As pioneers in the fast-growing taco and music festival scene, we have a pretty critical eye when it comes to other people's events, so when we read the lineup for Tropicália, we knew right away that the crew from the Observatory was onto something special.
The festival, which is on the weekend of November 11th, has a completely stacked musical lineup, boasting heavyweights Los Tigres Del Norte(!!) Cafe Tacvba, Kali Uchis, and local heroes Chicano Batman at the top of the lineup, assorted legends like Madlib, Sonora Dinamita, Brenton Woods, and the Delphonics, along with interesting undercard featuring Thee Commons, Very Be Careful, and Chrome Sparks. Listen to the music of Tropicália with their Spotify Playlist.
But this is not just a music festival, it's also a serious taco event, and one that the promoters have clearly put a lot of time into-- often we see taco events that have a couple of good vendors and don't really pay attention to the balance and composition of the taco lineup. At Tropicália, tacos are free until 4pm, and just like the musical acts the taco lineup is a home run. Let's take a look at some of the options...
Carnitas El Momo -- quite simply, the best carnitas in LA.
Dia de los Puercos--- these guys started with a truck, got a brick and mortar, and now do a mixture of classic recipes and alta California. Be prepared for something both familiar and unusual.
Calo Provisions-- Chef Ted Montoya has been popping up all over LA, blowing people away with his unique recipes, and completely dominating the taco scene at the weekly Smorgasburg event.
Burritos La Palma-- the runner-up in Taco Madness 2017, these savory burritos are highly addictive. Make sure you get right back in line after you get one because you're going to want another.
Mariscos Jalisco-- OK at this point if you've never tried a MJ taco, we don't know what's wrong with you, but for the sake of argument, say you haven't. No words here need to be written, just arrive at the festival, get in line and prepare to be blown away. Make sure to get some Salsa Sinaloa on top, too.
Taqueria la Venganza-- For the vegetarians and vegans out there, you will be loving these tacos-- creative, flavorful, and delicious, the crew from Venganza has been making new fans all over LA and the Bay wherever they pop up.
There are many more tacos available at the festival, check the full lineup below. Looking for tickets? They are available here.
Artist Lineup (Alphabetical Order):
Alina Baraz
Banes World
Beach Bums
Brenton Wood
Buttertones
Buyepongo
Café Tacvba
Celso Piña
Chicano Batman
Chrome Sparks (DJ Set)
Chulity Vinly Club
Cuco
Current Joys
Dub Cub
Evelyn “Champagne” King
Funky Sole
Ginuwine
Goldlink
High Curbs
Inner Wave
Ivy Queen
Jack Moves
Jeanette
Jhené Aiko
Jessie Reyez
Jorja Smith
Kali Uchis
King Rule
La Banda Skalavera
Las Cafeteras
Los Tigres Del Norte
Low End Theory
Madlibe
Os Mutantes
Phoney Ppl
Pity Party
Red Pears
Sad Girl
Sango
Scam & Jam
Slow Hollows
Smino
Sonora Dinamita
Summer Salt
Surf Curse
The Delfonics
Thee Commons
Very Be Careful
Weapons of Mass Creation
Wanda Jackson
XXYYXX
Yellow Days
