Random Happening: LB International Tamales Festival Returns in Grand Fashion

Long Beach Living announces the second annual Long Beach International Tamales Festival 2022, presented in collaboration with KCRW, Lola’s Mexican Cuisine and Long Beach City College. This all-day holiday inspired fair features a diverse selection of Latin American cuisine, from regional tamales, Latin inspired dishes, drinks, tequila tastings and a best homemade tamales contest and — new this year — an artisanal pinata contest. A full line-up of entertainment includes live music, performances, family-friendly art activities, a playground and shopping.

Among the festival’s many activities, attendees have the chance to support local small businesses through holiday shopping of their artisanal goods. 

Unlike other tamales events in Southern California, this festival — the only one in LA county — highlights global flavors and traditions, emphasizing the melting pot of this region and encouraging fusion and innovation while celebrating time-honored traditions. Stay tuned for announcements about the full schedule of entertainment, including music and dance performances, and more information about gourmet eats from food vendors, contest participants and much more.

Hosts:

Social media influencer Vivian Fabiola and 

KCRW DJ Raul Campos kicks off the event as emcee and interlude music curator. Campos creates a mix of emerging artists and current favorites, bringing essential cuts from around the world and a little closer to home — from soulful grooves and fresh remixes to Latin rhythms and indie rock. Listen to Campos’ rotation of tracks here, www.kcrw.com/music/shows/raul-campos 

Participate in the inaugural piñata making contest for the festival. This is your chance to show off your creative skills while making an impact by raising funds for a local nonprofit of your choice. 

Participate in the annual home-made tamales contest back by popular demand. Do you have what it takes to take home the prize and the coveted title of “the best homemade tamales?” Put your cuisine on the menu, community chefs. 

Here is a list of contestants participating in the tamales contest:

Bellanid Barragan 

Jessica  Valenzuela

Erendira Estrada + Mom

Linda Cortes

Catarina  Ortiz

Leticia Martinez

Maria  Ramirez

Arcelia Reynoso

For the leadership of Long Beach Living, launching this festival is a way to bring the community together after so much time apart. Sal Flores, the founder and CEO of Long Beach Living, shares how the festive family tradition of tamale making, eating and connecting with loved ones during the holiday season inspired the creation of this festival.

“As somebody who grew up with this holiday tradition, I remember making tamales with my grandma and my tias while sharing family stories, going to la plaza and seeing all the Christmas decorations, the folklorico dancers, the music, but best of all … eating delicious tamales on Christmas Eve together as a family.” said Sal. “I want people to feel right at home, to embrace their culture, their history and at the same time introduce holiday traditions to people from different backgrounds.”

Festival Line-up

Headliners: La Sonora Dinamita  www.lasonoradinamita.com and Mariachi Archoiris de Los Angeles www.mariachiarcoiris.com 

Entertainment / Entretenimiento 

Cello Azul, www.instagram.com/cello_azul 

DJ Don French, www.instagram.com/djdonfrench 

JD Dance Group, www.instagram.com/jddanceco  

Aztec Dancers

Preview of participating vendors and artisans (list updated regularly at lbtamalesfest.com.)

Sangre de Tigre Micheladas 

Adelita’s Revenge 

Mi Amore Artesanal

Dynamo’s Dills 

Pueblitas Tortillas

Yeaj Yalhalhj

Boutique Leon 

Cynthia Navarro Illustrations

Polar Beverages

Crafting With Cindy

Sea Accessories

Slime Gets Lit

Sol Crystals & Gems 

Sol de Cobre

El Pueblito Little Mexico

El Wicked Wardrobe 

Ini creations 

Lil’ Libros

LB International Tamales Festival

Time: 12 to 4 p.m., Dec. 4

Cost: $25 and up. Children under 12, free

Details: www.lbtamalesfest.com

Venue: Long Beach City College, 1305 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach