Indio International Tamale Festival - The 1st full weekend in December every year! - Indio, California

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The Indio International Tamale Festival: A Culinary Celebration

For those seeking a truly unique and flavorful experience, we wholeheartedly recommend the Indio International Tamale Festival. This annual event, held every first full weekend in December, has become a highly anticipated celebration of Mexican culinary heritage and community spirit. The festival consistently draws visitors from across the United States and beyond, all eager to sample an incredible variety of tamales prepared by talented cooks and vendors.

Festival Overview & Location

The festival takes place at the 100 Civic Ctr Dr, Indio, CA 92201, United States. It’s a vibrant outdoor event, offering a festive atmosphere with live music, entertainment, and of course, a dazzling display of tamales. The event is thoughtfully organized to maximize visitor enjoyment, providing ample space for browsing, tasting, and engaging with the diverse culinary participants. The festival’s popularity clearly demonstrates a strong local and national interest in authentic Mexican cuisine.

Specialties & Highlights

The Specialties of the Indio International Tamale Festival are, undeniably, the tamales themselves Vendors offer a staggering selection, showcasing regional variations and family recipes passed down through generations. You’ll encounter a wide range of fillings – savory meats, flavorful cheeses, sweet fruits, and everything in between. Beyond the tamales, attendees can enjoy live music, cultural performances, and craft vendors, creating a complete and immersive experience. The festival truly encapsulates the warmth and richness of Mexican culture.

Contact Information & Website

For comprehensive information and updates, we encourage visitors to consult the official website: Website: indiotamalefestival.com. You can also reach the festival organizers directly at Phone: 7602624633. The website provides details regarding vendor applications, event schedules, and frequently asked questions.

Community Feedback & Reputation

The Indio International Tamale Festival consistently receives positive feedback, as evidenced by the Average opinion: 4.1/5 rating on Google My Business, with 16 reviews highlighting the exceptional quality of the food and the positive atmosphere. Particular praise frequently centers around the diverse and authentic offerings, suggesting a genuine commitment to preserving and celebrating Mexican culinary traditions. Many reviewers express a strong desire for the return of popular vendors and the continued growth of the festival.

Recommended Information for Attendees

• Dates: First full weekend in December each year.
• Location: 100 Civic Ctr Dr, Indio, CA 92201
• Tickets: Admission is typically free, though some vendor offerings may require separate purchase.
• Parking: Parking can be limited, so arriving early is advisable.
• Accessibility: Check the website for information on accessibility features.

👍 Reviews of Indio International Tamale Festival - The 1st full weekend in December every year!

Rene Z.

5/5

Casa de Silvia Tamales were my favorites. I hope they get the 2024 number 1 place trophy again. I can't wait for them to reopen their new restaurant in La Quinta, their authentic Mexican cuisine plates recipes are delicious, so this is a place you should try and I am sure will be your favorite too.
Rene Zapata

Richard M.

1/5

This year's Tamale festival was the worst ever. Drove 78 miles to pay $4 to $5 per Tamale oh and here's the choices. Chicken, Pork, Cheese. Ill be honest 1 tent had the baby back tamales but after 6 other vendors with tamales that taste the same as XLNT why not call this what it is Expensive tiny blah tamales or even better The Gut Truck Festival. Or how about the Carnival of Indio that may have some Tamales. Chile and Cheese Tamales had mostly masa hardly any cheese and 1 sliver of jalapeño. Indio organizers of this event here's what you do. If the vendors run out of Tamales they can either close up shop or make enough to last the entire festival or at least half of the last day. One vendor said his corn won 1st place. I can tell you why your chicken, pork, and cheese didn't. Because they were the worst tasting Tamales I've ever ate. So sad this event has turned into what it has but hey blame Covid right. Pathetic attempt. My wife and I will make our own Christmas Tames this year. Oh and if anyone wants some decent sized Tamales go to the Norwalk courthouse. That guy at least isn't trying to rip people off. If you're going to Indio next year save the gas and stop at Del Taco. Trust me.

George M.

5/5

This festival started in 1992 which means we've been going there for 26 years! I guess I don't need to tell how much we enjoy the event. It's in Indio so sometimes it's hot, windy, cold but mostly it's just awesome weather. They close the streets in the downtown area and fill it with multiple stages of Live Music in every venue that you could imagine. Not to be outdone with the multitudes (remember it's "International") of tamales. Some are filled with chocolate, pineapple, cheese, hot peppers the normal stuff. But some are made with squid, shrimp, artichoke, spinach (yuk), etc. Plenty of activities for the family including a carnival ride area. Much to say but you'll have to go and find out for yourselves, just do it!

Raul S.

1/5

First I would like to say the person in charge of the 2021 indio tamale festival really bad decision you made , Where were the tamale stands I have been coming here for the last 6 years and this was the worst so many open spots I felt like I was walking in two empty blocks. I drove from los Angeles for this I won't be coming back. No chairs ,
No tables , no umbrellas , so many seniors citizens looking for a chair to set what a shame. This suppose to be a tamale festival not a Coachella festival where everyone stands up.

Nancy C.

5/5

My first time!! Very well done. Liked the single lanes
Of vendors, so more room for walk and not feel crowded. Nicely priced items, quality and appealing to most tastes, something for everyone. Delicious
Variety of food and beverage. I chose Chicken tamales. Loaded😋. Custom lemonade! Nice parking areas close by. Muy bueno Indio!

Eva

5/5

I enjoyed the Tamale Festival. Family oriented. Lots of fun! The wide variety of food was awesome! The kiddie rides and slides makes it all so special. The little ones enjoyed it too!

joseph G.

5/5

Annual festival. Lots of tamale stands and more options. Music and other vendors also.

Julie B.

5/5

BEST EVENT EVER! MUST GO FIND THE FRESHLY MADE COTTON CANDY BOOTH!.
SO TASTY...