New centerpiece unveiled for 2025 Chile Drop in celebration of the New Year.

For several months, New Mexico State University (NMSU) has been buzzing with activity around its Engineering Complex. Unbeknownst to many, students and staff have been working on an exciting project that is set to captivate the Borderland community as they prepare to ring in 2026. This special project is the centerpiece of this year's Las Cruces Chile Drop, an annual event held on December 31 at the Plaza de Las Cruces.

The main attraction for this years celebration is a 17-foot chile sculpture, which is adorned with a striking display of LED lights. Designed and constructed by the NMSU Engineering Department, the chile was built in the universitys machine shop, with significant input and collaboration from the innovators at the Aggie Innovation Space.

All aspects of the chiles detailed design and fabrication were carried out by NMSU students and staff, showcasing their technical expertise and creativity. As part of the preparation for the event, lighting effects were tested in advance, providing local media with a sneak peek of the spectacular visual display on December 18. The final result will be unveiled at the event, where it will shine brightly as part of the official New Year's Eve countdown.

The full visual experience of the chile will offer an exciting spectacle, combining artistic elements and modern technology. The massive, illuminated sculpture will become the focal point of the New Years celebration, adding to the festive atmosphere as the community gathers to mark the beginning of 2026.

Commenting on the project, Ezequiel Beltran-Rodriguez, a senior in electrical engineering and a member of the Aggie Innovators, shared his excitement: "I'm pretty proud of our work. I'm looking forward to seeing it on New Year's." Beltran-Rodriguez, along with the rest of the team, has invested significant effort into bringing this Chile Drop centerpiece to life. Their hard work has paid off, and the result promises to be a memorable addition to the annual tradition.

This years chile will not only be a representation of technical proficiency and innovative design, but it will also capture the festive spirit of the community, symbolizing a fresh start as the region celebrates the arrival of the new year. The combination of creativity and technology will undoubtedly make this year's event a standout in Las Cruces history of Chile Drops.

The event on December 31 promises to be a vibrant and lively celebration, drawing locals and visitors alike to the Plaza de Las Cruces for the unique experience. The LED-lit chile will stand tall, marking the official start of the new year with a bold, festive flair that the city will remember for years to come.