La Tamalada Returns: Cantina la Martina & The Lighthouse Bring Tamales and Tradition to North Philly

Cantina la Martina is teaming up with community partner The Lighthouse to bring back their fourth annual La Tamalada on Sunday, February 1, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at 101 E. Erie Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19134. This vibrant, family-friendly festival celebrates tamales, community, and Mexican cultural traditions, turning North Philly into a delicious destination for the day.

La Tamalada shines a spotlight on local street vendors, each serving their own unique and flavorful tamales. Guests can taste their way through creations from Karla Torres and Ernesto Ventura of La Ingrata, Esteban Morales, Mariangeli Alicea Saez and Dionicio Jiménez of Cantina la Martina, Elvia Zavala of Mija Mexican Table, Carolina López of Delicias Carolina, Pablo E. Alicea, and Ana Montañez of Chef Ana’s Kitchen. Tamales will be available for $6 each, with food and drinks offered on a pay-as-you-go basis. Some vendors will be cash only, so guests are encouraged to come prepared with cash.

In addition to tamales, attendees can enjoy a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including atole, champurrado, tepache, and café de olla, courtesy of Cantina la Martina. At 2:00 PM, the heat turns up with a friendly tamale competition, where participating vendors will go head-to-head for top honors. Keeping the energy high all afternoon, DJ Cali Rumba will provide the soundtrack for the celebration.

This year’s festival is hosted by non-profit The Lighthouse, whose mission is to support families and strengthen quality of life through educational, cultural, and social programs. Their expansive outdoor space offers a warm, welcoming setting for La Tamalada, with on-site parking available for $10 and plenty of room for families to relax and play. Activities from The Lighthouse will include games, artisan vendors, hayrides, barrel rides, and a petting zoo featuring horses, goats, pigs, and more—perfect for kids and adults alike.

La Tamalada also honors La Candelaria, a Mexican tradition that marks the close of the holiday season and is closely tied to Rosca de Reyes, where the person who finds the figurine in the bread hosts tamales and atole for loved ones. What began as a family gathering has now grown into a community-wide celebration that keeps culture and connection alive in Philadelphia.

“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!”

This event marks Cantina la Martina’s first appearance back in Philadelphia since closing their Kensington location in November 2025, and they are excited to reconnect with neighbors, friends, and the community through this special celebration. Guests are reminded that La Tamalada is an outdoor event, so dressing warmly and comfortably is encouraged.

For updates on the event, follow @cantina.la.martina.philly.