Third Annual Tamale Fest brings enthusiasts together in KC

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – The Third Annual Tamale Fest brought tamale lovers alike together in the Kansas City metro over the weekend.

The Mattie Rhodes Center’s Third Annual Tamale Fest kicked off on Saturday, June 22, between 4 and 10 p.m. with an authentic Hispanic culture experience.

Leaders said the festival is meant to bring the community together to appreciate food. Tamales are a part of Mexican culture as well as other Hispanic cultures, however, they have become popular throughout the region.

As the Mattie Rhodes Center recognized this, the center hopes the shared liking will bring those of diverse cultures and backgrounds together.

“Arts provide a means to preserve, educate, and instill pride in Hispanic culture,” said MRC Cultural Center CEO and President John Fierro.

Attendees were treated to live music, a tamale-tasting competition, a jalapeno eating competition, crafts, vendors and more.

“The Tamale Fest provides another opportunity for Mattie Rhodes Cultural Arts Center to preserve Hispanic culture through food,” Fierro said.

The event was held at the MRC at 1701 Jarboe St., in Kansas City, Mo.

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