Sunken Gardens comes alive with music, contests, over 140 vendors, and thousands of tamales
ATASCADERO — Downtown Atascadero was sizzling with excitement on Saturday as the community came together to celebrate the 9th Annual Atascadero Tamale Festival around the Sunken Gardens. The event drew large crowds from all over the state who came to enjoy a day filled with music, entertainment, contests — and of course — thousands of tamales.
This year’s event broke records with over 140 vendors lining the streets, offering a tasty spread of tamales, beverages, sweets, and fair-style favorites. Of those, more than 25 vendors specialized in tamales, traveling from across California to showcase their best traditional, gourmet, and sweet creations.
Photos by Rick Evans/ATN
“Judging tamales every year is one of my favorite perks of being on the city council,” said Atascadero Mayor Pro Tem Mark Dariz. “There is such a variety of tamales, and it’s sometimes hard to pick a winner. This event gets better every year. It’s wonderful to see how many vendors we get and how far they are willing to travel to be a part of Atascadero’s fun. This is such a great family-friendly event with all of the entertainment, bands, and fair-like foods. I love just hanging out and enjoying it all.”
Content Editor Camille DeVaul of the Atascadero News, also served as one of the tamale judges this year. “I had the wonderful opportunity to be asked to judge tamales representing Atascadero News,” she shared. “We sampled 17 traditional tamales — chicken, beef, pork — each with its own unique flair. It was a great experience. Congratulations to all who competed.”
Festival goers were treated to a packed entertainment lineup, including live music from local bands and traditional folklórico dance performances. A fan favorite, the dancing horses, returned to the delight of the crowd. Families also gathered for the always-entertaining tamale eating contest and the adorable Chihuahua and Pet Costume Contest.
Photos by Rick Evans/ATN
Each year, the festival features a “Best Tamale” Contest, judged by a panel of local personalities and culinary enthusiasts. This year’s top honor, Best Overall Tamale, went to Super Tamales from San Jose.
Traditional Tamale Winners:
- 1st Place: Super Tamales, San Jose
- 2nd Place: The Original Tamale Company, Pacoima
- 3rd Place: Mama Nichi, La Luz del Mundo, Visalia
Gourmet Tamale Winners:
- 1st Place: Savina’s Gourmet Tamales, Santa Maria
- 2nd Place: La Luz del Mundo, Visalia
- 3rd Place: Tamale Café, San Fernando
The Tamale Eating Contest was another highlight, with participants split into two age groups. Winners for ages 12 and over included 1st place finisher Aspen Martin and runner-up Sabina Fernandez-Lopez. In the 11 and under category, Roman Leon took home first place, followed by Gabby Castaneda.
The Chihuahua and Pet Costume Contest stole hearts once again, with Lulu, the “4th of July Baby,” owned by Jose Reynoso, taking home the trophy for Best Overall. Other winners included Tacoma, owned by Cris Murillo, for Best Costume; Goodie and owner Julie Ritchie for Look-Alike; and Noodle, a Turkish Van cat owned by Devin Swearingen, who received an Honorable Mention.
With laughter echoing through the park, live music setting the tone, and tamales flying off the steamers, the 9th Annual Tamale Festival proved to be another unforgettable celebration of culture, community, and cuisine in Atascadero.
The City of Atascadero extended a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this year’s event such a success. The community is already looking forward to next year’s festivities. Mark your calendars — the 10th Annual Atascadero Tamale Festival is set for Friday and Saturday, May 1 and 2, 2026.
Photos by Rick Evans/ATN
