Czhilispiel in The Making.
Czhilispiel is a nod to Flatonia’s Czech and German heritage. First, the name comes from a play on the word “Chili.” The addition of the “z” is a play on a Czech spelling, and the German word “spiel” means play. The festival started in 1973 to celebrate the centennial anniversary of Flatonia.
Czhilispiel began as a fundraiser to help fund a local Flatonia student's medical school education. At the time Flatonia needed a doctor, so the residents organized the Czech heritage festival and chili cook-off, Czhilispiel. The student agreed to serve the community for at least five years after completing medical school, but ended up staying longer. Czhilispiel continues to use proceeds from the event to benefit local needs, whether for students or community services.
About Flatonia
Flatonia is a community of about 1300, centrally located on I-10 between four major Texas cities – Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Victoria. It was established in 1873 and named for the pioneer merchant F. W. Flato. It became a melting pot for English, German, Bohemian, Czech and Italian immigrants. Home of the longest standing Train tower in Texas, Tower 3, Flatonia is still a well known and scenic spot for train watchers. Visitors to the Central Texas Rail History Center can still tower the tower and see the levers!
Flatonia is located along the Texas Independence Trail and is a Major Contributing Partner of the Fayette County Tourism Association!
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Flatonia, TX 78941
Always the 4th Full Weekend in October!