It’s one of the biggest charity events of the year at lakeside but the 36th Mexican National Chili Cookoff is not just about judging culinary talent, although you’re certain to find chili, salsa and margaritas of the highest order at the event.
There will also be a stream of live performances, as well as more than 100 vendors offering a huge range of goods and services. You can see the daring Voladores de Papantla (Fliers of Papantla), some spectacular dancing horses, folk and ballroom dancers and well-known local musicians and singers of various genres.
Gates open daily at 11 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Admission is 20 pesos. Secure parking costs an additional 10 pesos.
Below is a breakdown of the Saturday and Sunday schedule.Cookoff proceeds are split up to support seven worthy charitable causes. Learn more about them at www.mexicannationalchilicookoff.com. The website also offers other pertinent information.
Chili Cookoff Weekend Scheule:
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15
10 am - Parade starts at six corners in Ajijic, heads to Tobolandia
11 am - Official ribbon-cutting ceremony
11:15 am - Raffle drawings begin
11:30 am - Ricardo Razo
Noon - Raffle drawing & sponsors announcements
12:15 pm - Home Cook Chili competition begins
12:15 pm - Ballet Folklorico de Ajijic infantil Xicantzi
1:15 pm - Raffle announcement
1:25 pm - Voladores de Papantla
2:15 pm - Lake Chapala Ballroom Dance
3 pm - Raffle announcement
3:10 pm - Caballos danzantes (Dancing horses)
4 pm - Announcement home cooks winners
4:30 pm - Raffle drawing
5 pm - Gates close
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16
11 am - Hourly raffle drawings
11:15 am - Voladores de Papantla
Noon - Salsa competition begins
12:15 pm - Raffle and sponsors announcement
12:30 pm - Ballet Adultos Xicantzi de Ajijic
1:15 pm - Raffle and sponsors announcements
1:20 pm - Art Auction
2:05 pm - Sponsors and raffle announcements
2:20 pm - Javier Raygoza (harpist)
3 pm - Sponsors and raffle announcements
3:15 pm - Caballos danzantes (Dancing horses)
4 pm - Winners announcements
4:30pm - Lupita Jimenez (mariachi singer)
5 pm - Gates close