Sep 19, 2024

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in Tucson

A young Hispanic woman in traditional Folklórico clothing.

From the aroma of carne asada sizzling on the grill to vibrant murals dancing across adobe walls, Hispanic culture shapes every corner of Tucson. Hispanic Heritage Month, from September 15 to October 15, offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant Hispanic culture that has left an indelible mark on Southern Arizona. Explore the many ways you can join in the celebration, from traditional eats to artistic showcases, all while supporting the local businesses that make our desert city thrive and keeping your wallet happy with discounts from Checking PLUS.

Tucson’s Cultural Celebrations You Can’t Miss

This month, the streets of Tucson hum with excitement with live mariachi bands to colorful markets and art exhibits. 

Step into the world of Tucson through the lens of Chicano photographer, Louis Carlos Bernal. His photography exhibition at the Center for Creative Photography captures intimate moments from Tucson’s barrios, from family gatherings to everyday life.

The Abuelas Project at the Tucson Wagon and History Museum is a touching tribute to the grandmothers of Tucson’s Hispanic community. Through storytelling and history, the project collects, curates and amplifies the stories of the LatinX people who’ve helped shape the Southwest culture. 

For those who love a good film, Fox Tucson Theatre’s Cinema Tucsón is showing Take Me In Your Arms. This Latinx cinema night explores themes of love, identity, and heritage through a beautifully crafted narrative.

Melani Martinez’s memoir, The Molino, traces her family’s legacy and how their molino (mill) one of Tucson’s first tamale and tortilla factories, played a key role in the community. Through her words, you’ll discover the rich heritage of Tucson’s Hispanic community, told through the lens of food, family, and tradition.

Los Changuitos Feos, Tucson’s beloved mariachi band since the 1960s, will fill the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall with the sounds of traditional mariachi music. For decades, this group has been a symbol of pride and cultural preservation in Tucson, and their performances bring both history and joy to every note.

A fan-favorite event, the Vamos A Tucson Mexican Baseball Fiesta brings the energy of Mexican baseball to Southern Arizona. With lively crowds, delicious Mexican snacks like elote and Tostitos preparados, and the crack of the bat, this annual event is a true celebration of sport and culture. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the game, it’s a day of excitement and fun for the whole family.

Tucson Meet Yourself is a celebration of Southern Arizona’s diverse cultures. Over one weekend, downtown Tucson transforms into a vibrant mix of music, dance, and food. Come ready to eat, dance, and experience Tucson’s rich Hispanic heritage firsthand.

Take a walk through Tucson’s past with the Barrio Viejo Walking Tour. Hosted by the Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum, this tour winds through Tucson’s oldest neighborhood, where adobe homes and colorful murals tell the stories of the Hispanic families who built this part of town. 

A Culinary Journey Through Hispanic Culture

If Tucson is the heart of Southern Arizona, its food is the soul. When you talk about traditional Hispanic cuisine here, you're talking about dishes that go far beyond flavor—they tell stories, preserve traditions, and bring people together. Here are a few dishes that are must-tries during Hispanic Heritage Month (and every month, let’s be honest):

  • Tamales: Dating back thousands of years to ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, tamales are wrapped in corn husks and filled with a mix of masa and delicious ingredients like pork, chicken, or cheese. Tamales often make appearances at holiday gatherings, but in Tucson, you can enjoy them year-round. Head to El Charro Café for tamales that melt in your mouth, packed with local flavors. Psst! Have you heard of their Tamale of the Month club?
  • Menudo: Menudo is more than just a meal—it’s a Sunday tradition. Made with beef tripe, hominy, and a rich broth, menudo is known for its comforting warmth and its legendary hangover cure. It’s a dish that brings families together, slow-cooked and simmered to perfection. Stop by Tania’s 33 for a bowl of menudo that feels like a warm hug after a long night out.
  • Carne Asada: The sound of carne asada sizzling on the grill is the soundtrack to every Tucson family gathering. This marinated and grilled beef is a reason to come together. Toss it in a tortilla, pile on some salsa and guac, and you’ve got yourself a taco that’s pure perfection. For some of the best carne asada in town, head to Tacos Apson and treat yourself to tacos that taste like home.

Each of these dishes carries cultural significance, whether it’s the ancient roots of tamales or the communal spirit of carne asada. Food here is a meal, yes, but it’s also a way to keep traditions alive.

Savor More of Tucson’s Traditional Dishes

  • Dirty T Tamarindo

For those with a love for sweet, spicy, and tangy Mexican candy, Dirty T Tamarindo brings authentic flavors straight from Hermosillo, Sonora to Tucson. Family-owned and operated, this candy shop, led by Alana Solís, offers traditional tamarindo-based treats crafted from recipes dating back to the 1980s. Their dedication to real Mexican flavor is unmatched, and every bite is an explosion of sweet heat.

  • La Estrella Bakery

Tucson mornings wouldn’t be the same without the smell of fresh tortillas and pan dulce from La Estrella Bakery. For over three decades, this family-run bakery has been feeding the community with tamales and traditional Mexican pastries. Whether it’s for a family gathering or just a quick snack, stopping by La Estrella is like coming home to Tucson’s rich culinary roots.

  • Rollie’s Mexican Patio

For authentic birria that keeps locals coming back, head to Rollie’s Mexican Patio. Their slow-cooked beef, served as taquitos with consommé for dipping, is the stuff of legends. Rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying, this family-owned restaurant brings a taste of Mexico to Tucson’s food scene.

  • Reds Tacos & More

If you haven’t been to Reds Tacos & More yet, consider this your invitation. Their tacos are loaded with perfectly seasoned carne asada, birria, and other favorites that make each bite a flavor-packed experience. Did we mention they have Sonoran dogs?

Save While You Celebrate: Hughes Checking PLUS

Hughes Federal Credit Union’s Checking PLUS account makes it easy to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month while supporting local businesses. Members enjoy discounts at select Hispanic-owned shops and restaurants, turning every meal and purchase into a win-win. 

Ready to experience Tucson’s rich Hispanic culture? From shopping at local businesses to savoring traditional dishes, Hispanic Heritage Month is the perfect time to celebrate Tucson’s diversity. And with Hughes Checking PLUS, you’ll save while supporting the businesses that make this city great. 

Learn more at HughesFCU.org/PLUS and start celebrating today