Free event draws large crowd who enjoyed a variety of musical entertainment, food, raffles, a variety of arts & crafts booths, a classic car show and a celebration of local veterans

FLAGSTAFF — Typical Flagstaff Summer weather — bright and hot sunshine mixed with sudden downpours of Monsoon rains — failed to deter a large crowd of local residents and visitors from attending the 11th annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklórico Festival” presented on Aug. 1, 2026 by Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces.

The annual event, designed to celebrate and recognize Flagstaff’s Hispanic roots, drew over 400 people to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

The event opened with the welcoming by Nuestras Raíces President Lydia Anaya and Coconino County District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez (video clip), an introduction of the community car show by Jesse Rodriguez and the preview of the veterans recognition program by Armando Gonzales and Frank Moraga.

The entertainment event kicked off with the music of Ruben Hernandez, followed by a dance performance by Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff (video clip), the return of the all-female Mariachi Rubor. The ever-popular New Destiny closed out the event with a spirited performance that had the crowd dancing until dusk.

What is a Tardeada? It’s a vibrant afternoon festival and social dance celebrating Flagstaff’s Hispanic culture and community history.

The festival’s goal is to celebrate the legacy of Flagstaff’s Hispanic culture through entertainment, music, dance, art, food and exhibits.

Besides entertainment, the free event also featured the popular recognition of all veterans by members of Flagstaff Raíces, which included a group photo, along with the unveiling of two more banners recognizing living veterans and those who have passed on.

The event also included a car show by local residents, a variety of arts, crafts and food vendors, a raffle, a back-to-school giveaway, with Mexican and regular barbeque food sold as a fundraiser for the Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces’ Cultural Heritage Fund.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church is a significant historic site because it was the pride and centerpiece of the Hispanic community when it was built in the late 1920s by Flagstaff Hispanic pioneer families, who had strong bonds to the church.

The Tardeada concluded with a Mariachi Mass held Sunday, Aug. 2 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

For more information on future events, visit www.flagstaffnuestrasraices.org or send an email to president@flagstaffnuestrasraices.org or info@flagstaffnuestrasraices.org

SEE MORE PHOTOS AT WWW.AMIGOSNAZ.COM