RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Organizers of the 12th annual Riverside County Tamale Festival hope to do more than sell food this year. They aim to raise funds to save one of the oldest landmarks in the county — the 163-year-old Trujillo Adobe.
The Tamale Festival will kick off at 11 a.m. and go until 7 p.m. on April 26 at White Park in downtown Riverside.
The theme this year is “Celebración de la Familia” and is meant to honor the significance of family and togetherness, according to its organizers, the Spanish Town Heritage Foundation.
At its core, the festival has always been a day meant to recognize history and celebrate culture, but organizers aim to take that sentiment further this year by raising money toward the restoration and preservation of the adobe.
The Trujillo Adobe was built in 1862 by the Trujillo family and was recognized in 2021 as one of America’s 11 most endangered historic places. It was built before the city of Riverside was founded and named a historical point of interest in 1968.
The Press-Enterprise reported that organizers aim to raise $50,000 for the adobe.
Attendees can expect a large selection of tamale vendors offering everything from traditional to vegan fillings. Folklórico, mariachi, lucha libre wrestling, Latin jazz and more will fill the entertainment stage throughout the day.
A beer garden, VIP room and shopping will also be on tap.
Tickets to the tamale festival start at $20 and children under 12 are free. Get tickets here.
