from the press release
Tucson, Ariz— Fall season is in full swing at the Mercado San Agustin beginning this month with two outstanding events: the 2nd Annual Porktober competition on Saturday, October 18th, and the Carnaval de Calaveras on October 27th.
October is National Pork Month, so this is our annual salute to swine, the Porktober event is a delicious competition among some of Tucson’s top chefs, each featuring their favorite pork dish. Participating chefs to date include Tucson’s Iron Chef Ryan Clark, Jessica Kraus from Planet of the Crepes, Ramone Scavo from Pasco, Maria Mazon from Boca Tacos & Tequila, and Rudy Delgado from Taqueria el Pueblito.
Guests vote for their favorite dish as they taste their way around the Mercado, enjoying food, beverages and live music from the El Camino Royals. The winning chef with the best dish receives a custom made meat cleaver. Pork passes are $24 for 6 samplings or $5 per sample, if purchased individually. Passes can be purchased at the Mercado on the night of the event.
The Carnaval de Calavera on Sunday, October 27th marks the beginning of the days leading up to the All Souls procession in November. Performances begin at 1 pm with the CHISPA Foundation/Ballet Folklorico/Viva Performing Arts -featuring dancers in Dia De Los Muertos dress; Grupo Coatique will perform Native American dancing & drumming at 2pm; followed by Puppets Amongus at 3:15 with a Dia de los Muertos Puppet Show.
Tables/attractions will include Davis Bilingual School garden selling pumpkin pancakes to raise money for garden supplies; a craft table with Dia de los Muertos coloring books; La Estrella Bakery sugar skull decorating; Adela Antoinette Face Painting; Beads of Courage making strength bracelets, and more. This event is free to attend and benefits the All Souls Procession.
Mercado San Agustín, Tucson’s first and only public market, is located at Avenida del Convento and Congress Street (100 S. Avenida del Convento). The beautiful 15,000 square foot, green building, is part of Tucson’s expanding city center. Their independently owned businesses range from fine dining and cocktail establishments, unique gift shops, a bakery, coffee bar and more. The Mercado also features a shared-use, commercial kitchen, providing an opportunity for small business owners to prepare and package foods for retail as well as a weekly Farmers Market every Thursday from 4pm-7pm. Mercado San Agustín showcases the region’s uniqueness in hopes of being a public market that can only exist right here in Tucson, Arizona