Hot & Spicy 2020 Reignited the Party in Beijing
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After a lonely summer, it almost feels like a miracle that a party like the Beijinger’s Hot & Spicy Festival could happen at all this year – but boy, oh boy, did it happen! Many a sombrero-wearing chili fan made it out to Galaxy Soho for a full weekend of flaming hot food, fire tunes, and the all-around good times that we were so sorely in need of.
It's been a while since Beijingers had this much fun!
This was our first year to begin the festival on a Friday, allowing for three full days of spice in the sun – and sunny it was, despite false predictions of rain! All of it kicked off with a speech by Mexican ambassador to China, José Luis Bernal. Then, after the ceremonial beating of the virus piñata, the flames of the party burned on all weekend, fanned by live musicians The Latin Rockers, Joker’s Belief, and Buffalo Blues, as well as DJ Pancakelee+Mario Yu, DJ Arquitecto, and a mariachi dancing duo.
The Buffalo Blues were an audience favorite
Pancakelee turned the stage into a dance party
Joker's Belief brought the funk to the fest
Saturday's attendees demanded an encore from The Latin Rockers
Mariachi dancers represented Mexico, country of honor at the festival
DJ Arquitecto know how to party
But the people didn’t dance on an empty stomach. Old favorites like Q Mex and Homeplate filled up plenty of bellies, while a number of newcomers dished out peppery plates for the first time – Superfly brought their spicy Sichuan noodles, while Palms LA and El Nido served up tacos and beer. Meanwhile, Rourou satisfied seafood passions with their spiced-up and cheesy crawfish rolls, and Henry’s Sliders got a head start on Burger Fest with their premier in-person sales, with jalapeños added for spice, of course.
Caution: Not for the weak of tongue
Even the drinks were spiced to high heaven
Peppers of all sorts were passed around at the annual chili eating contest, and while many were daring enough sunk their teeth into them, only two would be crowned the chili champions.
The contest started out easy, but things were heating up fast
Lu Wen took out the competition to win the championship on Saturday
2019 reigning champion Patrick McCarthy returned to defend his title on Sunday
Keep scrolling to check out more pictures of the celebration, and try and spot yourself fanning your burning mouth:
READ: Hot & Spicy Fest 2020: Day Two in Photos
Images: Uni You. the Beijingers
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