Date:
The old courtyard of the Mission Adobe, used for almost two centuries for celebrations and parties, comes alive with this Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks-sponsored fundraiser for the Santa Cruz Mission Adobe State Historic Park.
Scroll down to see the Schedule of Events.
Dancers twirl to the music of mariachi bands while chefs from all over Santa Cruz County vie for the honor of best mole—the intensely flavorful, often hot and sometimes sweet sauce native to Oaxaca. Tasting kits ($10) come with chips, napkins and rights to sample as much mole as you can handle. Beer, ice cream and other treats round out the culinary offerings, while demonstrations, games and music keep festivalgoers of all ages entertained.
Read about the 2013 and 2014 Mole & Mariachi Festivals.
Santa Cruz Mission Adobe State Historic Park, 144 School St, Santa Cruz. 11am-5pm. Entrance is free, tasting kits $10. View the Google map. You can ride a free trolley departing from the Locust/Cedar parking garage and Cedar/Church garage every 10-15 minutes, or walk; the staircase to the Mission is on Mission Street between Center and Chestnut.
SCHEDULE OF ENTERTAINMENT
11am: Mariachi Juvenil Alma de Mexico
11:30am: Mariachi Alma de Mexico
1pm: Mariachi Juvenil
1:15: Dancing: Estrellas de Esperanza
1:45pm: Trio del Sol
3pm: Mariachi Gilroy
3:15: Dancing: Estrellas de Esperanza
4:30pm: Dancing: Centeotl Grupo de Danza y Baile
4:50pm: Gran Final: Dancing for all
Pinatas — 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm
Tours of the Mission Adobe — 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 3:30pm
Raffle — 12:45pm, 2pm, 4pm, 4:45pm
People's Choice Mole Competition closes — 3pm
Mole Awards Ceremony — 4:20pm