Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces celebrates return of Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada on Aug. 21, 2021

All veterans are encouraged to attend so they can participate in the traditional group photo and receive their veterans recognition certificates.

FLAGSTAFF — To celebrate and recognize Flagstaff’s Hispanic roots, Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces invites the public to attend its sixth annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklorico Festival” from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 224 S. Kendrick St., Flagstaff.

The event is FREE, open to the public and has drawn upwards of 400 visitors in past years.

What is a Tardeada? It’s a vibrant afternoon festival and social dance celebrating Flagstaff’s Hispanic culture and community history. The Coconino County Board of Supervisors is the premier sponsor.

The festival’s goal is to celebrate the legacy of Flagstaff’s Hispanic culture through entertainment, music, dance, art, food and exhibits. All veterans are encouraged to to attend so they can participate in the traditional group photo and receive their veterans recognition certificates.

The entertainment stage will feature Mariachi Herencia de Cuco Del Cid from Tucson, Ballet Folklorico de Colores – Flagstaff and dance music to conclude the celebration from Nueva Vibra from Tucson

A raffle. Mexican and regular barbeque food will be 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.

So for locals and visitors, escape triple-digit temperatures in the rest of the state, bring your lawn chairs and canopies and enjoy the cooler mountain breezes of Northern Arizona.

A Mariachi Mass will be held at 8 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 22  at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.