Indio Tamale Festival returns in December with food, music, luchadores

The 33rd annual Indio Tamale Festival returns in December with plenty of tasty food options, holiday activities, live entertainment and more.

Here’s what you need to know.

When and where is the Indio Tamale Festival?

This year’s festival will take place 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7. It takes place in downtown Indio’s Miles Avenue Park, located at 82-540 Miles Ave.

How much is admission?

The Indio Tamale Festival is a free event, open to the public.

Is parking available?

Although there is street parking available, attendees are encouraged to use the free parking lot at the Riverside County Fairgrounds, where a shuttle service will run all day between the fairgrounds and the festival. The lot is located at 46-350 Arabia St. in Indio.

What types of tamales are available at the festival?

Savory, sweet and everything in between is served at the Tamale Festival.

Attendees can start their food journey on the Chavez Jessup GMC Tamale Trail, where they can find a variety of tamales, from traditional to creative new flavors. Rafael Frensley, marketing manager of Pickering Events, said that there will be at least 21 vendors selling food, and each one will have at least one type of tamale for $3.

Frensley said he encourages vendors to be innovate with their tamale creations. Last year, Smokey Lips BBQ crafted a smoked brisket tamale, while Nick’s Pizza served up tamal pizza, which looked like a slice of pizza, but the crust utilized traditional masa to bring in an authentic flavor. Both vendors will be back this year with new flavors for patrons to try.

The festival also offers a wide selection of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free tamales.

Love tamales? Enter the Tamale Eating Contest

If you have a stomach that can’t be satisfied, here’s your chance to put it to good use. The Tamale Eating Contest is looking for participants who can eat the most cheese tamales in two minutes. Tamales must be fully swallowed to count, and participants must be at least 18 years old.

Spots are limited, so those who are interested can sign up at indiointernationaltamalefestival.com.

Last year’s champ ate five tamales in just two minutes. The festival record still stands at eight tamales.

Carnival rides, luchadores and live music on the lineup

When you’re taking a break from eating so many tamales, enjoy some fun entertainment options that the festival has to offer.

Live bands, folklórico groups and community dance performances will take the stage Saturday and Sunday to get attendees on their feet.

Outlaw Mariachi, a high-energy rock and mariachi mashup from Los Angeles, is the Saturday headliner and will take the stage at 5 p.m., while Calmala, a Coachella-based band blending cumbia and rock in Spanish, will perform at 5 p.m. Sunday.

Masked luchadores will take the ring in the Chavela Throwdown all weekend long, showcasing thrills, high-flying moves and dramatic flair. Carnival rides and games for the whole family will also be available.

Visit www.indiointernationaltamalefestival.com/schedule for the full lineup of activities.

Santa’s Village has a toy drive, photo ops

New this year is Santa’s Village, which will be your spot for holiday fun.

Friends, family and leashed pets can take photos with Santa and festive backdrops. There will also be a craft zone for people of all ages to get creative by making tree ornaments, color holiday scenes and other projects.

Those wanting to brighten a child’s day are encouraged to take part in the holiday toy drive. Unwrapped, new gifts (no toy weapons) can be donated between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. at Santa’s Workshop inside Santa’s Village. Frensley said a local group will deliver toys to children of migrant farmworkers.