Explore Hispanic Culture in Tri‑Cities

The Tri-Cities is known throughout the Pacific Northwest as an exceptional destination to explore the Heart of Washington Wine Country, river recreation (the Tri-Cities is the premier hydroplane racing destination in all of the United States, after all!), STEM attractions and sun-filled days.

However, one of the best kept secrets is the thriving and vibrant Hispanic culture that is present throughout the region, but Downtown Pasco celebrates Hispanic heritage with festivals, events and activities not found anywhere else.

Downtown Pasco is a colorful reflection of the Tri-Cities’ Hispanic population with shops featuring elaborate dresses for quinceañeras (a girl’s introduction into society and entrance into adulthood), guayaberas (traditional formal wear for men), festive jewelry, décor and, maybe most importantly, delicious food. And one of the best ways to explore the many tasty options is with the Pasco Taco Crawl!

Each April Downtown Pasco invites taco fiends enthusiasts to check out the goods at taco hot spots in search of the tastiest taco. For a mere $35, taco crawlers receive a booklet filled with tickets for one taco at 20 different restaurants and taco trucks throughout Downtown Pasco. Taco tasters then vote for their favorite taco purveyor. The crawl culminates in a celebration of Hispanic culture with salsa dancing and salsa samples along with live music, Mexican eats, and even horse dancing at the Cinco de Mayo Celebration where the winning taco purveyor is announced! *The 2023 Pasco Taco Crawl is being held April 21 – May 6, ending with the Cinco de Mayo Celebration May 5-7.

Colima-Pasco Friendship & Collaboration Association (COPA) was created to promote mutual understanding and the sharing of cultural diversity among the people in the communities of Pasco and the state of Colima, Mexico. The Association is an effective multi-cultural organization building and promoting friendship and collaboration. COPA hosts community events each year celebrating the culture and arts in our area that visitors and residents can enjoy in the city of Pasco; a city estimated to have nearly 40 percent of its Hispanic population tied to the state of Colima.

Events Celebrating Hispanic Culture

Throughout the year, the Tri-Cities hosts a variety of events that highlight art, history and more!

The Public Market at Columbia River Warehouse hosts cultural shopping evenings with live music, food, drinks & shopping for Cinco de Mayo and Dia de la Independencia (Mexican Independence Day).

Every Saturday, May through October, the Mercado in Downtown Pasco’s Peanuts Park hosts one of Washington’s best farmers’ markets. The Mercado is packed with vendors offering produce, tamales, artisan products, food trucks, music and more! (Pro tip: Viera’s Bakery, a favorite local panaderia, is adjacent to the Mercado, serving fresh baked sugar shells and giant donuts.)

The Mariachi & More Festival in June offers traditional Mexican entertainment with the sounds of top Northwest mariachi bands, local bands, authentic Mexican food, and children’s activities.

Anyone who appreciates the hotter things in life is invited to indulge in Downtown Pasco’s Fiery Foods Festival. Every September Downtown Pasco welcomes visitors to experience a combination of bold flavors, exciting cultures, a celebration of food, fun, and music.

Photo Credit: The Bradley

Photo Credit: Public Market at Columbia River Warehouse

Fiery Food Festival

Cinco de Mayo Festival

Tri-IDEAs is a program exploring and celebrating Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility through tourism in the Tri-Cities.

At Visit Tri-Cities, we believe travel is transformative on multiple levels. Exploring new destinations exposes us to different ideas, cultures, history, heritages and people. Through Tri-IDEAs, Visit Tri-Cities will connect with local business owners, community leaders, event organizers, residents and more to highlight, share and celebrate the diversity of the Tri-Cities that can be experienced through travel and tourism activities.

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