San Antonio might be home to major attractions such as the Alamo and Riverwalk, but the second largest city in Texas has much more to offer travelers. One visit introduces visitors to a plethora of world-class restaurants and live entertainment venues. San Antonio has it all, from can't miss festivals to seemingly never ending outdoor activities.
Tamales! Holiday Festival is one of the top holiday-themed events in San Antonio. The event began seven years ago, and planners expect at least 20,000 people in attendance in 2016. It’s held at the Pearl, a beautifully restored downtown area that contains unique shops, housing, restaurants, and more. The festival is ideal for the entire family, and features plenty of games and activities for kids. Patrons will have a blast sampling tamales from over 40 different vendors while taking in the sights and sounds of the live bands and performers. In addition to celebrating the holidays, the event also supports the Hispanic Chamber Leadership Foundation. ResortsandLodges.com got the opportunity to interview Event Representative, Elizabeth Fauerso, to talk about this unique holiday event.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
EF: This is the seventh year of Tamales! Holiday Festival.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
EF: We’ve seen approximately 20,000 attendees in previous years and anticipate the same this year.
RAL: What is the typical demographic makeup of the event? Children? Families? Couples?
EF: The event is for all ages. We encourage everyone to join in the festivities.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
EF: It's a celebration true to San Antonio and has become a staple event during the holiday season, all in a historic destination.
RAL: Tell me about the activities people will find at the festival.
EF: We have something for everyone including live music, children's activities, tamales, and much more.
RAL: What dining options will patrons encounter?
EF: There will be over 40 vendors that take over the Pearl and sell tamales (priced between $1-$5). Of course, guests can also visit the numerous award-winning Pearl restaurants.
RAL: Tell me about the environment.
EF: Our event is festive and colorful. It's a real community festival that brings the city together to celebrate the holidays and the tamale.
RAL: Is there maybe one place in particular that guests have been flocking to since the event started?
EF: Pearl is home to the Hotel Emma that was once Pearl's 19th-century Brewhouse. The 146-room riverfront hotel is the flagship for Pearl's culinary and cultural community. It's only steps away from the festival.
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
EF: Absolutely. With so many attendees every year, the foot traffic around our boutiques and restaurants is phenomenal. It's a great way to bring awareness to everything Pearl has to offer.
RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community? (School funds, etc.)
EF: Yes, the event supports the Hispanic Chamber Leadership Foundation.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
EF: Tamales! is a celebration of family, food, and fun that San Antonians have come to associate with the holidays. The city’s favorite chefs and restaurants will join over forty tamale makers for San Antonio’s citywide holiday tamalada. The free festival will showcase a broad range of tamales, from traditional San Antonio styles to Mexican regional variations and bold, surprising takes on the classic treat.
For more information about Tamales! Holiday Festival, please visit their website.
Photography Credit: Xelina Flores-Chasnoff