Since 1992, the Indio International Tamale Festival has become a tradition in the downtown Indio area of California. All originated from the idea of Dave Hernandez, this has become a lively tradition that is a fun and entertaining attraction year after year.
The festival could not be completed without the assistance of numerous workers and tamale makers every 
year. There truly is a rich heritage for the tamale, and consistent community support has contributed to the success of this festival in Indio, California.
This is certainly not a feeble festival that a few people gather every year to worship a tamale. The Food Network ranked the Indio International Tamale Festival among the top 10 "All-American Food Festivals" in the nation. It is something you do not want to miss out on if you can help it.
In addition to being ranked amongst the top food festivals in the nation, there have been world records set in the past. In 1999, the World's largest tamale was measured in at one foot in diameter and 40 feet in length. In 2000, the World's largest tamale festival was recorded with 120,000 people attending the event. You too could potentially be a part of history this year.
This free event always occurs on the first weekend of December, which happens to land on December 6 and 7 this year. It will go on all day from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. giving you plenty of time to get down and enjoy the fun.
There are numerous activities you can enjoy while attending this entertaining festival. You can enjoy the scrumptious tamales while shopping around from store to store. However, that is just the start of what this festival has to offer.
There are several activities for all ages to enjoy including carnival rides and games, a parade, a kid's petting zoo, rock climbing wall, and inflatable bounces. And if you are feeling up to the challenge, you 
can jump in on the tamale eating contest.
If you want to enjoy the beautiful weather and relax, there are four stages spread around the festival to watch various acts. There is diverse entertainment including the traditional Mexican Folklorico dancing and live music.
If you have attended the Indio International Tamale Festival in the past, you are well aware of everything it has to offer. If you have not gotten the opportunity as of yet, it truly does live up to its image. With two fun-filled days with numerous activities and entertainment to partake in, you do not want to miss out on one of the top All-American Food Festivals this year.
Free parking is available at the County's Administration Building, Larson Justice Center on the corner of Highway 111 & Oasis St. Public parking is also available on various streets around Downtown Indio.
Directions
From Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino: Take I-10 East, exit Indio Blvd and continue straight ahead for about 1.5 miles and turn right onto Monroe Street, turn left on Highway 111. Parking is available at the Larson Justice Center on the corner of Highway 111 & Oasis St.
From San Diego, Oceanside, Temecula: Take I-15 North, To I-215 North Toward Riverside/San Bernardino, Merge onto CA-60 East toward Beaumont/Indio, Take the exit on the left toward Beaumont, Merge onto I-10 East, Exit Indio Blvd and continue straight ahead for about 1.5 miles and turn right onto Monroe Street, Turn left on Highway 111. Parking is available at the Larson Justice Center on the corner of Highway 111 & Oasis St.
From Phoenix, Blythe, El Centro: Take I-10 West, exit on the Golf Center Parkway and turn left heading south, turn right on Highway 111. Parking is available at the Larson Justice Center on the corner of Highway 111 & Oasis St.
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