
- Kettle Corn Bros
- Bugaloos Soft Serve Ice Cream
- Stardust Cafe
- Parritas Mexican Food
- Chappopin Cafe
Dress warm, save room for something to eat, and give a round of applause for Carlotta.
“The matriarch of Tucson’s Mexican food scene, Carlotta Flores, ACF, is the third generation overseeing El Charro Café, the country’s oldest Mexican restaurant in continuous operation by the same family since 1922,” The Downtown Parade of Lights and Festival shared. “Chef Carlotta Flores of Tucson, AZ was one of 2021 Forbes Magazine’s 50 Women over 50 and the only woman amongst the 10,000 nominees to be given the award from the hospitality or food industries.”
For the schedule, parade info, and the full list of sponsors, please visit downtownparadeoflights.com.
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