Pica Feria Chile Festival Returns to Cancun in September

Cancún, Quintana Roo — The second edition of “Pica Feria,” a festival dedicated to chili peppers, will take place in Cancún this September, according to Delmar Briceño Valadez, director of the Yucatán Peninsula Gastronomic Circuit.

Briceño said last year’s event was a success and that this year’s edition will serve as a fitting way to celebrate Mexican Independence Day.

“Chili is an essential part of Mexican food, so this event will be a great way to celebrate the national holidays,” he said.

According to data from Mexico’s federal Agriculture Department, the country officially recognizes 64 types of native chilies, though more than 200 local varieties are estimated. The most commonly used include jalapeño, chipotle, poblano, ancho, serrano, pasilla, guajillo, habanero and árbol.

Briceño noted that some dishes even carry chili in their names, such as chilaquiles, enchiladas, chileatole and chiles en nogada, which are especially popular during September.

“Practically all Mexican salsas, whether raw or cooked, use chili as their main ingredient,” he said. For the Yucatán Peninsula, the undisputed winner is the habanero, he added.

The festival will feature eating contests and challenges for those who can handle the heat. Organizers are considering Parque de las Palapas or Malecón Tajamar as venues and are targeting Sept. 13 or 14 to align with Independence Day festivities, though the date and location are still being finalized.

At least 80 exhibitors are expected to participate, including 60 food vendors offering more than 100 chili-based dishes, along with 20 artisans selling chili-related products.