SEE: • Food Adventures • The Cowboy

 

TUCSON'S CULTURAL MIX

Mexican, Indian and Anglo…
the Southwestern lifestyle

Tucson has a rich cultural heritage with a mixed population that provides a fitting location for a major university. Spanish, Mexican and Native American influences. Tucson's history and traditions span centuries of habitation from prehistoric Indian cultures to recent immigrants.

The early Tucson inhabitants roamed the area hunting mammoth and bison between 12,500 and 6,000 B.C. Later the Hohokam lived in the area from around AD 600 to 1450. Spanish missionaries arrived in the late 1600s, hoping to convert subjects for the king, and discovered the Indian village S-tukson ("black base"). In 1775, the Spanish built an outpost, the Presidio of San Augustin in what is now downtown Tucson.

 

 
   

Spanish And Mexican Culture Goes Back to The
Arrivals of Europeans in the late 1700s

Over 35% of Tucson's population is Mexican. There are festivals throughout the year including one of the largest Mariachi Festivals in the country.

The Tucson International Mariachi Conference is one the largest conferences for mariachi bands in the United States. The conference has been held in southern Arizona for the past 32 years and showcases more than 500 elementary- college leveled mariachi groups.

Breaking from the past
Many female mariachi bands have formed recently in Tucson, breaking from the mold of the past.

 

 

 

 

 

Homemade piñatas for sale, ready for the next party

 


FOOD AND DINING, FROM MEXICO TO ITALY...

Tucson’s dining scene reflects its desert heritage and cultural blend, offering everything from Sonoran Mexican and Southwestern dishes to American comfort food, Southern fusion, and popular Italian cuisine. Distinctive Native American fare and innovative craft cocktail bars and brewpubs further define this “culinary capital,” renowned for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients and vibrant atmosphere.

Food With A View

Dining under the mountains, Tucson Arizona

A mountain backdrop, a meal in a desert setting

Mexican seafood treat...

The city has many traditional Mexican restaurants offering everything from street tacos to classic dishes.

 

Looking for the unusual?

Tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas are what most people think of as Mexican food—but Tucson serves up something different, too. The city is home to numerous seafood restaurants where fresh, flavorful dishes take center stage. From zesty ceviche and tender octopus to hearty soups and vibrant seafood cocktails, these local favorites offer a delicious twist on traditional Mexican cuisine that’s hard to find anywhere else.

 

Seafood soup

Chile display at a local market, pick your flavor.

Grilled onions, perfect with tacos.

Street taco stands dotted
throughout the city.

Chile rellnos, stuffed with spiced pork.

A Mariache band allways adds to the flavor.

Huevos con frijoles, a favorite for breakfast.

MARIACHI RESTAURANTS AND MEXICAN STREET FOOD

With nearly 40% of Tucson’s population identifying as Mexican, the city’s food scene overflows with authentic flavor. From sizzling street tacos to hearty regional dishes, Tucson offers some of the best Mexican food north of the border. The real gems, though, are often found south of Broadway, where family-run stands and neighborhood spots serve recipes passed down for generations. If you live on the north side, don’t hesitate to make the trip—because once you taste the tacos, you’ll know it was worth every mile.

Mexican Street food Tucson

Mexican seafood

Local seafood restaurants follow the tradition of featuring murals featuring ocean themes.

Tamales fresh from the steamer

Mexican classics
Fresh green chilies tomatos limes and garlic and Roasting Chilies
Fresh green chilies are roasted to remove tough skins and develop flavor.


Chicken encheladas, the all time favorite.

 

EL VAQUERO…The Mexican Cowboy

A tradition that influenced the origin of cowboys

The cowboy... the quintessential symbol or legend in the American Southwest
where there is little as powerful than that of the cowboy…

 

LA FIESTA DE LOS VAQUEROS

A Tucson Tradition
Since 1925

Every February , more than 200,000 people enjoy the western-themed floats and buggies, historic horse-drawn coaches, festive Mexican folk dancers, marching bands and outfitted riders. The route begins at Park Avenue and Ajo Way, continues south to Irvington Road, then west on Irvington Road to South 6th Avenue

More Information

Tucson rodio rider
At the LA FIESTA DE LOS VAQUEROS Tucson