Get ready for a series of festive celebrations dedicated to the beloved tamale and its significant role in holiday traditions this December.
Sal Flores, the brain behind the Long Beach International Tamale Festival, describes it as an immersive experience not just centered around tamales but also featuring live Latin music, cultural dances, and various vendors. Scheduled for December 9 at Long Beach City College, the festival aims to cater to anyone with a love for tamales and Latin culture.
Before the Long Beach extravaganza, Orange County residents can indulge in the 10th annual La Habra Tamale Festival on December 2, centered around City Hall. Simultaneously, the Indio International Tamale Festival at Miles Park on December 2-3 and the Placentia Tamale Festival on December 7 offer more opportunities for tamale enthusiasts. Additionally, Posadas in Downtown Downey on December 9 is another event to mark on your calendar.
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 returning this year is The Chavela Throwdown with more that 20 luchadores performing throughout the weekend. People can also check out Ballet Folklorico, see a classic car show, listen to mariachis, go on carnival rides and catch local bands too like cumbia-rock blenders Tropa Magica.
Long Beach International Tamale Festival
When: 1-9 p.m. Dec. 9
Where: Long Beach City College PCH campus, 1350 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach
Cost: $15-$70
Information: lbhomeliving.com/lbtamalesfest
The third annual festival includes traditional tamales and a homemade tamale competition. But this is also the place to come discover some exotic tamales that may not be found anywhere else. Among the rare tamales for sale at the festival will be things like fried tamales, as well as a “pizzatamal,” which is made with pepperoni and marinara sauce and the Tamal de Esquite, which is modeled after street corn and made with corn, mayo, chile and lime. The event includes carnival games and groups like the all female Banda Las Angelinas and La Nueva Ola, who sport wrestling masks and turn English-language songs into cumbias.
Placentia Tamale Festival
When: 4-10 p.m. Dec. 7
Where: Old Town Placentia, 100 and 200 blocks of Santa Fe Avenue and the 200 block of Bradford Avenue, Placentia
Cost: Free to enter; a free shuttle will ferry attendees from nearby parking areas.
Information: www.placentiatamalefestival.org
The city of Placentia’s 29th annual festival draws 8,000 to 10,000 attendees each year. Festivities include live entertainment, food vendors, a beer and wine garden, pictures with Santa, a tree lighting and games for kids.
Posadas in Downtown Downey
When: 5-9 p.m. Dec. 9
Where: 11024 Downey Ave., Downey
Cost: Free to enter
Information: eventbrite.com
Downtown Downey’s first-ever Posadas celebration will feature food trucks and vendors, a DJ and family-friendly activities.
