The Ajijic Mexican National Chili cook-off is three days of music, food, Mexican beer and fun in downtown Ajijic, on the banks of Lake Chapala. The winning chili is that perfect blend of spices which serves to light up the taste buds and to intoxicate the palate. When the lakeside resident, Ann Whiting, started the cook-off 30 years ago, it was just her, her kids and a few people cooking up chili on the banks of the lake. Today, it has grown from an afternoon of chili to a three-day-weekend event… that draws contestants from far and wide. Eight local Mexican charities, including an orphanage, a senior citizens' home, a hospital and a local school for the deaf, receive funds from the cook-off. It is important to note that neither beans nor pasta is allowed in the competing chilis. Real chili contains no beans and is made from a combination of chopped or ground meats, liquids, herbs and spices, including red chili peppers. This is an event for family and friends, so invite your favourite ones over for a Mexican afternoon of chili making, competition and music→