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Tubac Festival of the Arts. Every February the Tubac Chamber of Commerce is proud to sponsor the Tubac Festival of the Arts. The major event of the year for Tubac showcases the work of hundreds of visiting artists, craftpersons and musicians from around the country and Canada. Painters and sculptors share the streets with whimsical sculptures and New Age music, and the food court brings a delightful variety of ethnic treats.  For more information, call the Tubac Chamber at (520) 398-2704 or visit their website at www.tubacaz.com.

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Art Walk (Tubac). Enjoy a walking tour of Tubac's galleries and studios. For more information, call the Tubac Chamber at (520) 398-2704 or visit their website at www.tubacaz.com.

Mariachi Festival (Patagonia Lake State Park). Live Mariachi music at the lake with great food. Call Patagonia Lake State Park at (520) 287-6965. www.patagoniaaz.com.

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Tumacacori's Historic High Mass (Tumacacori). A traditional Catholic mass with all participants dressed in 18th century costumes. Reservations are required. Call the Tumacacori National Historical Park at (520) 398-2341.

Blessing of the Vineyards (Elgin). The oldest wine festival in Arizona features tours of Sonoita Vineyards. Call Sonoita Vineyards at (520) 455-5893.www.patagoniaaz.com.

Moro de Cumpas & Santa Cruz County Horse Races (Sonoita). Features thoroughbred and quarter horse racing at the Sonoita Fairgrounds.Community Fair and exhibition as well as live entertainment. Call the Sonoita Fairgrounds at (520) 455-5553.www.patagoniaaz.com.

Charles Mingus Jazz Festival (Nogales). Charles Mingus was born April 22nd 1922 in Nogales, AZ. His father was part of the Buffalo Soldiers based atCamp Little in Nogales, AZ. Features regional Jazz great food, entertainment and lots of fun. Contact the Nogales Chamber of Commerce at (520) 287-3685.

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History

The holiday commemorates an initial victory of Mexican forces led by General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín over French forces in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

However, this Mexican victory at Puebla only delayed the French invasion of Mexico City; a year later, the French occupied Mexico. The French occupying forces placed Maximilian I, Emperor of Mexico on the throne of Mexico. The French were eventually defeated and expelled in 1867. Maximilian was executed by President Benito Juarez, five years after the Battle of Puebla.

Alpaca Shearing Day & Fiber Festival (Elgin). Shearing, spinning & weaving demonstrations at the Heartland Ranch. Call the Heartland Ranch at (520) 455-5701. www.patagoniaaz.com.

Fiestas de Mayo (Nogales, Sonora) 011-52-631-31-2-02-03 / 011-52-631-31-2-48-55

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Sonoita Quarter Horse Show (Sonoita). The Oldest Quarter Horse show in the Nation at Sonoita Fairgrounds. Call the Sonoita Fairgrounds (520)455-5553. http://www.sonoitafairgrounds.com/

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July 4th celebrations (Nogales, AZ) held at the Fleischer Park from 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. food, games, entertainment and FIRE WORKS!!!!!!! Call the City of Nogales at (520)287-6571.

July 4th celebrations (Tubac AZ) Join us for the annual Fourth of July Celebrations!!!!! Call the Tubac Chamber of Commerce at (520)398-2704. www.tubacaz.com.

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Blessing of the Harvest (Elgin). Celebrating the grape harvest with $10.00 admission.Wine tasting, souvenir glass, winery & vineyard tours, live music, dancing, grape stomping contest. Lunch may be purchased on site form 2 local restaurants. For questions contact (520) 455-5893.www.patagoniaaz.com.

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Sonoita Rodeo (Sonoita). Rodeo, steak fry and dance Labor Day weekend at Sonoita Fairgrounds.

Santa Cruz County Fair (Sonoita). 4-H auction, open exhibits, carnival, vendors, school exhibits and family entertainment during the last weekend in September at Sonoita Fairgrounds.

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Grass Ridge Horse Trials (Sonoita). Equine enthusiasts converge for this annual competition. Call the Sonoita Fairgrounds at (520) 455-5553. http://www.sonoitafairgrounds.com/

Patagonia Fall Festival (Patagonia). Over 150 arts, crafts and specialty food booths from around the Southwest with great entertainment in Patagonia's Town Park. Call Patagonia Visitor Information at (520) 394-0060 or (888) 794-0060.www.patagoniaaz.com.

Anza Days Celebration (Tubac). Honoring Juan Bautista de Anza and the heritage of Tubac with a re-enactment of Spanish Colonial soldiers riding horseback from Tumacacori Mission to the Tubac Presidio along the Anza Trail. Call the Tubac Chamber at (520) 398-2704 or visit their website at www.tubacaz.com.

Tumacacori's Historic Reenactment High Mass. Once each year a High Mass is celebrated inside the Tumacácori Mission church as it would have been during the time that Tumacácori was an active mission community. Participants are invited to wear Spanish style clothing such as would have been worn around the turn of the 19th century. No chairs are available; participants must be able to stand for the entire one hour service. A reenactment ride to Tubac of Spanish-attired soldiers leaves from the church immediately following the Mass, in commemoration of Juan Bautista de Anza’s historic expedition to California in 1776.  Reservations are required. Call the Tumacacori National Historical Park at (520) 398-2341.

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Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos), celebrated between October 31st and November 2nd, is a celebration in which Mexicans remember and honor their deceased loved ones. Though it may sound gloomy or morbid, it's not. It's a festive and colorful holiday. Mexicans visit cemeteries, decorate the graves and spend time there - in the presence of their deceased friends and family members. They also make elaborately decorated altars (sometimes called ofrendas) in their homes to welcome the spirits.

Tubac, An Art Experience brings visitors up close and personal with the artists of Tubac. During this November event, artists create works right before visitors’ eyes throughout a weekend that celebrates the artistic process. Local musicians entertain guests while artists provide demonstrations of their works that capture their imagination.www.tubacaz.com.

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Nogales Christmas Parade & Annual Christmas Tree Lighting (Nogales). An all-day festival featuring Santa Claus and his reindeer, a children's parade and the lighting of a 30-foot Christmas tree. Contact the Nogales Chamber of Commerce at (520) 287-3685.

Fiesta Navidad/Luminarias (Tubac). Tubac glows at night from street-lined luminaries. Visitors can shop and enjoy food, music and art galore! Call the Tubac Chamber at (520) 398-2704 or visit their website at www.tubacaz.com.

La Fiesta de Tumacacori. In recognition and celebration of the many cultures that were historically and are presently associated with the Santa Cruz Valley, the Tumacácori Fiesta presents the traditional creations of these cultures. The fiesta features some fifty food and craft booths, continuous live entertainment on stage, and children’s activities each day. A Mariachi Mass, preceded by a traditional procession, is held on Sunday beginning at 10:00 AM. The mission grounds are open throughout the weekend, and admission is free. Call the Tumacacori National Historical Park at (520) 398-2341. www.tubacaz.com.