Puebla hosts XXII National Chile Poblano Fair

The XXII National Chile Poblano Fair is being held in San Rafael Tlanalapan, San Martín Texmelucan, Puebla, from August 14 to 16. Local traditional cooks are showcasing over 50 dishes made with regional heirloom poblano chiles, which include moles, stuffed chiles, liqueurs, and even desserts like ice cream and jams.

The region produces approximately 400 tons of poblano chile annually. The event, which coincides with the Calpulli Texmocalli Multicultural Festival, features artisans, producers, and dancers, and is expected to attract thousands of visitors and generate millions of pesos in revenue. The last week of August has been designated as ‘Semana del Chile Poblano’ to promote the area's cultural and economic heritage.

In addition to the fair, the seasonal chile en nogada remains a culinary staple of the region. This complex dish traditionally utilizes large, dark green poblano chiles from the Tehuacán Valley, filled with a mixture of finely chopped beef and pork, and local fruits such as the panochera apple from the regions of Chignahuapan, Calpan, and Zacatlán.