International Tamales Festival To Welcome Thousands In Long Beach

LONG BEACH, CA — The annual Long Beach International Tamales Festival returns for another year on Saturday with its biggest event yet, organizers said.

The all-day holiday-inspired fair will give attendees the chance to taste tamales from different regions of Latin America, Latin-inspired dishes, drinks, tequila tastings, live music, a homemade tamales contest and more.

A total of 25 food vendors and 82 retail vendors will pop up at Long Beach City College from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Organizers told KTLA that the event is hoping to welcome 4,000 to 5,000 people, beating last year when more than 3,500 attended.

The year's homemade camel contest will have 12 contestants. The contestants will be judged on three things, presentation, uniqueness and taste for a chance to win a $250 cash prize and all permits paid to have a booth at the festival next year.

Prices for tickets range from $20 for general admission to $70 for VIP entry. To purchase tickets visit the event's webpage.