I almost missed a great event at one of my favorite Arizona sites-Tumacacori! One of the early missions founded by Father Kino and now a National Historical Park, I can remember taking day trips there in the heat of the summer because it always seems cooler with the trees and fountain in the courtyard. The Anza Trail which was blazed to connect New Spain with California passes through the park on its way to San Francisco. You can follow the trail along the section of the San Pedro River near Tumacacori and Tubac. (there are Geocaches in the area) La Fiesta de Tumacacori celebrates the cultures which have lived in the Santa Cruz Valley through the centuries. There is always good music, dancing, great food and interesting things to learn and do. One year we made adobes, another we used yarn and sticks to create Ojo de Dios for our Christmas tree and yet another year I got a great recipe for pinto bean soup. Sunday there will be a traditional Mariachi Mass in front of the mission. This is a beautiful service no matter your religious affiliation.
La Fiesta is free.
While you're there you can stop by the Santa Cruz Chili Company-we never miss this place to stock up on herbs and spices. When my SIL comes from Ohio, this is always on her "must do" list.
So if you're looking for something to do on this glorious weekend, take a drive to Tumacacori.
If you don't want to drive south, you can visit the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun for La Fiesta de Guadalupe on Sunday, 12/7. This is a free family festival with mariachis, ballet folklorico, Yaqui deer dance ceremony, Las Posadas procession, regional food vendors and piñatas for the kids. They are requesting a Community Food Bank donation.
If you don't make it to the Gallery on Sunday, please take the opportunity to visit before you leave the Tucson area. It is a little gem tucked away in the Catalina foothills that used to be outside Tucson. The city has developed around it but the gallery remains an island of peace and beauty.
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