Who makes the best tamales in Tucson? Find out at this tamal festival
The very rich flavors of southern Arizonan and Mexican tamales will be the stars of the show on Dec. 2, as the search for this year's top tamal maker kicks off the holidays during the 18th Tucson Tamal & Heritage Festival.
Held each year on the first Saturday in December at the AVA Amphitheater at Casino Del Sol, this festival has become a Tucson tradition and marks the beginning of the holiday season.
“It started as a project to provide Tucson with the opportunity for events to sell tamales to non-profit associations and help themselves for Christmas and that's how it started to grow and continues to be a staple event that identifies Tucson,” said Laura Sepúlveda, a spokesperson for Casino del Sol.
As is tradition, the festival will feature a tamal contest, food and local vendors and live entertainment. This year, Tejano acts, folk groups, Aztec dancers, mariachis and cultural dancers from the Pascua Yaqui Tribe are expected to give performances.
“Last year there were 10,000 attendees because it rained and this year we are expecting more,” said Sepúlveda.
In addition to the delicious tamales, attendees can support local small businesses and enjoy fry bread, tacos, burritos, churros and aguas frescas, among other Mexican and Native delicacies.
“It is a unique and cultural event with gastronomy. You will find everything from crafts from the Pascual Yaqui Tribe — who are the owners of the Casino del Sol — to organic products, food from all over northern Mexico, as well as tamales. It is one of the best events of its kind,” said Sepúlveda.
How does the contest work?
The contest will have over 50 judges in four categories: Traditional, Maíz (corn), Gourmet and Sweet. Cash prizes of $150 to $500 will be awarded for first, second and third place in each category, and the grand prize of $750 will go to the winner of the best tamal.
According to Sepúlveda, anyone can participate in the contest.
“Independent people who want to show their skills in making tamales participate in the contest. There is no category for chefs, of course there is the typical man who has a small restaurant that makes Mexican food that also competes, but there are no chefs because it wouldn't be fair,” Sepúlveda added.
Participants ages 18 and over must bring a dozen tamales cooked and ready to serve before 11 a.m. The contest starts at noon.
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18th Tucson Tamal & Heritage Festival
Details: Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the AVA Amphitheater, 5655 W. Valencia Rd. Tucson. Free. More details at: https://www.casinodelsol.com/event/18th-tamal-festival.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Best Tucson tamales coming to 2023 festival at Casino del Sol
