Delta Tamale Fest Wins Award

The Delta Hot Tamale Festival beat out other contenders like the Beignet Festival in New Orleans and the Boston Pizza Festival for the top spot. The "Hot Tamale Capital of the World," Greenville, MS, celebrates its signature dish with this annual event. The festival, held annually the third weekend of October, brings over 20,000 visitors and generates over $6 million for Greenville and surrounding communities. It has grown into a three-day event featuring live music, cooking contests, and arts and crafts vendors. The festival began in 2012, inspired by Valerie Rankin, Anne Martin Vetrano, and Betty Lynn Cameron. It honors the Delta-style hot tamale, a dish with African, Italian, and Native American influences. The 2026 festival is scheduled for October 16-17. It will include a welcome dinner, live music, and the Flavors of the Festival tour.