The crisp fall air ushers in a tradition, accompanied by the familiar smell of tamales, that is forty-five years strong. A tradition that celebrates the vibrant culture of the Town of Zwolle and surrounding communities. A tradition steeped in rich Native American and Spanish heritage.
Every second full weekend in October the people of the area, as well as people from across multiple States, anticipate the return of the Zwolle Tamale Fiesta each year.
Just as the Fiesta has become a tradition for the area, Mia Curtis’s Spanish Classes at Zwolle High School and Ebarb School have developed their own traditions to help celebrate and set the scene for the annual Zwolle Tamale Fiesta.
Mia Curtis has been teaching in Sabine Parish for thirty-four years. Every year during Fiesta time, the students from Ebarb and Zwolle High schools create posters that depict their interpretation of the Zwolle Tamale Fiesta and these posters adorn the hallways of the schools. In addition to the posters, every Friday during the Fiesta the students compete in a foods contest where they prepare their favorite Spanish dishes.
In honor of the Tamale Fiesta’s 45 th anniversary, Cindy D. Ezernack, Tamale Fiesta board member & T-shirt chairperson decided to feature fourteen out of almost sixty posters on this year’s 45 th anniversary T-Shirt. The posters of the following students at Zwolle High School were chosen: K’Leigh Collins, Jaeger Ebarb, Halaysia Etheridge, K’asia Williams, Madelyn Montgomery, Lexi Ezernack, Brooklyn Lambert, JD Etheridge, Jenna Elkins and Karley Martinez. The posters of the following students at Ebarb School were also chosen: Lexie Hillman, Millie Tanner, Kayla Moore, and Kirsten Sepulvado.
The 14 students along with their teacher, Ms. Mia Curtis will be recognized Sept. 16 at the Poster unveiling ceremony which is located at the festival grounds in Zwolle. Doors open at 6pm. This year’s t-shirts will be limited in quantity, so gets yours early.