Join the delicious fun at Escondido’s first Tamale Festival in Grape Day Park on Saturday, November 14th from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Escondido Tamale Festival is a celebration of tamales and all the great Latin foods that have become iconic staples of California’s culture. It is also a look back at the history of the Spanish and Mexican settlers who built the framework for this great state. Let’s shine a bright light on those who have influenced and contributed to our multicultural community, and to show appreciation for the traditions which have so positively affected Escondido.
The event will feature local celebrity chef judges Chef Claudia Sandoval, winner of MasterChef Season 6 and Executive Chef James Montejano from San Diego’s La Valencia Hotel. The event will not only feature great food, but also live music and entertainment, tamale contests, activities for the kids, and a Chihuahua costume contest.
Performers on the Grande Stage will include Mariachis, Flamenco dancers & Cumbia, as well as Quincineara Fashion Show, Chihuahua Fashion Show/Costume Contest, and more. Featured on the Pequeno Stage for our wonderful youth include Georgia’s School of Dance, Off-Broadway Dancers from the Boys & Girls Club, martial arts demos, and much more.
Exhibits at the festival include Hispanic Heritage exhibits, Early Escondido Agricultural Exhibit, Latino Car Club, Quincineara Fashion Show, Chihuahua Fashion Show/Costume Contest, handmade crafts vendors, holiday vendors, as well as multicultural holiday décor and sugar skulls. For the kids, activities include kids’ craft tables and playground, inflatable bounce houses, and a pinata party.
The Escondido Tamale Festival is presented by the Escondido Downtown Business Association, a 501(c)6, for the marketing, support, and preservation of the 127 year Old Historic Downtown Business District. The DBA was started in 1962 by some community minded downtown business owners. It was developed so that business owners could get to know their fellow entrepreneurs and business neighbors, to speak as an advocate for the businesses, and to market and promote the downtown area of Escondido. It was also started to be an advocate for businesses with the city, the fire department and the police department. One of the ways in which the DBA promotes the downtown is by developing events or assisting in the development and running of events. Portions of the proceeds from the Escondido Tamale Festival will be used to promote Historic Downtown Escondido as a shopping, dining and entertainment district.
Escondido may mean “hidden” but it’s no secret there’s a lot going on here. Located just 30 miles northeast of downtown San Diego and 20 minutes from the coast, Escondido is home to major attractions, beautiful wineries, craft breweries, unique arts and theatre, delicious culinary experiences and a charming historic downtown. Enjoy our beautiful climate with year-round golfing, hiking, biking, fishing, and fantastic events.
Escondido is the heart of northern San Diego… rich in history and culture. The list of “must do’s” includes the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, a unique performing arts complex, museum, and conference center; the San Diego Zoo Safari Park; Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens; the amazing sculpture garden, Queen Califia’s Magical Circle, created by the late world-acclaimed artist Niki de Saint Phalle; Cruisin’ Grand Escondido, one of the greatest ongoing traditions in San Diego County; the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum; and Daley Ranch, a wilderness preserve with extensive hiking, biking and equestrian trails.
