3 Inspired Ladies Make History With 1st Tampa Taco Festival

TAMPA, FL -- Who doesn't love tacos? Three Tampa women hope to capitalize on people's devotion to stuffed cornmeal and flour tortillas by hosting the first Tampa Taco Festival Saturday, March 9 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Al Lopez Park, 4810 N. Himes Ave., Tampa.

Self-proclaimed taco connoisseurs Yisenia Abrahantes, Tatiana Lopez and Florimar Galdon said their mutual love of the versatile taco inspired them to organize the festival.

“Our goal is to make a solid contribution to this cultural boom going on in our city, and what better way to do so than by creating something special that everyone, from millennials to young parents to grandparents to kids of all ages can truly enjoy,” said Abrahantes, a Cuban-American entrepreneur with 10 years of advertising and marketing experience..

“It’s no secret America loves tacos, and our community is thriving with amazing spots to eat a great taco," said Galdon. "So why not bring all of these awesome, mostly family-owned, taco experts to one place so that people may try them all while listening to live music in an awesome outdoor atmosphere?"

The three organizers have recruited restaurants that specialize in tacos of all varieties -- traditional beef tacos, fish tacos, Asian-inspired tacos, you name it.

"It’s imperative that the event is authentic, which is why the event will be made up almost entirely of local small businesses,” said Florimar, a mother of two with more than 20 years of marketing experience. She currently is the marketing manager at Busch Gardens.

In addition to more than 30 restaurants, food trucks and taco carts serving their taco specialties, the free event will include a bar station serving margaritas, tequila flights, ice cold beer and sodas. Additionally, there will be live bands, DJs and traditional mariachi music. Dogs are welcome.

“We know it’s going to be a great event," said Abrahantes. "Vendors are excited. Sponsors have lined up to be a part of it. And most importantly, we’ve received overwhelming support for the event from locals through social media.”

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