Chile, Mole, Pozole
On Saturday, September 12, the Mexican Heritage Plaza (La Plaza) will honor the spirit of Mexican Independence Day with the return of its annual Chile, Mole, Pozole (CMP) event. This family-friendly celebration is packed with live music, delicious food, and fun activities for all ages. Headlining the day's lineup is Sonora San José, bringing the lively cumbia sound that gets everyone on their feet.
Adding an exciting new dimension to this year's festivities, CMP will debut its inaugural chile-eating competition, where contestants will vie to see who can endure the heat the longest. The event reflects La Plaza's ongoing commitment to celebrating community, local talent, and entrepreneurs. Here are the key features of the event:
Live Music & Dance: Performances by Sonora San José, DJ Too Tall, Mariachi Tapatio, Calpulli Ocelocihuatl, and Los Lupeños de San José
Activities: A chile-eating competition with a grand prize courtesy of SJ Sharkie, Pro Wrestling Revolution Lucha Libre matches, a mechanical bull, dance workshops, hands-on art activities including paper flower crowns and paper sarape making, face painting, a photo booth, and a vibrant artisanal market
Food & Drinks: Authentic pozole, mole, salsas, and tacos, along with refreshing micheladas and more
FAQ:
Will Chile, Mole, Pozole take place outside or indoors?
This Mexican Independence Day Celebration features both outdoor and partial indoor activities. Guests can comfortably watch the performances from the indoor Pavilion, which provides shade and first-come, first-served seating.
Chile Eating Competition at La Plaza! | ¡Concurso de comer chiles en La Plaza!
Reward
Win $100 worth of San Jose Sharks gear provided by SJ Sharkie!
Locations & Time
Mexican Heritage Plaza | Pavilion | Check-in: 4:15 PM | Start Time: 4:30 PM
Rounds
🟢 Round 0 — Warm-Up
3 banana peppers
Time limit: 60 seconds
🟡 Round 1 — Mild (~5,000 SHU)
3 jalapeños
Time limit: 90 seconds
🟠 Round 2 — Medium (5,000–50,000 SHU)
3 serranos
Time limit: 90 seconds
🔴 Round 3 — Hot (100,000–2,200,000 SHU)
2 habaneros
Time limit: 2 minutes
💀 Tiebreaker — Death Round
1 habanero
Sudden death: whoever finishes first (or last person standing) wins
Rules for Contestants
Full pepper must be swallowed to count as "finished" — no spitting, no cheeking.
No outside food or drink at the table except what's provided.
Any contestant may tap out at any time — hand raised, say "OUT."
Vomiting = automatic elimination.
Judges' decisions are final.
Must be 18+ to participate and have a signed waiver.
Format Overview
Elimination-style, round by round. Contestants who can't finish their peppers within the time limit (or who tap out) are eliminated.
Survivors advance to the next round; if more than one contestant survives Round 3, they go to the Tiebreaker Death Round.
If everyone drops out in the same round, the winner is whoever ate the most/fastest in that round.
Questions
Please contact edgar@mhplaza.org
Participant Advisory & Safety Disclaimer
This contest involves consuming peppers ranging from mild to extreme heat. Participation is voluntary and at your own risk. Individuals with sensitive stomachs, heart conditions, severe allergies, or other pre-existing health concerns should refrain from participating.
East San José Drink and Draw
The popular social drawing night, Drink and Draw is coming to La Plaza!
Let your creativity soar with friends, drinks, snacks, and all-vinyl records! No artistic experience required. We provide crayons, paper, and pencils for everyone to use.
You’re welcome to bring your own supplies, coloring books, or board games. Even if you do not draw, you are encouraged to join us just to hang out and enjoy the social atmosphere.
Art by Alca Usan
Mercadito
Pick up fresh, free food at our Mercadito distribution program and support your family with ease!
Mercadito
Pick up fresh, free food at our Mercadito distribution program and support your family with ease!
East San José Drink and Draw
The popular social drawing night, Drink and Draw is coming to La Plaza!
Let your creativity soar with friends, drinks, snacks, and all-vinyl records! No artistic experience required. We provide crayons, paper, and pencils for everyone to use.
You’re welcome to bring your own supplies, coloring books, or board games. Even if you do not draw, you are encouraged to join us just to hang out and enjoy the social atmosphere.
Art by Alca Usan
Mercadito
Pick up fresh, free food at our Mercadito distribution program and support your family with ease!
Avenida de Altares
Join us on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at the Mexican Heritage Plaza for the 10th Anniversary of Avenida de Altares! This free, family-friendly event welcomes all ages to honor tradition, community, and culture with vibrant altars, live entertainment, and local vendors.
Mercadito
Pick up fresh, free food at our Mercadito distribution program and support your family with ease!
East San José Drink and Draw
The popular social drawing night, Drink and Draw is coming to La Plaza!
Let your creativity soar with friends, drinks, snacks, and all-vinyl records! No artistic experience required. We provide crayons, paper, and pencils for everyone to use.
You’re welcome to bring your own supplies, coloring books, or board games. Even if you do not draw, you are encouraged to join us just to hang out and enjoy the social atmosphere.
Art by Alca Usan
Mercadito
Pick up fresh, free food at our Mercadito distribution program and support your family with ease!
Mercadito
Pick up fresh, free food at our Mercadito distribution program and support your family with ease!
Mercadito
Pick up fresh, free food at our Mercadito distribution program and support your family with ease!
Mercadito
Pick up fresh, free food at our Mercadito distribution program and support your family with ease!
East San José Drink and Draw
The popular social drawing night, Drink and Draw is coming to La Plaza!
Let your creativity soar with friends, drinks, snacks, and all-vinyl records! No artistic experience required. We provide crayons, paper, and pencils for everyone to use.
You’re welcome to bring your own supplies, coloring books, or board games. Even if you do not draw, you are encouraged to join us just to hang out and enjoy the social atmosphere.
Carlos Velazquez and Alca Usan organized the long-running Art Boutiki Drink and Draw will serve as co-hosts, along with the inaugural guest selector, Gabriel Montoya, a Drink and Draw favorite! Enjoy an afternoon of classic and rare soul, Latin y màs!
Art by Alca Usan
Tres Vinos
Join us on Saturday, August 15 for Tres Vinos, La Plaza’s annual fundraiser celebrating East San José’s culture, community, and resiliency.
This year’s theme, Our Culture, Our Future, reflects our commitment to honoring our cultural history while building a vibrant future together. As we continue to expand our cultural programming, we are also deepening our effort to establish La Avenida Cultural District here in East San José, with construction on La Placita beginning earlier this year.
This year marks another new chapter, as we’ve recently introduced our new name and logo as the Mexican Heritage Plaza. This isn't just a design change. It's a reflection of where we've been, everything we've built, and the direction we're heading as a community.
Tres Vinos will be a joyful and meaningful evening, bringing together community leaders, supporters, and friends to celebrate our shared vision for the future. We hope you can join us!
Wine Tasting: 5:30 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.
Program: 7:00 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.
Closing Performance: 8:30 p.m.
Fiesta del Mariachi
Aqui estamos: The trumpets blaze across the plaza like sunlight, piercing the air with a proud, golden call. At Fiesta del Mariachi, the rhythm pulls families forward, elders swaying, and all of us caught in the timeless magic of the music. Each note is a bridge, carrying us to the heart of Mexico while grounding us in the soul of East San José.
Join us at the Mexican Heritage Plaza for an outdoor celebration that transcends age and honors our shared heritage.
Experience Fiesta del Mariachi at La Plaza
Performers:Mariachi Herencia de Mexico, Mariachi Tapatio, Mariachi Azteca, Los Lupeños De San José, and more!
Authentic Flavors: Embark on a culinary journey with a variety of food vendors serving mouthwatering, traditional cuisine and local favorites.
Artisanal Market: Shop with retail vendors and local artisans featuring hand-crafted goods, jewelry, and cultural treasures.
Regional Dance: Witness breathtaking folklorico performances that tell the stories of Mexico through movement, color, and tradition.
Schedule:
5:00 pm | Doors Open
6:05 pm | Mariachi Tapatio
6:45 pm | Mariachi Femenil Orgullo Mexicano
7:35 pm | Mariachi Azteca
8:45 pm | Los Lupeños de San José
9:20 pm | Mariachi Herencia de México
Mexico vs. Czechia | Futbol Watch Party
MEXICAN HERITAGE PLAZA WATCH PARTIES PRESENTED BY VERIZON—Join us at La Plaza on June 24, 2026 at 6:00 PM (PDT) to catch the Mexico vs. Czechia match live! Bring your friends, enjoy the game, and cheer on your team. Seats and tables are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend arriving early!
BAG CHECKS & METAL DETECTORS
NO WEAPONS ALLOWED
NO OUTSIDE CHAIRS
NO OUTSIDE DRINKS (Only clear water bottles)
NO OUTSIDE FOOD
NO COOLERS
NO PETS (Only service animals)
This event is not affiliated with or sponsored by FIFA.
Proudly presented in partnership with Verizon, Council Member Peter Ortiz | District 5, Telemundo, Visit San José,Alum Rock Santa Clara Street Business Association, City of San José, Supervisor Betty Duong | District 2, andCommunity Strong Strategies.
Mercadito
Pick up fresh, free food at our Mercadito distribution program and support your family with ease!
Mexico vs. South Korea | Futbol Watch Party
MEXICAN HERITAGE PLAZA WATCH PARTIES PRESENTED BY VERIZON—Join us at La Plaza on June 18, 2026 at 6:00 PM (PDT) to catch the Mexico vs. South Korea match live! Bring your friends, enjoy the game, and cheer on your team. Seats and tables are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend arriving early!
RSVP REQUIRED TO ENTER
NO OUTSIDE CHAIRS
NO OUTSIDE DRINKS
NO OUTSIDE FOOD
NO COOLERS
This event is not affiliated with or sponsored by FIFA.
In partnership with the Verizon, Council Member Peter Ortiz | District 5, Telemundo, Visit San José,Alum Rock Santa Clara Street Business Association, City of San José, Council Member Betty Doung | District 2, andCommunity Strong Strategies.
Mercadito
Pick up fresh, free food at our Mercadito distribution program and support your family with ease!
The Ramayana
The “Ramayana!” is an annual event in which the entire student body takes part. This magical theatrical production of drama, dance and song has been entertaining audiences for more than 45 years. In the preschool years students may begin by taking part in the ever-popular forest animal scene. Gradually they work their way through various small parts as dancers, singers, monkeys, demons, and martial artists until they finally emerge in the lead roles in their high school years. Behind the scenes, a large supporting cast of parents, teachers, alumni and Mount Madonna Center staff take on the roles of prop makers, costumers, makeup artists, technicians, musicians, stage crew, and concessionaires. This makes the “Ramayana!” our largest school event of the year.
Mercadito
Pick up fresh, free food at our Mercadito distribution program and support your family with ease!
The Little Mermaid – Presented by Mexican Heritage Plaza
Join us at the Mexican Heritage Plaza for a classic story of Disney’s The Little Mermaid!
Dive into the magic of La Plaza! Follow our talented students as they take you on a journey "Under the Sea" in our theater.
Event Details
Admission: Tickets are available on a "Pay What You Can" basis, with suggested tiers at $5, $10, and $20 (plus fees). Your contribution directly supports our student performers and future productions at La Plaza!
Seating: All seating is General Admission and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend arriving early to find your favorite spot!
_____
[Español]
¡Sumérgete en la magia de La Plaza! Acompaña a nuestros estudiantes talentosos en un viaje "Bajo el Mar" dentro de nuestro teatro.
Detalles del Evento
Entrada: Los boletos están disponibles bajo el esquema "Paga lo que puedas", con niveles sugeridos de $5, $10 y $20 (más cargos). ¡Tu contribución apoya directamente a nuestros estudiantes artistas y a las futuras producciones de La Plaza!
Asientos: Todos los asientos son de Admisión General y se asignarán conforme vayan llegando ("first-come, first-served"). ¡Te recomendamos llegar temprano para encontrar tu lugar favorito!
The Little Mermaid – Presented by Mexican Heritage Plaza
Join us at the Mexican Heritage Plaza for a classic story of Disney’s The Little Mermaid!
Dive into the magic of La Plaza! Follow our talented students as they take you on a journey "Under the Sea" in our theater.
Event Details
Admission: Tickets are available on a "Pay What You Can" basis, with suggested tiers at $5, $10, and $20 (plus fees). Your contribution directly supports our student performers and future productions at La Plaza!
Seating: All seating is General Admission and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend arriving early to find your favorite spot!
_____
[Español]
¡Sumérgete en la magia de La Plaza! Acompaña a nuestros estudiantes talentosos en un viaje "Bajo el Mar" dentro de nuestro teatro.
Detalles del Evento
Entrada: Los boletos están disponibles bajo el esquema "Paga lo que puedas", con niveles sugeridos de $5, $10 y $20 (más cargos). ¡Tu contribución apoya directamente a nuestros estudiantes artistas y a las futuras producciones de La Plaza!
Asientos: Todos los asientos son de Admisión General y se asignarán conforme vayan llegando ("first-come, first-served"). ¡Te recomendamos llegar temprano para encontrar tu lugar favorito!
Mercadito
Pick up fresh, free food at our Mercadito distribution program and support your family with ease!
Plant The Seed Annual Luncheon
The LEAF Annual Luncheon celebrates educational impact and raises funds to empower the next generation.
Mercadito
Pick up fresh, free food at our Mercadito distribution program and support your family with ease!
Viva CalleSJ x Eastside Quest
Viva CalleSJ is happening on Sunday, April 19, the streets of East San José are going car-free for a day of biking, skating, and community celebration. Viva CalleSJ is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide effort to build healthier, more connected neighborhoods for communities like ours.
Join us at 1700 Alum Rock Ave and get ready for a day of fun with friends, family, and community. Here is what is waiting for you:
Plaza Teatro Musical
Mariachi San José
Mercadito
Pick up fresh, free food at our Mercadito distribution program and support your family with ease!
Mercadito
Pick up fresh, free food at our Mercadito distribution program and support your family with ease!
Mercadito
Pick up fresh, free food at our Mercadito distribution program and support your family with ease!
¡La Cultura Vive!
Join Timeless Art Collective for a night where the soul meets the beauty of the canvas.
Tomemos Un Cafecito/Let's Talk Story
Create a memory book and share stories at this free senior workshop on Feb 28th.
Mercadito
Pick up fresh, free food at our Mercadito distribution program and support your family with ease!
Mercadito
Pick up fresh, free food at our Mercadito distribution program and support your family with ease!
Ground Breaking Ceremony at La Placita
You’re invited to the La Placita groundbreaking press conference!
Mercadito
Pick up fresh, free food at our Mercadito distribution program and support your family with ease!
Press Conference | $3M Investment Strengthens East San José
Join us for a Press Conference About La Avenida!
Fiesta Navideña
Plan ahead and mark your calendars for Friday, December 12, for our final event of 2025—Fiesta Navideña, happening at La Plaza!
Mercadito
Pick up fresh, free food at our Mercadito distribution program and support your family with ease!