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National Hot Heads Chili Day

Spice up your day with National Hot Heads Chili Day! From fiery flavors to chili cook-offs, it's time to turn up the heat and satisfy your taste buds.

Sunday

January 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJanuary 17

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYSoups

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to heat things up on January 17 for National Hot Heads Chili Day! This deliciously spicy holiday celebrates the beloved dish of chili, which has been a favorite among food lovers for centuries. Did you know that chili originated in Mexico and was brought to the United States by Spanish settlers? Since then, it has become a staple in many cuisines around the world and has even sparked friendly competitions for the best chili recipe. So grab your spoon and get ready to savor some hot and tasty chili on this special day!

TIMELINE

National Hot Heads Chili Day Timeline

Discovery of Chili

Christopher Columbus discovers chili peppers in the Caribbean, leading to their spread and eventual worldwide popularity.

Origin of Chili Con Carne

The dish known today as "chili con carne" originated in Mexico and Texas, helping to popularize spicy flavors.

First Chili Cook-Off

The first chili cook-off took place in Terlingua, Texas, formalizing chili as a widely recognized dish and competition.

Chili Recognition

Chili was officially recognized as the state dish of Texas, solidifying its importance in American food culture.

Celebrating National Chili Day

National Chili Day was first celebrated, sparking annual nationwide celebrations and chili cook-offs.

Hot Heads Chili Day

The first National Hot Heads Chili Day is celebrated on January 17, adding a spicy twist to the traditional holiday.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Hot Heads Chili Day

Host a chili cook-off

Gather your friends and family for a chili cook-off competition. Have everyone bring their best chili recipe and let the tasting begin! You can even have prizes for different categories like spiciest, most unique, and overall winner.

TRY

Try different types of chili

Expand your chili palate by trying different types of chili, such as white chicken chili or vegetarian chili. Make a day out of it by going to different restaurants or making it a road trip to try out different regional variations of chili.

MAKE

Make your own hot sauce

Get creative and make your own hot sauce to top off your chili dishes. Experiment with different peppers, spices, and flavors to create a unique and personalized hot sauce. You can even bottle it up and give it as gifts to friends and family.

HAVE

Have a chili-themed movie night

Gather some friends and have a chili-themed movie night. Pick out some of your favorite movies that feature chili, like "The Three Amigos" or "Talladega Nights," and enjoy them with a big bowl of chili.

ATTEND

Attend a chili festival

Check out if there are any chili festivals happening in your area and attend one to celebrate National Hot Heads Chili Day. You can sample different types of chili, attend cooking demonstrations, and even participate in chili-eating contests.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Hot Heads Chili Day

It brings people together

Whether you're cooking up a batch for game day or having a chili cook-off with friends and family, chili has a way of bringing people together over a shared love of good food. So grab a bowl, some friends, and celebrate National Hot Heads Chili Day with a tasty and communal meal!

It's a warm and comforting dish

Chili is the perfect dish to warm you up on a cold winter day. It's hearty, filling, and packed with flavor - making it the ultimate comfort food. Whether you like it spicy or mild, there's a chili recipe out there for everyone to enjoy!

There are endless variations

From white bean chicken chili to vegetarian black bean chili, there's no shortage of creative and delicious ways to make this classic dish. On National Hot Heads Chili Day, take the opportunity to experiment with different ingredients and spices to create your own unique version of chili!

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