La Fiesta de Tumacácori

NPS  / Rosario Valdivia

When is it? What is it?

Free! Held every year during the first full weekend in December

In recognition and celebration of the many cultures that were historically and are presently associated with the Santa Cruz Valley, the Tumacácori Fiesta presents the traditional creations of these cultures. The fiesta features around fifty food and craft booths, continuous live entertainment on stage, and activities for families each day. On Sunday, the day begins at 10:00 a.m. in front of the Visitor Center with a procession through the Fiesta grounds to the historic church, followed by a multicultural mass in front of the church. The mission grounds and park are open throughout the weekend and admission is free.

 

The Fiesta Experience

Performances on the Main Stage

Saturday, December 2, 2023
9:45 a.m. Blessing and opening of the 51st Tumacácori Fiesta
10:00 a.m. Theodore Roosevelt Crown Dancers from Fort Apache
11:00 a.m. Lopez Waila Band from San Xavier
12:00 p.m. Mariachi Las Aguilitas de Davis Bilingual Elementary School from Tucson
1:00 p.m. Mariachi Valenzuela de Dr. Alfredo Valenzuela from Tucson
2:00 p.m. Orbita Musical from Rio Rico
3:00 p.m. Charros y Modelos de Tucson dancing horses
4:00 p.m. Ballet Folklorico Mexicayotl/Qualtemoc Aztec Dancers from Nogales

Sunday, December 3, 2023
11:00 a.m. Danza Cultura Mexicana from Tucson
11:45 a.m. Wa:k Tab Basket Dancers from San Xavier
12:30 p.m. Abya Yala Dancers from Magdalena de Kino, Sonora, Mexico
1:00 p.m. Centro de Seguridad Social Baile Folklórico dancers from Nogales, Sonora, Mexico
2:00 p.m. Mariachi Alegre from Tucson
3:00 p.m. Gertie and the T.O. Boyz from Tucson

Vendor Circle

You can expect traditional food, crafts, and demonstrations for the whole family.

Remember that Fiesta vendors are all non-profit organizations and cultural demonstrators. There is no ATM onsite and most vendors cannot accept credit cards. Bring cash if you plan to eat or shop.

 

Guided Tours and Programs

Mission tour (meet by the visitor center)
Saturday 11-4, hourly
Sunday 12-3, hourly

Piñata breaking (Discovery Corner)
Sat/Sun 12:30 & 2:30

Nature walk (meet next to the Discovery Corner)
Sat/Sun 11:30 & 1:00

Discovery Activities

The Discovery Corner gathers family-friendly activities and booths sharing information. You can meet wildlife, explore history and nature, take a family photo, and do arts and crafts.

Meet Pancho

You never know where he might pop up....

 

 

Tips for a Safe and Healthy Visit

Parking is extremely limited. Although there are accessible parking spaces available near the Fiesta grounds and Visitor Center, most vehicles will end up needing to park along the Frontage Road. Use caution when driving, parking, and walking in this congested area.

Pets are not permitted in the Fiesta grounds, mission grounds, or Visitor Center building.

The Fiesta grounds (vendor circle, Discovery Corner, and parking area) are unpaved and may be uneven or rocky. Visitors using wheelchairs may encounter difficulty in these areas and should consult the park's page on Accessibility.

For safety purposes, horses are not permitted on the Tumacácori connection on the Anza Trail during Fiesta.

 

Vendors, Performers, and Partners

Some individuals and groups have participated in the annual Fiesta since its inception more than 40 years ago. Others rotate in each year. If you would like to participate, consider the following:

• Vendor booths are for Tumacácori's cultural demonstrators and 501c3 designated non-profit organizations only. No commercial or private operations are permitted and all proceeds from food or products sold must go back to the official non-profit organization.
• All products for sale must be handcrafted and culturally appropriate.

Are you a musician, dancer, or other performer? Contact Anita Badertscher at [phone] to inquire about performance space and time at this year's Fiesta.

Do you have a fun activity for kids and families? Contact Melanie Rawlins at [phone] about joining the Discovery Corner.