New Mexico

Featured Event: The world's largest enchilada... no really!

September 26 - 28, 2008, Las Cruces, New Mexico

Hungry, try this one on for size. Take 750 pounds of stone ground corn, 175 gallons of oil, 75 gallons of famous Las Cruces red chile sauce, 175 pounds of grated cheese and 50 pounds of onions, and what do you get? In case you are not good with numbers, what you get is the world's largest enchilada, and you're only going to find it in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

For 27 years, the Whole Enchilada Fiesta in Las Cruces has been a three-day celebration of Las Cruces' traditions, people and great food (especially the food), centered around the creation of the largest enchilada on the planet! Chef and founder of the Fiesta, Robert V. Estrada, combines southwest ingredients to make the one-of-a-kind, crowd pleasing enchilada. Special equipment is required for the process, all of which was designed by Estrada himself. This equipment includes: the press (to make the tortilla), a carrying plate, a cooking vat and a serving plate.

"It takes approximately two and a half hours from start to finish to make the World's largest Enchilada;" said Estrada. "It takes 14 men to carry the tortilla to the cooking vat!"

The Fiesta has been recognized as one of the top 100 events in North American by the American Bus Association. Recent recognition of the world's largest enchilada by the Guinness Book of World Records has brought a high level of visibility to the Fiesta. Each year over 40,000 people attend from twenty plus states.

The Fiesta covers three days and will run from September 28-30, 2008. The Fiesta provides a quality experience for families and young adults. In addition to the making of the enchilada, the fiesta has activities, crafts booths, carnival, car & motorcycle show, New Mexico's largest parade, live music and plenty of great Las Cruces hospitality and cultural.

For more information, contact the Las Cruces Convention & Visitors Bureau at (575) 541-2150, or by email at cfaivre@las-cruces.org.