There is no greater feeling than unwrapping the corn husk that carefully secures the warm and steamy masa of a tamale. There are options for everyone: red-chili pork, chicken, green chile and corn, and even cinnamon and raisins.

Try something new at the 17th annual Tucson Tamal & Heritage Festival at the Casino del Sol’s AVA Amphitheatre on Saturday, Dec. 3. The free event has become a Tucson tradition, kicking off the holidays in the Southwest.

Known for hosting over 10,000 attendees, the event presents participants with tamale taste tests, as well as other foods to try such as fry bread, tacos and burritos just to name a few. The festival will also have local entertainment including Mariachi music and Tejano acts, Pascua Yaqui Tribe cultural dancers, folklorico performances and Aztec dancers.