Tempe Tardeada included a plethora of music and talent events. Photo illustration courtesy of Tony Reynoso.People eagerly lined up to wash their hands, ready to roll globs of dough into tortillas, couples danced to Latin music and children devoured raspados (snow cones). Spectators chowed down on authentic tacos de carne asada — not the pseudo-Mexican stuff a particular food chain would have you enjoy.
As for me: I sat in the ray of the hot sun, baby ants munching on my sandal-clad feet.
Many sights were seen and foods were eaten at last Sunday’s Tempe Tardeada, a diverse celebration of Hispanic culture held at the Tempe Community Complex. The annual event commemorates Hispanic Heritage Month.
A variety of entertainers performed for the audience. Folk dancers twirled their colorful, elaborately decorated skirts and stomped their little white boots on the ground to the sounds of mariachi music.
The Roping Reynosos teach children how to lasso. Photo courtesy of Tony Reynoso.Perhaps one of the most memorable groups that performed was Mariachi Corazon Latino. The band played songs ranging from traditional Mexican guapangos, rancheras and boleros to more contemporary songs like Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville.” They wore traditional black charro suits with botonadura plateada (silver chain-link buttons). Originally they had worn sombreros but later removed them due to the heat.
The Roping Reynosos, a family of ropers dressed in charro (Mexican cowboy) suits. A children’s book titled “Anthony Reynoso: Born to Rope” has been written about them. They entertained the crowd with their lassoing and even allowed children in the audience to try their hand at the craft. Good old Sparky the Sun Devil even joined them and could be seen cavorting around the merchant booths.
Other performers included the Frank Elementary School Choir, Marty and the Party and Power Drive Band.
Overall, Tempe Tardeada was an enjoyable event that depicted many facets of Hispanic culture. Through the day, there was a plethora of Hispanic bands and even a guest appearance from ASU's mascot, Sparky.
Do you know of any interesting art, entertainment or crafts you’d like me to cover? Tweet me at @DamianoAlec or email me at Alec.Damiano@asu.edu. To see some of my artwork, click here.
