SABORES DE TUCSON: BEST MEXICAN FOOD IN AMERICA FESTIVAL

Just in time for Cinco de Mayo weekend, one of the most exciting culinary and cultural events of the year returns to the heart of the desert Southwest. Sabores de Tucson: Best Mexican Food in America Festival, sponsored by Visit Tucson, will take place on Friday, May 2, 2025, at the stunning Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa.

This unique, immersive experience celebrates the rich heritage of Mexican cuisine, music, and visual arts through a regional tasting journey unlike anything else in the country. Proceeds benefit two cornerstone cultural nonprofits: the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) and the Tucson International Mariachi Conference, supporting year-round educational and cultural programming in Southern Arizona.

A MULTI-SENSORY TOUR ACROSS MEXICO

Guests will explore regionally-themed hubs showcasing traditional dishes, spirits, music, and decor from across Mexico’s culinary heartlands. Each area is curated by the region’s top chefs and features storytelling through art, music, and live performances.

Northern Mexico (Sonora, Chihuahua, Baja California, Coahuila, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas)

Known for grilled meats, flour tortillas, seafood, and ranch-style cooking.

Participating Culinary Partners:

La Chingada & Cruda

Borderland Spirits (Bacanora)

Whiskey Del Bac (Sonoran-inspired cocktails)

El Guero Canelo

Redbird Scratch Kitchen – Scratch-made local specialties

Compa Spirits (Montaraz Bacanora + New to market Bacanora seltzers)

Central Mexico (Mexico City, Puebla, Guanajuato, Querétaro, Morelos, Hidalgo, Tlaxcala)

Known for complex sauces, street food culture, and indigenous corn-based dishes.

Participating Culinary Partners:

Executive Chef Devon Pinto – The Westin La Paloma

Creo Spirits (Mexican wines and Agave spirits + Sotol)

Tap & Bottle and Westbound (regional cocktails)

Pacific Coast (Jalisco, Nayarit, Colima, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Guerrero)

Known for seafood, fresh ingredients, and stews.

Culinary Showcase by the GUT Collective, led by Chef Devon Sanner, featuring:

Janet Balderas – Mojo Cuban Kitchen

CJ Hamm – Hammbone’s

Martha Lamadrid

Juan Almanza – El Rustico

Sarah Lamberth

Chef Rocco DiGrazia – Rocco’s Little Chicago
Chef Kelzi Bartholomaei

Republic National Distributing Company (tequila, beer, cocktails)

Southern Mexico & Yucatán Peninsula (Oaxaca, Chiapas, Yucatán, Campeche, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, Veracruz)

Known for rich indigenous culinary traditions, tropical flavors, and moles.

Participating Culinary Partners:

Chef Marissa – Mujer Bonita Catering

Brother John’s Bourbon & BBQ

Ray Ray’s Sonoran Spirit Tea (Tamarindo and Prickly Pear flavors with special rim)

All-Star Culinary Participants Also Include:

Chef Jose Contreras – Amelia’s Kitchen (James Beard-nominated, Best Chef Southwest)

Chef Gary Hickey – Si Charro Group (Tomahawk Carne Asada, Capirotada)

Chef Ken Foy – Dante’s Fire

Seis Kitchen Culinary Team

Tabu Restaurant – Modern regional flavors

La Estrella Bakery – Mexican pastries from all four culinary regions

MUSIC, DANCE, AND CULTURE ALIVE ON STAGE

The evening will feature powerful live performances that transport attendees to the soul of Mexico.

Compañía de Danza Folklórica Arizona, founded by Chantal Danay Ralls, will take the stage with dynamic regional dance performances representing traditions from Jalisco to Veracruz. Their mission to preserve and share folklorico dance as cultural storytelling
makes them a centerpiece of the festival’s immersive format.

VISUAL ART EXPERIENCES

Guests can stroll through a vibrant pop-up artisan mercado with live art experiences and handmade work available for purchase. Featured artists include:

Sandy Villegas – Handcrafted paper flowers

Mario & Imelda Jimenez – Ceramic functional art

Patricia Silva – Mixed media and canvas painting

Lupita’s Metal Art – Yard sculptures and welded art

Apapáchame Tierra – Herbalism and botanical products

Maria Jose – Illustration and visual storytelling

Melo & Melissa Dominguez, Juan Enriquez, and Jorge Arteaga – Fine art galleries

Carmen Sonnes – Mixed media collage

Antonio Estrada – Painted guitars, masks, and leatherwork

David Moreno – Pascua Yaqui visual artist

Crystal Quintero – Contemporary painting

EVENT INFORMATION

Date: Friday, May 2, 2025

VIP Admission: 5:00 PM exclusive early entrance

General Admission: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Location: Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa 3800 East Sunrise Drive, Tucson, Arizona 85718

TICKETS

VIP Admission – $150

Includes early entry at 5:00 PM, access to exclusive tastings and libations, curated bites from Executive Chef Devon Pinto, a custom tote bag, VIP lounge access, upgraded seating, and a discounted LYFT ride home.

General Admission – $115

Includes full access from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM to all tasting regions, musical performances, art experiences, and libations.

Tickets available now at: www.saaca.org

STAY & SAVOR: SPECIAL WEEKEND EXPERIENCES

Guests are invited to stay the weekend and enjoy the luxury of The Westin La Paloma, which will offer Latin-themed culinary and entertainment experiences throughout:

Thursday Chef’s Table Dinner (limited to 30 guests, $100++ per person)

Friday & Saturday Latin-Inspired Breakfast Buffets

Saturday Latin-Themed Menus and Tequila Flights at Casa 71 and La Luz

Poolside DJ, Taco Bar, Agua Frescas, and Sonoran Dogs

To book discounted hotel rates, visit the event site or contact Jennifer Hilarto at jennifer.hilarto@westinlapaloma.com.

WHY THIS FESTIVAL MATTERS

Sabores de Tucson is more than a culinary celebration—it’s a cultural movement. Through food, art, and music, the festival uplifts the history and future of Mexican heritage in Tucson while providing essential support to the nonprofit programs that keep culture
alive year-round.

Join us May 2 to experience the best Mexican food in America, right here in Tucson—bold flavors, vibrant art, and a celebration of culture that feeds the soul.