Visitors can also learn about the cultural importance of the chili pepper, particularly its tie to the Hispanic community. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15, the festival will celebrate the influence of the chili pepper on Hispanic culture with strolling Mariachis, Latin music, meringue dance performances and Latin-American handicrafts. Learning opportunities abound for children and adults as they discover how chili peppers are grown and harvested and the uses found for chilies in America and abroad. All types of peppers will be featured, from smoldering jalape os to the mildest bell peppers in shades of yellow, green and red. Food will be at the heart of the Fiesta as chefs slice and dice peppers in demonstrations of spicy fare from popular New York restaurants and amateur cooks battle it out at the chili cook-off.
Guests can sample delicious cuisine as the chefs divulge their recipe secrets.
Special events for children will include a puppet show, paper crafts, and face painting. The Fiesta is sponsored by Park Avenue Home Center and Banco Popular. The Chili Pepper Fiesta will take place rain or shine. Children under 16, Garden members and frequent visitor pass holders are admitted free at all times. Garden entrances are located at Eastern Parkway, Washington Avenue and Flatbush Avenue.