The Region’s Top Tamale Makers Will Compete to Be Crowned at Cantina La Martina’s 4th Annual La Tamalada

Who doesn’t love a great tamale? Well, Cantina la Martina’s and The Lighthouse are collaborating to host the 4th Annual La Tamalada, taking place on February 1, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at The Lighthouse located at 101 E. Erie Avenue..

This vibrant, family-friendly festival honors the Mexican tradition of La Tamalada, a communal gathering centered around making and sharing tamales—while also celebrating La Candelaria, which marks the close of the holiday season. Traditionally tied to Rosca de Reyes, the custom holds that whoever finds the figurine in the cake hosts tamales and atole for loved ones. What began as an intimate family ritual has grown into a joyful, community-wide celebration.

Hosted on The Lighthouse’s expansive outdoor grounds, La Tamalada brings together some of the region’s most talented cooks and chefs, each offering their own spin on this beloved dish. Tamales will be available for $6 each, with all food and beverages offered on a pay-as-you-go basis. Guests are encouraged to bring cash, as some vendors will be cash-only. On-site parking will be available for $10.

Featured Tamale Vendors Include:

• Karla Torres & Ernesto Ventura of La Ingrata

• Esteban Morales

• Mariangeli Alicea Saez of Cantina la Martina

• Elvia Zavala of Mija Mexican Table

• Carolina López of Delicias Carolina

• Dionicio Jiménez of Cantina la Martina

• Pablo E. Alicea

• Ana Montañez of Chef Ana’s Kitchen

Alongside tamales, Cantina la Martina will offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day, including atole, champurrado, tepache, and café de olla.

At 2:00 PM, participating vendors will go head-to-head in a tamale competition, with awards presented to the top entries. Music will keep the energy high all afternoon courtesy of DJ Cali Rumba.

True to its community-focused mission, The Lighthouse will host a full slate of family-friendly activities, including:

• Games and artisan vendors

• Hayrides and barrel rides

• A petting zoo featuring horses, goats, pigs, and more

“The Lighthouse does such important work supporting our friends and neighbors in Kensington and beyond, and their values are ones we deeply share,” said Mariangeli Alicea Saez, co-owner of Cantina la Martina. “This year’s La Tamalada allows us to continue showing up for our old neighborhood by collaborating with an organization that has consistently been there for the community for more than 100 years. Plus, it’s going to be a very fun, delicious, family-friendly day.”

The 2026 La Tamalada also marks Cantina la Martina’s first public event back in Philadelphia since closing its Kensington location in November, making the day both a homecoming and a heartfelt celebration of shared history, culture, and community.

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