The ex-pat community here is amazingly vibrant, and one example of that vibrancy is on display at the “Great Chili Cook’Off,” now in its 42nd year. Yes, 42 years! I don’t know how large the ex-pat community was 42 years ago, but at this time of year, they estimate 50,000 ex-pats live around Lake Chapala. I think they must all come to Ajijic for the Great Chili Cook-off, actually a huge fundraiser for 11 chosen charities in the area, mostly associated with woman and children from the area.
Why do people come? Well, certainly for the Chili (which is excellent) but there are tons of other things going on too: lots of other kinds of food, live music from morning to night, tons of artisan craft booths, salsa and margarita competitions, raffles. You name it, they had it. We decided to go early so we attended from 11 to 2:00 on Friday, the first day, expecting to beat the crowd. We may have somewhat beat the crowd, but it was still packed. It was a wonderful day, and I’m sure the entire weekend will be fun for all who attend.
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| The booklet, including a list of the artisans and where their booths are located. |
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| Harold can attest that the Chili was excellent |
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| Julie can attest that the Chili dog was excellent |
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| Some of the crowd |
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| The live music was also excellent |
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| We didn’t do this, but you could buy an entrance to a margarita and salsa competition area. |
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| One of many rows or artisans. Yes, we bought a few things. |
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| Ajijic Red Cross was there too, just in case. |
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