South Tucson’s history & heritage make it Absolutely Arizona

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SOUTH TUCSON, Arizona – Its rich Hispanic history and tradition make South Tucson the absolute Arizona.

The City of South Tucson is just over a square mile and is completely surrounded by the City of Tucson.

This pueblo in the Old Pueblo is a close-knit community with nearly 6,000 people living within the city limits.

“We have the densest population, I think, the third densest of any city in Arizona,” said South Tucson Mayor Bob Teso.

Teso knows the statistics, but as a native of South Tucson, he also knows the culture and history. A story that has a deep connection to Padre Kino – the 17th-century Jesuit priest.

“A lot of the military came with Father Keno. So they put up a lot of forts here, including this one, the Presidio in Tucson, ”Teso said. “If you look at who we are, many of the names of our residents are still the names associated with the Presidio.”

Teso says that South Tucson is 85% Hispanic American. Much of this culture can be seen in the neighborhoods with beautiful mosaics, including several mosaic welcome signs.

Pat Parris

Another important part of culture revolves around food. South Tucson is home to some of the oldest and most successful restaurants in the region.

“Mi Nidito and El Torero,” Teso listed. “And these are all family businesses.”

Teso said there are more than a dozen popular restaurants in South Tucson. They were able to stay open during the pandemic, says Teso, because they are family owned.

“South Tucson has done us good,” said Jimmy Lopez, co-owner of Mi Nidito. “The community, the people, very nice, very humble.”

Jimmy and his two brothers are the third generation of the Lopez family to run Mi Nidito. Founded almost 70 years ago by his grandparents, the restaurant is thriving. The lunchtime crowd fills the restaurant every day from 11 a.m.

“I mean, sometimes I have to go to the kitchen and help them,” said Lopez. “I mean, it’s so busy.”

Lopez credits tradition and quality food normally prepared by his 45-year-old chef, Maria De La Cruz, but it’s not just Mi Nidito that is woven into South Tucson.

“I want restaurants to play a big role in helping South Tucson. Like Guillermo’s, Micha’s, we’re a big part, a crossroads,” said Lopez. “We’re a big part of South Tucson and they take care of us.”

A native of South Tucson and a Mexican-American, Lopez appreciates Hispanic Heritage Month. He hopes the younger generations will too.

“You need to know where you are from. You don’t just have to look it up on Google and the Internet,” said Lopez. “You have to live that. You have to live this tradition.”

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