52 Weeks of Fun

Not Just Destination Finders, But Destination Storytellers

Las Cruces NM

Hatch New Mexico

Labor Day weekend in Hatch, New Mexico, transforms the sleepy village into a fiery fiesta with the arrival of the Hatch Chile Festival. This four-day extravaganza, a celebration of the iconic Hatch chile, draws chile enthusiasts and curious visitors from all over the globe. Whether you're a seasoned spice aficionado with a heat tolerance, a budding foodie seeking a unique culinary experience, or simply looking for a vibrant and fun-filled festival, the Hatch Chile Festival promises an unforgettable adventure for your taste buds and senses.

The aroma of roasting chiles blankets the town upon arrival, a tantalizing prelude to the culinary delights that await. Stroll down the vibrant Main Street, a kaleidoscope of colors and enticing smells. Rows of vendors transform the space into a chile paradise, offering everything Hatch chile-related imaginable. Sample steaming hot green chile cheeseburgers, a festival staple, where the chile's smoky flavor perfectly complements the juicy patty. For the truly adventurous, test your tolerance with fiery chile-infused chocolates or a scoop of daring chile ice cream.

Beyond the food, the festival is a sensory overload of sights and sounds. Witness the "Great Hatch Chile Roast-Off," a fiery competition where teams vie for bragging rights by showcasing their chile roasting expertise. Watch in awe as piles of vibrant green chiles are transformed into smoky, aromatic perfection using traditional methods. Air crackles with friendly competition and the intoxicating scent of roasting chiles. Visitors immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere – vibrant music fills the streets, children squeal with delight on carnival rides, and friendly locals share their love for all things chile. The highlights are the coronation of the "Reina del Chile" (Queen of Chile), a local woman chosen to embody the spirit of the festival, and the Hatch chile's cultural significance.

But the Hatch Chile Festival isn't just about competition and culinary delights. It's a celebration of Hatch's rich agricultural heritage and a chance to connect with the local community. Learn about traditional chile roasting techniques at interactive demonstrations. Chat with friendly farmers selling their freshly roasted chiles and vibrant salsas, taking home a piece of Hatch's fiery spirit to savor long after the festival ends. In the evenings, enjoy live music performances under the starlit New Mexico sky, where the community comes together in a spirit of celebration and shared love for the iconic Hatch chile.

New Mexico Tourism
Greg Olivas

A 52 Weeks of Fun Fascinating Fact about Hatch New Mexico

The most popular attraction is the chile eating contest, where participants consume chiles of intense heat to claim the top prize, a 40-pound bag of chiles.

Attraction Advice



Hatch Valley Chile Festival

The festival is the oldest in New Mexico and includes a parade, carnival, chile roasting, vendors, entertainment, and contests for participants of all ages.
Wikipedia

One of the highlights of the festival is the traditional chile roasting, where fresh Hatch green chiles are roasted over an open flame until they are charred and blistered.
Hatch Valley Chile Festival

Amateur and professional chefs compete in the festival's chile cook-off, creating innovative dishes featuring Hatch green chile, including chile rellenos and chile cheeseburger.
Hatch NM

Known for its unique flavor and heat, the festival celebrates the famous Hatch green chile, which is grown exclusively in the fertile valleys surrounding the town of Hatch.

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