Long Beach, CA — With festival season-ending, music and taco festival Tropicália ended it with a bang. Held at historic Queen Mary Events Park in Long Beach, lovers of Latin music and culture gathered for the experience of a lifetime. The sold-out event played host to all-you-can-eat tacos and an outstanding list of musical performers ranging from headliner Kali Uchis to Reggaeton royalty, Ivy Queen.
The festival’s name is embedded in Latin history — In honor of the cultural revolution that took place in Brazil starting in the 1960s, Tropicalia was a response to military dictatorship and a counter-cultural statement. After ending in 1972, most associated the radical movement exclusively with music.
Hosted by East LA native Felipe Esparza, known for his raw, real-life comedy, Felipe drew a great number to the sold-out event from social media. The free food ended at 4 PM but attendees were able to fill up on delicious foods from over a dozen vendors.
Tropicalia Music & Taco Festival, Long Beach, CA 11.11.17 | Photo Credit: Edgar Medina (@macksimo)
Weeks before its debut, festival organizers announced a few more names to the roster. Names including Penny a.k.a Jhene Aiko and UK songstress Jorja Smith. The family-friendly event included performances by Alina Baraz, Buyepongo, Cuco, The Delfonics, Ginuwine, GoldLink, Wanda Jackson, King Krule, Madlib, Os Mutantes, Thee Commons, Sango, La Sonora Dinamita, Surf Curse, Brenton Wood, and many more.
Performers showcased their passion for their culture by highlighting its greatness. During Mexican rock band Cafe Tacuba’s performance, lead singer Rubén Albarrán acknowledged pre-hispanic language and its influence on today’s music. Festival-goers were able to surf through three stages ranging with sounds from Dubstep to Contemporary R&B.
Tropicalia Music & Taco Festival, Long Beach, CA 11.11.17 | Photo Credit: Edgar Medina (@macksimo)
Check out our favorite highlights from Tropicália below!
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