FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2025

The Sabores de Tucson: Best Mexican Food in America Festival is a premier culinary celebration, honoring Tucson’s rich Mexican food heritage while benefiting two essential cultural organizations: The Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (SAACA) and the Tucson International Mariachi Conference. A portion of the event proceeds will directly support the educational and cultural initiatives of both organizations.

Presented in collaboration with Tucson Foodie, this immersive festival offers attendees a chance to explore the diverse flavors of Mexico through a series of regional tasting stations, led by some of the region’s most talented chefs. Each section of the event will transport guests to a distinct region of Mexico through food, art, and music, bringing the flavors and traditions to life.

Explore the Flavors of Mexico
The festival is organized into regionally themed hubs, where guests will experience the distinct culinary traditions of each area, paired with authentic music, art, and storytelling.

Northern Mexico (Sonora, Chihuahua, Baja California, Coahuila, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas)
Signature Dishes: Carne asada, flour tortillas, burritos, machaca, cabrito (roast goat), fish tacos
Known For: Grilled meats, flour tortillas, seafood, and ranch-style cooking.

Central Mexico (Mexico City, Puebla, Guanajuato, Querétaro, Morelos, Hidalgo, Tlaxcala, Estado de México)
Signature Dishes: Tacos al pastor, mole poblano, barbacoa, tamales, chiles en nogada
Known For: Complex sauces, street food culture, indigenous corn-based dishes

Pacific Coast (Jalisco, Nayarit, Colima, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Guerrero)
Signature Dishes: Birria, aguachile, ceviche, pescado zarandeado, tiritas de pescado
Known For: Coastal seafood, fresh flavors, and slow-cooked stews

Southern Mexico & Yucatán Peninsula (Oaxaca, Chiapas, Yucatán, Campeche, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, Veracruz)
Signature Dishes: Cochinita pibil, tamales de elote, tlayudas, mole negro, panuchos, sopa de lima
Known For: Rich indigenous culinary traditions, tropical flavors, and complex moles

event times

VIP Hour 5PM-6PM 
​General Admission 6PM-8:30PM

location

Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa
3800 E Sunrise Dr, Tucson, AZ 85718

admission

General Admission $115
​VIP $150

TICKETS

VIP ADMISSION TICKETS

VIP TICKETS $150  
ENTRY TIME 5PM
VIP ticket holders enjoy exclusive early festival access from 5–6 PM. Savor tastings from 30+ local culinary partners, live music, and art, showcasing six Mexican regions. Enjoy an exclusive VIP lounge with specialty libations and bites. VIP perks include a custom tote bag, upgraded seating, and a discounted LYFT ride home

GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS

GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS $115
​ENTRY TIME 6PM
Join the festivity with a General Admission Ticket for $115, providing access from 6 PM to 8:30 PM. Enjoy full entry to the event, where you can sample culinary creations from over 30 local chefs and artisans, accompanied by live music and art demonstrations native to each culinary region.

PARTNERS

LOCATION

THE WESTIN LA PALOMA
​RESORT & SPA

3800 East Sunrise Drive, Tucson, Arizona, 85718
​
​Nestled in the stunning foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa is a luxurious desert oasis in Tucson, Arizona. This AAA Four-Diamond resort features 486 newly renovated rooms with private balconies, the signature Westin Heavenly® Bed, and breathtaking views. Guests can indulge in diverse dining options, relax at the award-winning La Paloma Spa, play at the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, or unwind at multiple pools, including a 177-foot waterslide. With over 110,000 square feet of event space, the resort is perfect for weddings, conferences, and retreats. Conveniently located near top Tucson attractions, The Westin La Paloma offers a seamless blend of luxury, wellness, and adventure.

GET INVOLVED

WHAT MAKES THIS FESTIVAL UNIQUE


  • An immersive journey through Mexico’s regional flavors—each area will feature distinct signage, décor, music, and art reflective of its traditions.
  • A chef-curated experience—top local chefs and purveyors will showcase authentic dishes from Mexico’s most iconic culinary regions.
  • A fundraiser with impact—supporting community-driven arts, education, and cultural programming in Southern Arizona.
  • A partnership with Tucson Foodie—ensuring high visibility and media coverage for chefs and restaurants.
This one-of-a-kind festival is more than just a food event—it’s an educational and cultural experience, offering an unforgettable evening of flavors, music, and heritage that brings Mexico’s culinary landscape to life.

2025 CULINARY PARTNERS

Participants coming soon