The Delta Hot Tamale Festival began in 2012 in Greenville, MS by 3 women, Valerie Rankin, Anne Martin Vetrano and Betty Lynn Cameron, known now as “The 3 Hot Ta’Mamas.” It is run by The Greater Greenville Foundation now. The festival has grown every year and last year over 20,000 people attended from all over the U.S. There is a cooking (hot tamales) contest. Greenville is now “The Hot Tamale Capital of the World”! The festival is held this year on October 20, 2018. Anne Martin wrote a book about Hot Tamales and Valerie Rankin bottled 2 hot sauces called “3 Hot Ta’Mamas.