Hatch, New Mexico is most famous for one thing-chiles. Long, fiery ones to be exact.
The chile pepper is New Mexico's state vegetable and, in the Hatch Valley, they have perfected the art of growing shiny, brightly-colored peppers that bring a sweet, smoky, spicy flavor to almost any dish.
Although the peppers grown here are informally known as Hatch chiles, their official name is actually the New Mexican Chile and they were originally developed during the late 19th century by a horticulturist called Fabián Garcia.
The flavor of the chiles, which forms the basis of many popular dishes throughout New Mexico and Southern Colorado, has been cultivated over many years to produce a distinctly pungent and spicy taste.
The fertile soil and weather conditions in the Hatch Valley make it the perfect place for growing chiles, and these crops have become world renowned. So famous, in fact, that ever since 1971, Hatch has held its very own Hatch Chile Festival to celebrate all-things spicy.
Here's all you need to know before you go:
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Details:
The Hatch Chile Festival is held annually on the Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend. In 2017, that's September 2-3.
It costs $10 per car to enter the festival, but that price covers entry for both Saturday and Sunday.
What Kind of Events and Attractions Are There?
The festival opens with a large parade that winds its way through downtown Hatch and features local chile farmers, school bands and, of course, the Hatch Chile Queen herself. Visitors can also enjoy chile tossing games, fine art shows, carnival rides and live music and dance acts.
The most talked-about event of all? That is most certainly the chile eating competition.
Can I Compete in a Chile Eating Competition?
If you are so inclined, yes. The most exciting (and eye-watering) event of the whole weekend is the Hatch chile eating contests, where participants must devour as many chiles as they can within an allotted time.
Your prize for being the winner? A 40-pound bag of Hatch chiles, naturally.
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Can I Buy Chiles to Take Home with Me?
Of course. Green chiles can be purchased fresh, in a large 40-pound burlap sack, or roasted by one of the vendors in the aptly named Chile Roaster Garden. (Your nose will point you in the right direction.)
Red chiles can be purchased fresh or dried in a hanging ristra. Some vendors offer chiles that vary in heat (hot, medium or mild) and will often let you try a small sample before you buy.
Other Food and Drink?
Although many vendors base their food offerings around the humble chile (green chile cheeseburgers, pots of spicy stews, etc.) there are other New Mexican specialties-burritos, gorditas, enchiladas-to be had.
The beer garden serves alcohol and refreshing agua frescas to cool down your tongue.
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