What to KnowLong Beach International Tamale Festival, presented by Playa LargaDec. 7Scottish Rite Center$17.91 entry and upA contest devoted to homemade tamales is on the roster
December may begin in on a Monday in 2025, but we’ll dub the start of the month as Masa Day, if we might.
For the twelfth month is synonymous with tamales, though we do gratefully enjoy them, and constantly crave them, all the calendar through.
But December’s first days have a way of producing a few memorable tamale events, just around the time that home cooks begin to organize their tamale-making teams.
Before you break out the husks at home, however, there is a Long Beach foodie festival devoted to the tamale, and it is happening on the first Sunday of the month.
That’s Dec. 7, which is when you’ll want to make your way to the Scottish Rite Center for the Long Beach International Tamale Festival.
Several regional tamale favorites, from restaurants to food trucks, will be there, with caterers and bakeries making a savory showing, too.
“Traditions are important as they are what makes us a culture; how we pass along our stories and what makes us who we are as a community,” stated co-organizer Sal Flores.
“This year, we are focusing on supporting our Latino community, our continued resilience, and the importance of keeping traditions alive to share with people from different backgrounds.”
Think you’re the tamale titan of your town, friend group, or family? You have the opportunity to go for a big accolade by joining the homemade showdown.
For tickets and details, pop by this site and soak up all of the tamal-tastic possibilities.
December is almost here, and with it, the tamale-iest time of year.