The Land of Enchantment
New Mexico Tourism Department
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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.
SPECIAL NOTICE - Acoma Pueblo, Cultural Center & Museum will be closed to the public due to religious observences October 3 - 5 2008
¡Globalquerque! NHCC, September 19 & 20, 2008, Albuquerque
Solanofest IV, Saturday, September 20th from 10 am until sunset, Solano
Pojoaque River Art Tour September 20 & 21, 2008, Pojoaque
High Road Art Tour, September 20 - 21 & 27 - 28, 2008, Locations from Chimayo to Taos
New Mexico Dance Fiesta, September 25 - 28, 2008, Albuquerque
The Whole Enchilada, September 26, 27, & 28, 2008, Las Cruces
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, October 4 - 12, 2008, Albuquerque
The conference is a forum for identifying economic opportunities, improving skills, and developing best practices for creative tourism programs. Broadly defined as engaging visitors in a place's culture through active participation, creative tourism provides the possibility for economic growth to destinations willing to offer travelers a chance to express themselves by becoming personally involved with a community's heritage. http://www.santafecreativetourism.org
Navajo painter Willie Murphy, featured artist for the 2009 Enchanting New Mexico Calendar, will sign copies of the calendar 5 to 7 p.m. Friday (September 26, 2008) at Art Exchange Gallery, 60 East San Francisco Street, Suite 213-214 in the Santa Fe Arcade.
September 29 - October 5, 2008 As always, you will be entertained with a great parade, wonderful carnival with some thrilling rides, and week-long Junior Livestock shows, culminating with our annual sale. Please come see us at this year's fair - the oldest, continuously running fair in the great state of New Mexico. Visit http://enmsf.com.