Fiesta brings Hispanics together for a good cause

The third annual Tamal Fiesta is a two-day event dedicated to the unique Hispanic tradition of green corn tamales, said Elva Flores, president of El Centro Cultural de Las Americas.

In the past two years, the Tamal Fiesta has raised over $75,000 for the UA's Hispanic Alumni Scholarship Fund, she said.

This year's event will take place tomorrow and Saturday at the Main Library's downtown plaza, 101 N. Stone Ave.

"It's not only a wonderful recipe for tamales, but also for the moral, support and bonding that happens while you are working so hard," Flores said.

The Tamal Fiesta is a once-a-year event because the corn is only available in July and August, she said. Recipes have been handed down from generation to generation of Hispanic families, and each families' recipe is different.

"What is not a secret is the way the process brings entire families together. Now we see community organizations working together," she said.

Companies including Pepsi, Bank One, and Hughes Missile Systems have been working on their tamale recipes for the past two months, Flores said.

Friday's events include lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On Saturday there will be a fiesta from 4 to 10 p.m., including continuous music, dancing and entertainment. A street dance will finish off the fiesta. Admission to these events is free.

"It's very, very good food - to die for. It is probably the best food we Hispanics have to offer," Flores said.