Nopal de-spining contest to be held at Monumento a la Revolución

Mexico City residents are invited to witness a unique competition celebrating a traditional culinary practice: the Nopal de-spining contest. Scheduled for Saturday, August 29, at the iconic Monumento a la Revolución, the event is a highlight of the Feria del Nopal 2026.

The contest challenges participants to de-spine 30 nopal pads in the shortest amount of time, emphasizing speed, skill, and accuracy. Competitors must also ensure the quality of their work while minimizing waste. The top 10 performers from the preliminary rounds will advance to the final.

Organized by the Secretariat of the Environment (Sedema) through the General Directorate of the Commission of Natural Resources and Rural Development (DGCORENADR), the event aims to showcase the traditional knowledge and productive practices associated with the nopal cactus in the capital. Attendees can not only watch the competition but also engage with other activities, workshops, and concerts offered during the Nopal Fair.

This competition serves as a vibrant display of a skill deeply connected to Mexico's gastronomic heritage. It offers a platform for those who maintain this traditional practice to demonstrate their expertise and for the public to gain a closer appreciation of the cultural significance of the nopal.