Enjoy tamales & beer at Escondido Tamale Festival

Traditional homemade tamales, local craft beer, mariachi music and a Chihuahua fashion show? The Escondido Tamale Festival will deliver all of the above to attendees on Saturday, Nov. 14 at Grape Day Park from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Escondido is known for their stellar Mexican food and a deep connection to the culture of California’s Mexican and Spanish settlers. This festival aims to celebrate the traditions that have become such a part of Southern California lifestyle.

The festival will feature a VIP tamale tasting area, a local craft beer and wine garden, handmade craft vendors, a low-rider car club display, a Chihuahua fashion show, Latin dance performances and Hispanic heritage exhibits. There will also be fresh, homemade tamales on sale and available for order to enjoy over the holidays.

A gourmet tamale cook-off competition will spice up the event, featuring Chef James Montejano of the La Valencia Hotel, Chef Jess A. Paul of The Wooden Spoon and Chef Claudia Sandoval, winner of MasterChef season six. The tamales will be judged based on flavor, filling, texture of masa, aroma and appearance.

Sugar skull making, piñata crafts, air rocket building, face painting and inflatable bounce houses will be on-site for kids to enjoy. Youth performances will take place on the pequeno stage, including a quinceanera fashion show.

Admission to the event is free. VIP tickets are available for purchase and include access to shaded seating, souvenir gift swag bag, a ticket for beer or wine in the garden, five California craft beer and wine pairings and gourmet tamales with rice and beans.

VIP tickets are $35 and can be purchased at brownpapertickets.com

For more information, visit escondidotamalefestival.

Source: DiscoverSD