Fiesta De Las Cruces, celebrated annually on May 3rd in many Spanish-speaking countries, is a vibrant cultural festival that blends religious traditions with the most delicious recipes and dishes.

From mouth-watering street tacos and churros to exquisite traditional dishes like mole poblano and enchiladas, this festival offers a tasty journey through the rich tapestry of Latin American cuisine.

In this article, we list a few must-try dishes this Fiesta Des Las Cruces. We’ve split them up into street foods and high-end dishes, depending on your mood.

Looking for more inspiration? Don’t forget to check out our article about 9 Mindful Meals to Make this Spring.

Street food to explore over Fiesta de las Cruces

These are a few classic casual, eat-on-the-go bites and dishes not to be missed.

Tacos al Pastor

You have GOT to try this quintessential Mexican street food. This show-off savory snack features succulent pork marinated in spices and citrus juices.

Typically, slow-roasted pork is cooked on a vertical spit, so the meat develops a crispy exterior and juicy interior. It is then sliced thinly and complemented by toppings like fresh pineapple, onions, and cilantro.

Elotes

This much-loved Mexican street food is made with grilled corn on the cob coated in a luscious layer of mayonnaise. This then gets sprinkled with crumbled cotija cheese, a little chili powder, and a squeeze of zesty lime juice. Don’t miss it!

Churros

If you haven’t tried churros, you haven’t lived! Fried dough pastry dusted with cinnamon sugar, served with chocolate dipping sauce.

Churros have a crispy exterior and soft interior, achieved through frying dough to golden perfection. Generously dusted with cinnamon sugar, they offer a sweet and aromatic indulgence. Try them with a velvety chocolate dipping sauce!

Tlayudas

These are thin tortillas toasted to a crisp perfection. They're generously layered with creamy refried beans, melted cheese, slices of ripe avocado, and a choice of savory meat, like grilled chicken or carne asada.

These flavorful toppings are then crowned with fresh lettuce, tangy salsa, and crumbled queso fresco—layers and layers of yummy goodness!

Aguas Frescas

Whether it's the creamy sweetness of horchata, made with rice milk and cinnamon, or the tangy tartness of agua de jamaica, infused with hibiscus flower, these vibrant beverages shine!

Fine Dining Type Foods to Try this Fiesta De Las Cruces

Want to fancy up a bit at Fiesta De Las Cruces ? Explore this list of culinary delights.

Mole Poblano

This is an iconic Mexican sauce that you HAVE to try. The silky blend of rich chocolate sauce is infused with earthy chili peppers, and aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cumin.

If traditionally made, it gets simmered for hours on end to achieve its complex profile. Mole Poblano gets ladled generously over succulent chicken or turkey. The result is a harmonious marriage of savory and sweet.

This iconic dish, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and served alongside fluffy rice and warm tortillas, celebrates Mexico's culinary heritage and is a testament to the artistry of its cooks. It’s a complex sauce made with chocolate, chili peppers, spices, and other ingredients, served over chicken or turkey.

Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Camarones al Mojo de Ajo, an utterly delicious seafood dish, showcases plump shrimp coated in a luxurious garlic-infused butter sauce. The shrimp are delicately sautéed until they're tender and succulent. The flesh soaks up the rich flavors from the garlic and butter.

Served atop a bed of fluffy rice with a medley of perfectly grilled vegetables on the side, this dish is a perfect balance of indulgent and fresh. Each bite is a celebration of the sea's bounty, enhanced by the aromatic essence of garlic and the buttery richness that coats every mouthful.

Chiles en Nogada

Chiles en Nogada is a culinary masterpiece steeped in history. It represents the vibrant colors of the Mexican flag, so it’s a must-try!

The roasted poblano peppers, filled with a savory-sweet mixture of ground meat, fruits like apple and pear, and aromatic spices, are absolutely dreamy. You will know what I mean from the first bite…

Chiles en Nogada get topped with a velvety walnut sauce, whose richness is perfectly balanced by the tartness of pomegranate seeds. Its presentation, adorned with red pomegranate seeds and green parsley, really brings out the patriotic spirit of Mexico. Its good looks match is delicious taste.

Cochinita Pibil

Cochinita Pibil, a tasty little gem from the Yucatán Peninsula, is a testament to the region's rich culinary heritage.

The pork gets marinated for hours in a bright blend of citrus juices, earthy annatto seeds, and aromatic spices like cumin and cloves.

This combination of ingredients achieves a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness as it slow-roasts to perfection. This traditional cooking method adds a smoky flavor and tender texture that you won’t be able to resist.

Served alongside tangy pickled onions and warm, pillowy tortillas, Cochinita Pibil offers a world of taste and texture.

Making Tres Leches — Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

Tres Leches Cake

Tres leches cake is a well-known and adored dessert from Latin America. It is a heavenly treat and is really the essence of decadence and comfort. If you’re looking to spoil yourself with this Fiesta De Las Cruces, put a slice of this cake on your to-eat list.

The delicate sponge cake is soaked to perfection in a luxurious blend of evaporated milk, condensed milk, and velvety heavy cream. It becomes a soft and luscious treat that melts in the mouth with every bite.

Tres leches cake gets topped with a billowy cloud of whipped cream and garnished with vibrant fresh fruit slices, such as strawberries or peaches. Want to serve a cup of tea with a slice of this cake? Browse our selection of delicious teas.

This dessert is both sweet and light. Its creamy decadence is balanced by the bright acidity of the fruit.

Wrapping It Up

We hope you had fun working through our foodie guide for Fiesta De Las Cruces!

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A Foodie’s Guide to Fiesta De Las Cruces