The 32nd Mexican Chili Cook Off Ajijic, Lake Chapala, Mexico

Chili Cook Off Ajijic, Lake Chapala, Mexico

This year the annual Chili Cook Off is on Friday, February 26th, Saturday, February 27th and Sunday, February 28th in Ajijic, Lake Chapala.

Again this year it is being held at Tobolandia (water park) at the carretera and libramiento and will commence when the gates open at 11:00 am on Friday.

The official opening of this traditional Ajijic event begins around noon on Saturday, February 27th with the arrival of the annual parade. This will be led by an honor guard formed by members of the Lake Chapala Shrine Club. Among the honored guests at the opening ceremonies will be United States Consul General Daniel F Keller, Chapala Mayor Jesus Cabrera, Chapala Chief of Police Raynol Contreras and Traffic Commander Juan Carlos Borrayo. Cook off Chairperson, Loren Reynolds, will open the event with a tribute to Tom Johnson, an enthusiastic supporter and volunteer who passed away recently.

Entertainment will consist of Ballet Folklorico, Ricardo and Blanca, Jerry and Jack and a Hawaiian Dance troupe on Saturday.

On Sunday are the Diamonds in the Rough Band, Ballet Folklorico Ixlahuacan, a circus show with jugglers and the ever-popular Dancing Horses.

The Chili Cook Off in Ajijic, Lake Chapala is about cooking and Friday is about salsa. Professional and amateur cooks participating with a no-rules format. There is a $1,000.00 peso first prize and a trophy.

Saturday is for the chili made by the home cooks and Sunday is for professional chefs all of whom will be vying for the public’s attention. Tasting kits can be purchased for $10.00 pesos.

Winners are announced each day around 4:30 pm.

The Chili Cook Off in Ajijica, Lake Chapala support many charities and last year they were able to give $35,000.00 to each of them. They are Ninos Incapcitados, Lakeside School for the Deaf, Los Ninos de Chapala y Ajijic, Los Ninos de San Antonio, Centro de Desarrollo Ajijic, Casa de Ancianos and Crux Rojo, Chapala. Volunteers from these organizations donate their services to this event which requires about 180 volunteers to stage.

More than 80 vendors will fill the tents provided by Coca-Cola and Corona. The range of products for sale is from local art, crafts, cars, furniture, real estate, hats, food and clothing to the famous Ojeda knives from Sayula.

The entrance fee is $15.00 pesos for adults and $5.00 pesos for children under 12. Toddlers are free and parking is available on site for $10.00 pesos.

The Chili Cook Off in Ajijic, Lake Chapala is definitely worth attending as there is truly something for everyone.

Over 30 years ago Morley Eager, founder of the Chili Cook Off in Ajijic, Lake Chapala, rode in the opening parade on the beach (where it was then held) on an elephant. He had trained for several weeks prior to the event. Morley, also for many years attracted international chili cooks in search of placements that would allow them to compete at bigger competitions in the United States. Today the competition at the Mexican Chili Cook off in Ajijic, Lake Chapala is open to all.

The point is the Chili Cook Off in Ajijic, Lake always is full of surprises and excitement for all ages.

This year for an added bit of spice Number FOUR Restaurant will be facing off against the new Chili Bang Bar on Sunday. The results should be delicious.

For more information you can go to their website: www.mexicanchilicookoff.com

See you there!