10 of the Best Tamale Street Vendors Will Compete at the 2nd Annual La Tamalada

Love tamales? Here’s your chance to enjoy amazing tamales, many of which you have never tasted before. We’re talking local street vendors using family recipes as well as rare tamales only found in small towns in Mexico.

It’s all going down on February 4th from 11 am to 4 pm at Catina La Martina located at located at 2800 D Street. La Tamalada will feature 10 local Latino vendors all selling their tamales and they keep 100% of the sales.

“Our mission is to promote small Latino entrepreneurs in our community while celebrating La Candelaria, a Mexican celebration of the official closure of the holiday season,” said Cantina la Martina’s Chef/owner Dionicio Jimenez, who was recently nominated by the James Beard Foundation as Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic for the 2023 awards. “It is also ‘payback day’ for those who found a figurine in their portion of the Day of Kings cake from yesterday as this person is obligated to host a party of atole and tamales for all their family and friends. We’ve turned that party amongst family and friends into a big celebration, and we’re inviting the entire community,” Chef Jimenez adds

At 3pm there will be a tamale contest with celebrity judges that will present awards in various categories. In addition to the tamales, guests will get to enjoy specialty drinks from Cantina la Martina.

This event is cash only so please bring cash to purchase your tamales from the vendors (there is an ATM if needed).
This event will take place outside in their heated tent. Regular brunch service will be available inside the restaurant.