A long line cut through the parking lot of PCC as hundreds descended on the campus for the International Tamales Festival and Tequila, presented by LB Living on Saturday.
“It’s important that they do it right here at PCC because it’s in the heart of the city,” Mayor Rex Richardson said. “The history of the campus was to provide additional resources to our growing neighborhood when PCC was created. I think this (the festival) is consistent with making a positive impact and bringing people together.”
A traditional Aztec ceremony by Danza Mexica Aztlan kicked off the festivities.
The festival featured dozens of food vendors, live entertainment, and a marketplace where attendees could shop small businesses like that of Humboldt University alum, Lavender Torres.
In addition to original prints and stickers, her booth also sold shirts and sweaters with the phrase, “Latina Enough” on them.
Danza Mexica Aztlan performs a traditional Aztec ceremony during the International Tamale Festival. The festival took place at PCC on Dec. 9, 2023. (Lolita Mojica) 
Angel Santacruz performs with Danza Mexica Aztlan in a traditional Aztec ceremony during the International Tamale Festival. The Festival took place at PCC on Dec. 9, 2023. (Lolita Mojica) 
Attendees stand in long lines, eagerly waiting to try tamales from different vendors during the International Tamale Festival. The festival took place at PCC on Dec. 9, 2023. (Lolita Mojica) 
Lavender Torres owns a small business centered around latina culture. She was present at the International Tamales Festival which took place at PCC on Dec. 9, 2023. (Lolita Mojica) 
Jade Sotelo performs with Danza Mexica Aztlan in a traditional Aztec ceremony during the International Tamale Festival. The Festival took place at PCC on Dec. 9, 2023. (Lolita Mojica) 
Eric Tapia performs with Danza Mexica Aztlan in a traditional Aztec ceremony during the International Tamale Festival. The Festival took place at PCC on Dec. 9, 2023. (Lolita Mojica)
“I look Hispanic but I don’t speak Spanish,” Torres said. “As a result, I sometimes get treated differently. I wanted this brand to remind other people like me that they’re not alone.”
Across from the festival’s marketplace, long lines zig-zagged throughout the parking lot as attendees eagerly waited to try tamales from Venezuela, Mexico, and even the Philippines.
“It’s so nice to see so many different regions represented,” said Vivian Fabiola, who was hosting the festival. “I think it’s easy to assume that all tamales come from Mexico.”
The highlight of the festival is the competition where 12 tamale makers compete for the title of best tamale.
A panel of judges mill about as vendors and home chefs prepare their offerings to be judged.
“A good tamale has seasoned masa and the right proportion of masa to filling,” said Brian Addison, of Long Beach Food Scene, who was sitting on the panel for the second year.
Also on the panel of judges was KCRW host, Jose Galvan.
Judges Ramiro Arvizu (left) and Jose Galvan (right) discuss over tamales during the International Tamale Festival. The festival took place at PCC on Dec. 9, 2023. (Lolita Mojica) 
Judge Ramiro Arvizu appears pleasantly surprised while deliberating over tamales during the International Tamale Festival. The festival took place at PCC on Dec. 9, 2023. (Lolita Mojica) 
Arcelia Reynoso takes the number 1 spot for the second year in a row at the International Tamales Festival. The festival took place at PCC on Dec. 9, 2023. (Lolita Mojica)
“It’s nice to see the culture being celebrated,” Galvan said. “The level of exploration has been really interesting to see too.”
One such exploratory entry was that of Los Reyes del Taco Sabroso who presented a blackberry cheesecake tamale and a savory tamale made with Mexican squash, pork and topped with a mild green sauce.
“This is our second year,” said Eros Montesinos whose family owns Los Reyes. “We were a little scared last year but now, we’re coming for that top spot.”
Just as eager for a shot at the title was home chef, Jessica Valenzuela.
“Last year, I entered as a dare from my husband and came in 3rd,” Valenzuela said. “This year, I’m hoping for number one.”
As the judges took on the daunting task of trying 12 tamales, live entertainment from Mariachi Cielito Lindo filled the festival grounds as attendees held their private tastings.
“I’ve made enough room for at least 3 or 4 tamales,” said Claudia Carillo who was attending the festival with friends for the first time. “I wish I could try them all.”
After much anticipation the votes were tallied and first place went to Arcelia Reynosa of Te Quiero Mucho Tamales for the second year in a row.
“The competition gets harder every year and I love that,” Reynoso said in Spanish. “I’m happy to see us all here.”
The party continued with tequila tasting from over 15 different vendors and a raucous set from the band Spaghetti Cumbia who had the crowd dancing and singing along.