Honor Tempe's Hispanic heritage at the 26th annual Tempe Tardeada on Sunday, Oct. 6, from noon to 8 p.m. at the Tempe Community Complex, 3500 S. Rural Road.

The city invites residents to check out traditional dances, singing and mariachis at the 26th annual Tempe Tardeada, an opportunity for attendees to take part in arts and crafts, tortilla-making demonstrations and face painting. 

A tardeada is a festival that takes place on a Sunday afternoon, a traditional time for many Hispanic families to come together, a city release explained. Tempe’s Tardeada highlights local food, dancing, singing and family to celebrate the historical significance of Hispanics within our community.

 "This festival recognizes the Hispanic people who came here and where the barrios were where ASU stands today. These were all farmers who lived here," Normalicia Blanco, whose family has helped organize the event since its beginning, said in the release.

Tempe Tardeada is the city’s key event that takes place during Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. 

“Hispanic Heritage Month provides us with a lifelong opportunity to learn and celebrate the diverse, beautiful, rich, and significant cultures, histories, and traditions of Spanish-speaking and Latino people,” Dr. Velicia Humes, Tempe Chief Diversity Officer, said in the release.

Learn about Tempe’s Hispanic heritage by checking out the Tempe History Museum’s Family Albums exhibition. There will also be refreshments from local food trucks.

For more about Tempe Tardeada, including an event schedule, visit tempe.gov/tardeada.