ANNUAL TAMALE FESTIVAL, INDIO, CA

Sunday December 05 – The Annual Tamale Festival was in Indio this weekend. Whenever we are in California at this time, we go to the festival just because it’s there (although we don’t like Tamales!) I didn’t have a date this year because Ken did not want to go and he wanted to watch the Red Skins Game! I went to the festival with Pam and Joe. They lived in Mexico for years, so they are experts on all things Mexican!! I’d get their advice about Tamales.

Barb and Mitch had gone to the festival on Saturday. At dinner Saturday night Mitch told us again and again to get the Nine Juan, Juan Tamales – they were the best. Pam and Bob S. had gone to the festival on Saturday, too. They said to get the Lucy’s Tamales – they were the best. I decided I would get two tamales this year – two of the best!!

Shortly after we arrived at the festival we saw Lucy’s Tamales. I had one. I thought it was pretty good for a Tamale. Pam said they didn’t like that kind of Tamale because it had white Masa dough. They liked the spices in the other type of Masa. As it turned out, Lucy's was the Best Tamale Winner for 2010 and 2009 and 2007!!


We walked the entire festival grounds before finding 9 Juan, Juan Tamales!! I was getting a Chili and Cheese Tamale when a customer came up and asked for another – “These are the best,” he said. “I’m on my third.” He was having Chicken Tamale so I changed my order.

When I got my Tamale it looked like this.

How do I get into it?? Juan said to hold the ribbons at each end and pull. They would slip off; like opening a present. It worked!! Pam confirmed. Mexicans serve Tamales at Christmas and wrap them like a present. (Side Bar: Lucy’s did not have the ribbons!).

The Mariachi Band entertained while we were eating our Tamales.

I, myself, did not care for the 9 Juan, Juan Tamale. I thought they had less Chicken and more Masa dough than Lucy’s Tamales, and they had other stuff in it – potatoes, onions, black olives, stuff!! Pam and Joe preferred these to others they had tried. They were like Tamales should be!

Thanks Pam and Joe for taking me. Chalk up one more Tamale Festival!!!