Prickly pear lovers will want to head on over to Albuquerque, New Mexico as they are set to celebrate its sixth annual Prickly Pear Festival!

This year's Prickly Pear Festival will be held on September 27th and September 28th.

What is the Prickly Pear Festival in New Mexico?

The Prickly Pear Festival in New Mexico is a celebration of the prickly pear cactus, also known as Tunas, which is an iconic plant in the Southwestern United States. The festival highlights the culinary, cultural, and ecological significance of the prickly pear.

This family friendly festival is typically held in various towns across New Mexico, and this year it returns to Albuquerque to the Gutierrez Hubbell House.

The festival usually takes place around that time year to align with the harvest season for prickly pear fruits. Chefs and local food enthusiasts will showcase recipes and cooking techniques using prickly pear fruits and pads (nopales). This includes jams, jellies, beverages, salads, and main dishes.

Attendees will be able to sample a variety of prickly pear-based foods and drinks, including prickly pear lemonade, cocktails, and desserts. Experts will be on site to provide information on how to harvest, process, and use prickly pear cactus in cooking and other applications.

The festival often features exhibits and presentations on the historical and cultural significance of the prickly pear cactus in Native American and Hispanic cultures.

Local artists and artisans will sell prickly pear-themed artwork, crafts, and products, including skincare items made from prickly pear oil. And, of course, the festival will include performances by local musicians, dancers, and entertainers, providing a lively atmosphere for attendees.

You can find out more about the Prickly Pear Festival here.