News from the City of Indio
Indio, CA: Tens of thousands of people took over 10 square blocks of Downtown Indio this weekend to celebrate the City’s cultural heritage and fill their bellies and bags with some of the best tamales in the world.
Among those attending, 12 year old Luis Lopez, who took home a trophy last year in the Tamale Eating Contest, reclaimed his title, scarfing down five tamales in just two and a half minutes. In the adult category, previous winner Bill Charles ate a whopping eight tamales in the allotted time to earn another title.
Some of Indio’s own institutions also made their hometown proud, obtaining hardware in the Best Tamale category.
Casa de Silvia’s “Pork with Red Sauce” won Overall Best Tamale. The same tamale from Casa de Silvia’s also won 1st in the Commercial Traditional category. 2nd Place Commercial Traditional Tamale went to Nana Chuy’s Handmade Tamales for their “Pork & Beef Combination.” The tamale makers from Redlands continued their winning tradition, selling 12,500 tamales over the course of the weekend.
“I just love the Tamale Festival because it’s such a family event,” said City Manager Mark Scott. “I love it when I can see four generations of family members laughing and smiling and having fun together. That’s really what makes this such a special event, and it happens every year right in the heart of Indio.”
The 29th Annual International Tamale Festival will take place Dec. 5th and 6th.
Best Tamale Contest Winners
****OVERALL BEST TAMALE****
Casa de Silvia, Indio – Pork with Red Sauce
1st Place Commercial Traditional – Casa de Silvia, Indio – Pork with Red Sauce
2nd Place Commercial Traditional – Nana Chuy’s Handmade Tamales, Redlands – Pork & Beef Combination
1st Place Commercial Gourmet – Casa de Silvia, Indio – Pineapple Coconut
2nd Place Commercial Gourmet – Asadero Los Corales – Pineapple
1st Place Non-Profit – La Luz del Mundo Santa Barbara – Red Pork
2nd Place Non-Profit – Asadero Los Corales – Red Pork
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