Festival of Chiles and Resistance in Temaca

By: 
Irene Bonilla

The following is a guest blog by Irene Bonilla.

Temaca's Annual Chile Festival
Temaca's Annual Chile Festival
Irene bonilla

On the weekend of August 25 and 26 the town of Temacapulín became one big party in celebration of the 2012 harvest with the 3rd annual Chile Festival and 5th run of “Los Remedios.”

As part of the festival the women of Temaca prepared delicious salsas, combining chilies, (an integral part of part of the town; they are grown, picked, dried and prepared there), with their knowledge, traditions and love. Saturday afternoon the main plaza of Temacapulín was filled with music, as groups of people from throughout Mexico and beyond tried traditional foods and sweets from the region. There were also traders from the Sierras of Wirrarika and from Teponohuasco selling colorful handmade crafts.

Chiles from Temaca
Chiles from Temaca
Irene bonilla


The run of “Los Remedios” welcomed anyone who wanted to exercise or simply enjoy the countryside of Temacapulín. There was one race dedicated to children, and the main race (10km), which took place afterwards and had around 110 participants from all over the world.

For the community of Temacapulín, and their friends in surrounding communities, it has been very important to continue to hold events such as the Chile festival to maintain the joyful spirit and strength of the town, and to raise awareness about its history and beauty. When visitors come to Temaca they experience a unique town, deeply routed in culture and tradition. What visitors most appreciate about Temaca is its peaceful environment, the hospitality of the community, the traditional Mexican meals and the clean, fresh air, along with beautiful views of the mountains and waterfalls. Temacapulín is a very special place, perfectly aged with history and wisdom.

The run of Los Remedios
The run of Los Remedios
Irene bonilla


The community of Temaca has been fighting against the construction of the Zapotillo Dam since 2006. The Zapotillo Dam threatens to flood the towns of Temacapulín, Acasico and Palmarejo, and would not only affect the communities but also the flora and fauna that make up the ecosystem of the Verde River.

The government, along with the National Water Commission (CONAGUA) has led the inhabitants of Jalisco and Leon to believe that water from the Zapotillo Dam will be used to solve the great demand for water from the metropolitan zone of Guadalajara and the Industrial zone of Leon. Today, with the construction of the dam wall almost 40% completed, there is still not concrete plan for when and where the aqueduct will be built and therefore how the dam will function.

Construction at the site of the Zapotillo Dam
Construction at the site of the Zapotillo Dam


Additionally, the government intend to resettle the people of Temacapulín in a new “centro de poblacion” (resettlement community) which they want to call the “New Temaca”. It is better known as Talicoyunque. On August 3, 2011 the Administrative Tribunal for the State of Jalisco nullified the plan to build this new resettlement site, due to inconsistencies with the project. However a year later the people of Temacapulín are witness to the fact that construction on this site has not stopped.

The government had also tried to appropriate farms and land from the communities. However up to this point the people have steadfastly refused to negotiate or sell their land to the government.

In spite of the fact that there has been no indication the government intends to cancel the project or heed the will of the people, the people of Temaca are stronger than ever in its cry of resistance and dignity and in their desire to defend their homes and heritage.

The community of Temacapulín is grateful to its allies for the solidarity and friendship during this struggle. Now more than ever we must all shout together: TEMACA VIVE LA LUCHA SIGUE!