This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
First Annual LA International Tamale Fest
Annual festivals have to start somewhere with a kick-off year, and this year tamales get the treatment in LA with the 1st Annual Los Angeles Tamale Festival, sponsored by several local businesses and organizations. Tamales take over the town this weekend, and over one hundred tamale vendors will be present, selling their wares and representing various regions of Mexico and Central America, as well as all the far-flung corners of our own USA. Everyone will be vying for the high honor of receiving the "Best Tamale" award. (On a personal note, we wonder if the enterprising woman who used to roam the halls of our old apartment complex at the crack of dawn on Sundays bellowing "TA-MA-LEEEEE!" will be there; we confess to never being able to pull ourselves out of bed to sample her stuff before we moved out.) In additon to all the eats there will be family-themed entertainment (petting zoo and face painting, oh my!) a carnival, tamale making classes, and, naturally, a tamale eating contest. Admission to the event is free, and the fun starts this afternoon and runs through Sunday evening.
1st Annual LA Tamale Festival
November 11-13
Friday: 3:00 - 10:00 PM; Saturday: 12:00 Noon - 10:00 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
1400 North Spring Street & Ann Street
LA, 90012
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
