LUCHA LIBRE
EWF was founded in 1996 by Bill Anderson and Jesse Hernandez. The name comes from the Inland Empire, the popular name for the Riverside – San Bernardino area.
Its first show was in May 1996 at the Boys and Girls Club of San Bernardino as Bobby Bradley defeated Tom “Zuma” Howard to become the first EWF Heavyweight Champion. In 1999, Bill Anderson left the EWF and formed his own promotion and wrestling school while Jesse Hernandez carried on with the Empire Wrestling Federation.
Several EWF wrestlers from the past have gone on to national fame, including Rico Constantino, Awesome Kong, Louie Spicolli, Frankie Kazarian, Christopher Daniels, Shelly Martinez and Melina Perez. Other pro wrestling stars have made appearance at EWF shows including Mando Guerrero, Peter Maivia, Ludvig Borga, The Honky Tonk Man, Tony Atlas and Tom Brandi.
EWF is celebrating 29 years of entertaining and promoting wrestling in the Inland Empire. The Riverside Tamale Festival is proud to have them perform each year and consider EWF part of the Festival “familia”.
FOLKLORICO
Folklórico is the Spanish-language word for folkloric. Folklórico is a type of dance, music, and costume which highlights several Mexican cultures. Some believe Spanish conquerors brought dance when they invaded Mexico.
However, the indigenous peoples of Mexico already had dance and music traditions. The Riverside Tamale Festival is proud to present local folklorico groups representing various regions of Mexico as well as Indigenous dancers.
TUNES, DANCES, AND CULTURES COLLIDE AT OUR RIVERSIDE TAMALE FESTIVAL!
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and ignite your senses at the Riverside Tamale Festival! Join us for a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and culinary delights. Indulge in a tantalizing array of savory and sweet tamales crafted by local artisans, each bite bursting with tradition and flavor. Immerse yourself in live music, dance performances, and thrilling entertainment that will keep the festivities alive all day long. Whether you’re a tamale aficionado or simply looking for a day of fun, the Riverside Tamale Festival promises an unforgettable experience for all ages. Come savor the flavors, feel the rhythm, and make lasting memories with friends and family at this exciting annual event.
LUCHA LIBRE
EWF was founded in 1996 by Bill Anderson and Jesse Hernandez. The name comes from the Inland Empire, the popular name for the Riverside – San Bernardino area.
Its first show was in May 1996 at the Boys and Girls Club of San Bernardino as Bobby Bradley defeated Tom “Zuma” Howard to become the first EWF Heavyweight Champion. In 1999, Bill Anderson left the EWF and formed his own promotion and wrestling school while Jesse Hernandez carried on with the Empire Wrestling Federation.
Several EWF wrestlers from the past have gone on to national fame, including Rico Constantino, Awesome Kong, Louie Spicolli, Frankie Kazarian, Christopher Daniels, Shelly Martinez and Melina Perez. Other pro wrestling stars have made appearance at EWF shows including Mando Guerrero, Peter Maivia, Ludvig Borga, The Honky Tonk Man, Tony Atlas and Tom Brandi.
EWF is celebrating 29 years of entertaining and promoting wrestling in the Inland Empire. The Riverside Tamale Festival is proud to have them perform each year and consider EWF part of the Festival “familia”.
**Entertainment Schedule Subject to Change**
Please note that while we strive to provide the most up-to-date and accurate entertainment schedule for the festival, unforeseen circumstances may require adjustments. Acts may be added, rescheduled, or canceled at any time. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we work to deliver the best possible experience for all attendees. Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for the latest updates and announcements regarding the entertainment lineup. Thank you for your support and enthusiasm for the festival!
STORIES
Y
CUENTAS
COURTESY OF THE INLANDIA INSTITUTE
Hear Vibrant multicultural stories by authors from the region. Stories presented on the hour at 12 PM, 1 PM, 2 PM, 3 PM, and 4 PM
Vilayvanh Bender
Immigrated to America with her family as a young Vietnam War refugee. Entering the United States without speaking English, her first goal was to become fluent in this new language. Mommy Eats Fried Grasshoppers is a story of Vilayvanh’s childhood in Laos vs. her daughter Mahlee’s life in the United States. The book illustrates Mahlee learning how differently Mommy did things in Laos than she does in America. Mahlee loves doing everything with Mommy, but will she eat fried grasshoppers? The award-winning book has reached and delighted readers across the globe. It made history by being the first Lao-American picture book ever published in Southern California.
José Chávez
Born in New Mexico and raised in Venice, California, he is the author of Nopales y Estrellitos: Little Stars and Cactus, a bilingual poetry collection for children. He holds a master’s degree in ESL and his poetry has appeared in the Multilingual Educator Journal. José resides in Moreno Valley, California, with his wife and calico cat.
Carmen Gutierrez
Carmen was born and raised in the mountain town of Comerio, in the most beautiful island paradise of Puerto Rico. She moved to California when she married into the military. She lives in Southern California. Her passion for writing was inspired by her daughters. Carmen is the author of The Adventure of Yula.
Jocelyn Yow
Jocelyn has over a decade of experience in politics and has worked at all levels of government in the United States. She won her election for Eastvale City Council in Riverside County with a forty-point margin at the age of twenty-three, and at the age of twenty-five, she became the youngest woman of color to serve as mayor of a California city. She has received awards and recognition for her work in public service and was featured on various news outlets: Yahoo Finance, The Hill, Ms. Magazine, PBS, CalMatters, ABC7, Spectrum News, among others. She is the author of the children’s picture book, Voting with Mommy. Jocelyn currently resides in Eastvale, California, with her son, Kayden.
STORIES Y CUENTAS
Courtesy of the Inlandia Institute, Hear Vibrant multicultural stories by authors from the region. Stories presented on the hour at 12 PM, 1 PM, 2 PM, 3 PM, and 4 PM
Vilayvanh Bender
Immigrated to America with her family as a young Vietnam War refugee. Entering the United States without speaking English, her first goal was to become fluent in this new language. Mommy Eats Fried Grasshoppers is a story of Vilayvanh’s childhood in Laos vs. her daughter Mahlee’s life in the United States. The book illustrates Mahlee learning how differently Mommy did things in Laos than she does in America. Mahlee loves doing everything with Mommy, but will she eat fried grasshoppers? The award-winning book has reached and delighted readers across the globe. It made history by being the first Lao-American picture book ever published in Southern California.
José Chávez
Born in New Mexico and raised in Venice, California, he is the author of Nopales y Estrellitos: Little Stars and Cactus, a bilingual poetry collection for children. He holds a master’s degree in ESL and his poetry has appeared in the Multilingual Educator Journal. José resides in Moreno Valley, California, with his wife and calico cat.
Carmen Gutierrez
Carmen was born and raised in the mountain town of Comerio, in the most beautiful island paradise of Puerto Rico. She moved to California when she married into the military. She lives in Southern California. Her passion for writing was inspired by her daughters. Carmen is the author of The Adventure of Yula.
Jocelyn Yow
Jocelyn has over a decade of experience in politics and has worked at all levels of government in the United States. She won her election for Eastvale City Council in Riverside County with a forty-point margin at the age of twenty-three, and at the age of twenty-five, she became the youngest woman of color to serve as mayor of a California city. She has received awards and recognition for her work in public service and was featured on various news outlets: Yahoo Finance, The Hill, Ms. Magazine, PBS, CalMatters, ABC7, Spectrum News, among others. She is the author of the children’s picture book, Voting with Mommy. Jocelyn currently resides in Eastvale, California, with her son, Kayden.
BOOKS BY OUR FEATURED AUTHORS!
BOOKS BY OUR FEATURED AUTHORS!