Christmas Means Tamales! Festival in Indio This Weekend

Coachella Valley visitors and residents can feast on a south-of-the-border holiday staple at the Indio International Tamale Festival this weekend.

An estimated 130,000 people are expected to stop by the festival, to be held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday in Old Town Indio. Admission and parking are free.

The Food Network has in past years included the festival in its top 10 “All-American Food Festivals,” according to organizers.

A tree-lighting will be part of the first day events, in addition to food booths, a tamale-eating contest, a car show, live music, wine and beer, carnival rides, children’s activities and art.

Free shuttles will take attendees to and from the Larson Justice Center at 46200 Oasis St.

--City News Service; Image via Indio International Tamale Festival