This event celebrates the prickly pear cactus, a symbol of the location ancient Aztecs chose for the city of Tenochtitlan (Mexico City). The cactus has several different culinary, medicinal and cultural uses and is a source of pride for the Latino community. Featured will be a best recipe competition, music and dance with Ballet Folklorico and cactus cooking. Visit www.festivaldelnopal.com or call 295-2518.
This event is FREE. The Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department offers a full slate of free activities in July as part of the countrywide celebration "July is Parks and Recreation Month." The national festivity, providing America with summer cures for boredom since 1985, has returned to Santa Cruz every year since 2005.