Tucson, AZ -- The 52nd annual Fiesta at Tumacácori National Historical Park will take place Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, December 8, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free. La Fiesta de Tumacácori is a celebration of all the cultures which have lived in and influenced the historical Santa Cruz River Valley. The two-day event will feature Native American, Mexican, and Southwest food, crafts, and performances. A multicultural Catholic Mass will be celebrated in front of the historic Tumacácori Mission church on Sunday morning, led by Bishop Edward Weisenburger, of the Tucson Diocese.

 

Local non-profit historical, cultural, environmental, and religious organizations will be selling food and hand-crafted items. On the main stage, there will be all-day, continuous entertainment, featuring a variety of dance and music groups representing many cultural traditions. Visitors can enjoy traditional craft demonstrations throughout the festival. Guided tours of the mission will be available both days, as well as guided walks to the Santa Cruz River. In the hands-on “Discovery Corner,” there will be family-friendly activities including piñata breaking and nature-based games.

 

Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m., a procession begins in front of the visitor center, leading through the fiesta grounds and ending in front of the mission church. The multicultural Catholic Mass begins when the procession arrives, approximately 10:30 a.m. Please note that no photos are permitted during the procession or mass, or while sacred dances are being performed. (“NO PHOTOS” signs will be posted prominently at restricted times and locations.)

 

Only service animals are allowed on the mission grounds or fiesta grounds. Tumacácori’s Anza Trailhead is closed to equestrian access during the fiesta.

 

Tumacácori National Historical Park is located 45 miles south of Tucson and 15 miles north of Nogales. Take exit 29 from I-19 and follow the signs. For information, call the Tumacácori visitor center, (520) 377-5060.

 

A tentative stage schedule for La Fiesta de Tumacácori follows. Updates will be posted on the park’s website at nps.gov/tuma/planyourvisit/fiesta.htm.

 

Saturday, December 7, 2024

9:45            Blessing and opening of the 52nd Tumacácori Fiesta

10:00          Abya Yala Dancers from Magdalena de Kino, Mexico

11:00         TBD

12:00         Grupo de Danza Folklorica Mexicayotl & Grupo de Danza Mexica Mexicayotl from Mexicayotl Academy in Nogales

1:00            Mariachi Las Aguilitas from Davis Elementary School in Tucson

2:00            Mariachi Valenzuela from Tucson

3:00            Grupo Folklorico Miztontli from the University of Arizona

4:00            Desert Sky Winds waila band from San Xavier

 

Sunday, December 8, 2024

10:00           Procession, with Mass following in front of the church at approximately 10:30

11:00           Wa:k Tab Basket Dancers from San Xavier

12:00           Mariachi Alegre from Tucson

 1:00            Orbita Musical from Rio Rico

 2:00            Danza Cultura Mexicana from Tucson

 3:00            Gertie and the TO Boyz waila band from San Xavier

 

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