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5th Annual Tamalada Festival
Saturday, November 7, 2026, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Memorial Student Union Building (MSUB) Courtyard, 1050 W. Santa Gertrudis St.
& John E. Conner Museum, 905 W. Santa Gertrudis St.
The Tamalada Festival is an educational, family-friendly event that is free and open to the public. The festival celebrates the historical contributions and cultural value of corn, tamales, and tamaladas in South Texas.
For more information contact the Conner Museum at (361) 593-2810.
Main Stage Performances
10:00 a.m. | Grupo Herencia Javelina
Folklorico performance and dance lessons by TAMUK student organization
11:30 a.m. | Joey Villanueva y Su Conjunto
Live Conjunto Performance
1:00 p.m. | Javelina Jaht 6
Live Musical Performance by TAMUK Jazz Combo, led by Dr. Theresa Chen, Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies
Activities, Crafts, & More
Tamal Tasting featuring tamales from Hillcrest Tortillas, Inc. in Hebbronville.
- Begins at 11 a.m. until supply runs out
- Limit 2 tamales per adult & 1 per child, on a first-come, first-serve basis
Interactive demonstrations (Tejas Room, MSUB 1st Floor)
- Metate y Mano Corn Grinding Station | Sponsored by MANRRS TAMUK student organization and the Dick & Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture & Natural Resources
- Made with Traditional: Molcajete Salsa Demo | TAMUK Human Nutrition Program, College of Nursing & Health Professions
- Spice It Up! Create-your-own Spice Blend | Sponsored by Aramark
- Talk spices and blends with Executive Chef Craig Prestero, Javelina Dining, and mix your own sample
Hands-on crafts & activities (MSUB Courtyard)
- DIY Maracas | Sponsored by Athena Department, Woman’s Club of Kingsville
- Applied Engineering Technology Station | Sponsored by Department of Industrial Management & Technology
- Bandana Bling Bar | Sponsored by the College of Arts & Sciences
Tamalada Tales | Sponsored by the Anthropology Club & South Texas Archives
- Collecting Stories & Pictures: the community is invited to share a story, picture, or memory of the university, family Tamalada, or favorite holiday tradition/foods.
Photo Booth | Sponsored by Lyte Fiber
Food trucks & vendors | along Santa Gertrudis St.
TAMUK Bookstore | MSUB 1st floor
On display at the Conner Museum:
- Javelina Engineering Heritage: 90 Years of Engineering What’s Next
