A vendor at The Original Tamale Co. booth serves tamales from large steaming pots at the Tamale Festival. (Courtesy of Spanish Town Heritage Foundation)
The designation brings formal preservation standards and long-term protections to one of Riverside's oldest standing structures, a mud-brick building dating to 1862 that traces its roots to the 1842 settlement of La Placita by Lorenzo Trujillo and ten pioneer families along the Santa Ana River.
"We are thrilled that the Trujillo Adobe was unanimously voted onto the National Register of Historic Places this past year, making this the first Tamale Festival since that milestone," STHF President Nancy Melendez told the Gazette.
This year's festival theme, "Todos Juntos" — Spanish for "all together" — will be woven throughout the event's programming and vendor partnerships. The designation will be acknowledged publicly from the stage, with recognition going to RivCoParks and community members who supported the nomination effort through petitions and signature collection.
The festival will be organized around spaces that preview the completed future park, including La Placita, a food and dining area with more than 20 vendors selling tamales and other cuisine, and La Escuela Kids Zone, featuring storytelling and craft activities for children. A La Cantina beer garden, retail and art booths, and a VIP lounge hosting the Best Tamale judging competition round out the layout. Organizers say the park is anticipated to open in late 2028, when the festival will move on-site.
Headlining entertainment is Los Angeles-based band Ozomatli, which blends Latin, hip-hop, funk, reggae and global influences and celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025. Additional programming includes folklĂłrico dancers, mariachi bands and lucha libre wrestling.
The event also serves as the foundation's primary fundraiser. This year's goal is $50,000 to install educational panels at the future park. The Adobe, now owned by the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District (RivCoParks), has received $10.4 million in state funding for preservation and development of a cultural and educational center at the site.
"In the current climate, it feels more important than ever for our community to stand together," said Larissa DĂaz-Hahn, the festival's event manager and marketing chair. "The Trujillo Adobe reminds us that our roots are deep, our culture is enduring, and our collective presence is powerful."
More information: Tickets are available at rivtamalefest.com. White Park is located at 3885 Market St.
The Riverside City Firefighters Association Pipe & Drum Band marks St. Patrick's Day with a three-stop Downtown tour, raising funds for firefighter memorials and band operations.
