Every Labor Day weekend, passionate pepper lovers converge in New Mexico for the Hatch Chile Festival.
While the name Hatch chile has become famous, some may not know that there is, in fact, a place called Hatch, New Mexico. Thousands gather in this small farming town in the Rio Grande Valley to celebrate one of New Mexico’s cultural icons, the chile pepper.
The surrounding farmland produces some of America’s tastiest peppers and festival goers gain access to as much green chile as they can handle.
So it’s no surprise that the chiles are in high demand during the late summer when Hatch chiles become available after local harvest. During the festival, vendors stay busy filling orders as peppers are delivered by the truckload.
You can buy fresh, roasted, or roasted and peeled. The chile vendors are located on Hall Street and Franklin Street.
With green chiles roasting on every block, a pleasing smoky aroma was everywhere.
The festival grounds are split between the high school and an open space a few blocks away where there are amusement park rides and live music. The hot chile eating contests are hilarious, and a festival-favorite is an hourly demonstration on how to make a ristra.
This collection of travel photos was taken during the 2023 festival.
For more current information about the festival, visit the official website HERE.
