The Fiesta de Tumacácori is held annually at Tumacácori National Monument, south of Tucson. The fiesta commemorates the first Mass held by Father Kino in January 1691 in the churchtumacacori_1 he dedicated to San Cayetano. The first of these commemorations was held on December 12, 1965 to celebrate the 275th anniversary.

The Nogales Knights of Columbus started the fiesta for a restricted number of persons, but because it was so well received over the years, it became a popular event in 1971. Since that time it has been known as the Fiesta de Tumacácori and is celebrated on the first weekend of December with attendance growing year by year.

danzatoriFor a few days many cultures gather here, including Tohono O’odham (Pima/Papago)), Yaqui, and Apache — all Mexican and Southwestern tribes that historically were and still are connected with the upper Santa Cruz Valley of southern Arizona.

La Fiesta de Tumacácori presents the traditional creations of these cultures annually on the first Saturday and Sunday of December. The fiesta features food and crafts shops, live entertainment, and opportunities for children’s activities on each day. This year the program starts on Saturday, Dec 1st, at 10:00 A.M. and runs until 5:00 P.M. The Sunday Mass, at 10:00 A.M. is always preceded by a traditional procession. The Mass is often celebrated by the bishop of Tucson or Hermosillo.

For more information visit the San Cayetano de Tumacácori Mission WEB site