In Mexican Spanish, las brazas means “the embers” or “glowing coals. In traditional Mexican cooking, “a las brazas” refers to grilling over wood-fired coals, imparting a smoky flavor and tender texture to meat.
On August 23, the first edition of the Baja Braza Festival will take place in La Paz, celebrating the northwest’s grilling culture with competitions for amateur and professional grillers, as well as local taquerias. The event will be held near the Marea Hotel at the end of Sinaloa Street.
According to David Gracia, president of the La Paz chapter of the National Chamber of the Restaurant and Seasoned Food Industry (CANIRAC) and festival organizer, the event honors the grilling traditions of Baja California, Sonora, Sinaloa, Chihuahua, and Baja California Sur, where grilled meats are a culinary staple.
Three Tiers of Competition
The festival will feature three categories:
- Amateur Griller: Open to families and groups of friends who enjoy home-style barbecue.
- Professional Griller: Reserved for chefs, restaurant owners, and experienced grillers.
- Taquerias: Local taco vendors competing for the public’s vote.
Amateur and professional entries will be judged by a panel of renowned local and national barbecue chefs. In the taqueria category, the public will sample and vote for their favorite vendor via a ballot box system.
Up to 10 teams per category, each with a maximum of six members, are expected to participate, totaling 30 teams. “The idea is for people to sample a variety of offerings and enjoy a full experience,” said Gracia.
Registration Details
Registration is open through August 16:
- Amateur Category: $75
- Professional Category: $125
- Taqueria Category: $125
Entry fees (except for taquerias) include a 9×9 ft. tent, table, six chairs, and the meat for competition, provided by the organizers to ensure fair judging. Taquerias must supply and sell their own products and are judged solely by public vote.
All participants must bring their own grill and tools. Each team will prepare a meat dish, salsa, and side. Prizes will include cash awards and sponsor-provided gifts, to be announced.
Tickets and Access
General admission is $10 and includes a complimentary drink and welcome kit. Tickets are available at boletomovil.com and at the California Chicken branch in downtown La Paz.