Festivities
Festivities Calendar

• 23rd –Saint Sebastian Day, Guanajuato. This is one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities, not only in Mexico but world wide, one of the most favored places for visitors from everywhere in the world. Its enchanting buildings, the purity of the baroque style constructions and the atmosphere emanating from the streets conquer the visitor, who instantly falls in love with this extraordinary place. A great variety of crafts can be found in Guanajuato. This place is internationally renowned for the cultural events that take place here, the city being the perfect frame for these activities.
  

FEBRERO

• 2nd -Day of the Candelaria Virgin, Cuernavaca. The state capital of Morelos is located amidst vegetables, orchards and tropical gardens and the weather is always warm. On this day, a popular fiesta is celebrated in the barrio of Amatitlán and all the town residents participate. When you come, don’t forget to visit the famous Palace of Cortés. On its facing walls there are two superimposed galleries, the one on the first floor, with no columns, and from where the Plaza de Armas can be seen. The back part of the Palace is the same when it comes to construction, but what stands out here are the frescos by Diego Rivera, where Mexico’s and Cuernavaca’s histories are reflected , especially the moment of Conquest. And don’t leave without admiring the Borda Garden, built by Jose de la Borda in the second half of the 18th century, the vegetation is wonderful and exuberant, and there are some baroque style constructions. Another landmark of the city of “Eternal Spring” is the cathedral, the construction of which began in 1533 so it could be a sanctuary for the Franciscan convent next door. A very antique open chapel with a gothic style vault can be found next to the church. In the convent’s cloister, you can see the remains of mural paintings dating from the 16th century they are worthy of admiration.
  
  
• Carnaval Sunday, Isla Mujeres. The festivities continue until Mardi Gras Tuesday and all sorts of events take place, the parades being the most outstanding. Multi colored floats, dance troupes and musical bands take part, and everybody marches in an atmosphere of absolute joy. This is a beautiful tropical island surrounded by water in all hues of blue, you have to see it to believe it. When you visit, you’ll be able to practice and enjoy your favorite water sports.
  
  
• Carnaval Tuesday, Cuernavaca. All the way from Tuesday through the rest of the week, different events are organized, such as exhibitions, performances, rides and games, parades complete with multi colored floats, etc. Every day people dance in the city streets, amidst an atmosphere of laughter and joy, and there are masquerades and social events of every kind, and it is the time for visitors to witness the performances of the Tepoztlán dancers, known as the Chinelos. Cuernavaca is also called “the city of the eternal spring”, and many people visit or move here permanently.
  
  
• Carnaval Friday, Mérida. The Mardi Gras festivities start on Friday and last until the next week’s Tuesday. During this time, people dance in the city’s streets, hotels and homes, in a happy and bustling atmosphere which lasts from morning till night. The women dress up in beautiful regional embroidered costumes and dance the traditional jaranas, and they are the ones who add a special touch to the joyful parades. Mérida is known as the “White City,” and there are numerous colonial churches and buildings worthy of visiting. Also, the city has many small really enchanting plazas where people sit, chat and take a break in the afternoons. When you come this way, don’t forget to visit Uxmal and Chichén Itzá, two of the most splendid and famous archeological zones in the world.
  

MARCH

• First Friday of the month- Day of the Lord of the Conquest, San Miguel de Allende. This is one of the most worshiped saints in the parish of such an enchanting and history-rich city. During the time of Independence, San Miguel de Allende was the birth place of many heroes, men who fought men bravely to liberate the country. When you come, don’t forget to visit the many colonial buildings and galleries, where you will be able to admire the artistic manifestations of the town.
  
  
• Good Friday, San Miguel de Allende. If presented with the opportunity to visit San Miguel de Allende during this time, you must visit and admire the family altars, erected in each home and decorated with great care. Devotees and tourist alike are welcome in a moment of prayer and spiritual meditation at the altars, glowing in the candlelight.
  
  
• Palm Sunday, San Miguel de Allende. Apart from the blessing of ornaments made form braided palms, on this day a very solemn pilgrimage takes place, leaving form the Atotonilco Sanctuary. The Lord of the column heads this very orderly procession, followed by the participants who come full of devotion, passing under arches that have been beautifully decorated with flowers.
  

APRIL

• 1 to 7 - Flower Fair - Cuernavaca. With exhibits and competitions in floriculture and gardening. The fair is highlighted with sound and light shows and the appearance of popular entertainers.
  
  
• 29 - Nopal Cactus Festival - Puebla. The picturesque village of Tlaxcalancingo is just a few miles from downtown Puebla and hosts a festival that celebrates the very popular Nopal cactus. This food fair features salads, stews, stuffed nopales and even nopal ice cream as well as other delicious regional specialties, grilled meats and barbecue. Aside from discovering many tasty Mexican dishes you may also listen to one of the largest pipe organs in Mexico in the town’s 16th century church.
  

MAY

• 2nd- Festival of the Flowers, Cuernavaca. The famous Borda Gardens, temporary residence of emperor Maximilian and his wife Carlota, constitute one of the most beautiful colonial relics the town has to offer. They should be visited, especially on this day, when a flower exhibition visited by very famous people which ends on the eight is inaugurated.
  
  
• 5th- The Battle of Puebla, Puebla. In 1862, Mexican army faced the French troops and defeated them. In memory of this victory, a spectacular parade is organized in the city, during which the battle is reenacted. Puebla has very diverse attractions, such as the Forts of Loreto and Guadalupe, located at the entrance to the city, plus the many and varied colonial monuments and churches, impossible to mention each and every one. The most representative examples of colonial and baroque architecture are the Chapel of the Virgin of the Rosary, the city Cathedral, the Church of Santo Domingo, the Palafoxian Library and the Santa Clara Convent, where very antique and famous paintings done on velvet are treasured. If you have never been to Cholula, you can use this trip to visit this place, famous for its churches and the very impressive pyramid.
  
  
• 15th- Day of San Isidro Labrador, Cuernavaca. On this day, the farmers from the barrio of Acapantzingo decorate their ox teams with flower garlands and ribbons and take them to the church so they can be blessed, parading together through the town streets. A very colorful and bright spectacle.
  

JUNE

• 13th- Day of San Antonio, San Miguel de Allende. In honor of the highly revered image of this saint, dances are organized (the market gardener’s and the madman’s balls) and a carnival takes place, and in the afternoon, the townspeople walk to San Antonio’s hermitage in a procession, where the fair (romería) takes place.
  
  
• 19th- Corpus Thursday, San Miguel de Allende. This is one of the children’s favorite holidays, they dress up in indigenous garb and do the traditional dances (like the market gardener’s) with such grace and innocence, that the spectators always ask for more.
  
  
• 23rd- Festival of the Presa de La Olla, Guanajuato. During this festivity, full of color and joy, there are dances, pilgrimages and serenades which imbue the narrow city streets, romantic and enchanting with a festive touch. Come to this wonderful place, which resembles a fairy tale village, and admire the architectural details ornamenting all the buildings, most of all, the Alhóndiga de Granaditas (and old Spanish building), the churches of Belén, la Valenciana (with a gold altar piece), San Diego and San Francisco, as well as the elegant Teatro Juárez and the imposing University of Guanajuato.
  
  
• 29th- Day of San Pedro, San Pedro Tlaquepaque/Guadalajara. This is one of the liveliest holidays among all organized by the State, the mariachis endlessly play their happy melodies, the dancers dance the Moros, the Apache and the Conquest dance, there are parades with floats and all kinds of events. If you come to this city, located on the outskirts of Guadalajara, you will need extra time to visit the many handcraft stores in town.
  

JULY

• Third and last Monday of the month- Guelaguetza or Lunes del Cerro Festival, Oaxaca. According to pre Hispanic tradition, the different ethnic groups of the region got together to participate in a series of rituals in honor of Centeotl, Goddess of the corn, and the objective of these ceremonies was to ask for the Goddess’s help so that the harvests would be abundant. But in Colonial times, the influence of the Catholic Church was made to be felt, and the rites became a mix of religious and pagan ceremonies that have prevailed till now. Groups of Mixtecs, Zapotecs, Mazatecs and Mixes dance their native dances, always decked out in very bright outfits. No one should miss the opportunity to attend this multicolored festival which takes place on the Cerro del Fortín.
  
  
• 17th to 23rd Feria del Mescal - Oaxaca. Displaying the best of Oaxacan mescal, currently a popular, upscale beverage in both foreign and domestic markets is the purpose of this festival, which takes place at the Zocalo - main plaza – of Oaxaca. In addition to marvelous Oaxacan culinary specialties and music, a wide variety of handcrafts is featured.
  
  
• 31st - Día de la Cueva – Guanajuato. A colorful village celebration typical of Guanajuato is held at the base of the mountain Cerro de los Picachos.
  

AUGUST

• 31 st- Blessing of the Animals, Oaxaca. On this day, a really enchanting ceremony takes place here, a favorite of young and old, everybody dresses their animals (pets and livestock) as best they can, for this is the day when they will take them to the beautiful church of La Merced (a colonial building worth visiting) to be blessed.
  
  
• A Festival to celebrate the Music and the Camaras – San Miguel de Allende. Takes place at the "El Nigromante" and the Angela Theater located at the Peralta Cultural Center, organized by the National Institute of the Fine Arts.
  

SEPTEMBER

• 8th- Birthday of the Virgin Mary, Cuernavaca. The festivities in honor of the Virgin Mary take place in the beautiful Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Milagros, built in the 17th century in the area known as Tlaltenango. Many of the faithful participate in the procession, bearing candles and floral offerings. There are dances in the church atrium, amidst constant fireworks explosions that illuminate the blue sky of this beautiful city. When you come to Cuernavaca, don’t forget to visit the Palace of Cortés, where some Diego Rivera frescos can be found, and don’t miss the chance to visit the cathedral, which dates back to the 16th century. Besides, very near here is the impressive archeological zone of Xochicalco, a place no visitor should miss.
  
  
• 25th - Pamplonada/San Miguelada, San Miguel de Allende. San Miguel de Allende is host to an event named after Pamplona, Spain, where the running of the bulls originated, it is also known as the Sanmiguelada, and is usually the held the third Saturday of September the annual event attracts participants from all over Mexico, and the world. Hundreds of brave individuals wearing white shirts and red bandannas go within the barricaded areas of San Miguel's town square where usually a dozen or more specially raised bulls have been set loose, while many more hundreds of spectators look on, safely behind the metal barricades. For most however, the attraction is not necessarily running with the bulls, but the wild three day party surrounding it.
  
  
• Saturday after the Day of San Miguel Arcángel, San Miguel de Allende. This is a holiday that varies but always falls on a Friday (The Day of the Saint), but it is also celebrated the next Saturday. This is the most important day for the town, and it is celebrated with bullfights, fireworks, art exhibitions, religious ceremonies and processions, popular concerts, shows of all kinds and dances. The groups of dancers (The Apaches, the Pastoras and the Moros) wait for the arrival of people that come from other towns, and then dance through the streets, always preceded by the cempazúchiles. (marigolds). The prevailing atmosphere during these festivities is one of the most cordial and festive, and if you decide to come here, you’ll be able to enjoy the town’s stores, where you’ll find all sorts of handcrafts.
  

OCTOBER

• 6th to 24th - The 32nd Festival Internacional Cervantino will take place in Guanajuato. Every year in the month of October the famous Festival Cervantino is held in honor of the illustrious author Miguel de Cervantes, with a variety of national and international cultural and artistic events. There are exhibitions, plays, concerts, cinema and all sorts of events, turning the city into a hotbed of culture. The International Cervantes Festival (FIC) is the most important artistic and cultural event in Mexico and in all Latin America. It has been held without interruption since 1972, the year it was created and has as its venue the city of Guanajuato. During the celebration a torrent of the most outstanding works in music, opera, theatre, dance, plastic arts, cinema and literature take over all of Guanajuato, making it a privileged destination for people coming from all over Mexico and the entire world.
  
  
• 12th- Day of the Virgin of Zapopan, Guadalajara. This is one of the most revered Virgins in the country. The faithful come from distant places to take part in the religious processions, people dance to the music while carrying the image to the altar located near Zapopan. Guadalajara, known as the “Pearl of Occident”, is one of the most beautiful cities in the country, which will fascinate you with its elegance festiveness, a place full of beautiful churches from different periods which house an array of artistic treasures. In addition, an endless variety of handcrafts in all styles and materials can be found in this city. When you come to Guadalajara, be sure to visit the beautiful baroque buildings, the many museums and the beautiful Teatro Degollado, where internationally renowned musicians can be heard.
  
  
• October Fiestas, Guadalajara. Throughout the month, the city organizes a series of festivities, during which a great variety of events take place, such as art exhibitions, concerts, dances, indigenous and folk dancing, bullfights, cockfights, serenades, fireworks, rodeos, and all sorts of shows. These festivities end on the last day of the month, so don’t miss the chance to attend.
  
  
• 14th to 17th Feria del Pan - Cholula. A huge brick oven is constructed in the main plaza and bakers from Cholula and neighboring towns give demonstrations of traditional Mexican bread making. There is plenty for tasting, and over 150 different kinds of bread for sale, fancifully displayed in various forms, including those for the upcoming Days of the Dead.
  
  
• 30th-Birthday of José María Morelos y Pavón, Morelia. This, the State’s capital was founded in 1541 under the name on Valladolid. It’s situated in a fertile valley, surrounded by multicolored orchids. On this day, a series of festivities are organized to commemorate the birth of Don José María Morelos y Pavón, hero of the Independence War born in this city and the reason the name of it was changed. The events coincide with a popular fair in which there are dances, music and fireworks. When you come, visit the buildings made from pink stone. Morelia is considered one of the most important agricultural and commercial points in the country. Also, admire the 16th century cathedral, the University and the famous Villa Montaña Gardens.
  

NOVEMBER

• 7th through the 14th – Illumination Festivities, Guanajuato. All the neighborhoods participate in this fiesta. There are dances, music and fireworks. Don’t miss these original and colorful festivities.
  
  
• 25th International Jazz Festival – San Miguel de Allende. Held the last week of November, this week long is a huge attraction for this colonial town, Artist come from all over the world to celebrate this popular music genre.

DECEMBER

• 8th- Day of the Immaculate Conception, Alamos. Hundreds of pilgrims visit the locality’s temple during this day. Everyone bears candles and floral offerings which are deposited at the altar, making their devotion for the Virgin felt. When you visit Alamos, be sure to check out the colonial monuments in this history rich city.
  
  
• 12th- Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, Puerto Vallarta. The town’s population organizes some of the most picturesque festivities in honor of Mexico’s Patron Virgin, all of them within a colonial atmosphere. The festivities continue throughout the month, ending with the new year festival. Puerto Vallarta is a leisure destination located on the coast, it boasts the most modern facilities, and its climate is ideal. Here the visitor can devote himself to his favorite sport, from tennis to fishing, amidst absolutely exuberant vegetation. If you enjoy watching birds or if you are hunting aficionado, then this is the perfect place for you, a true paradise.
  
  
• 18th- Day of The Lonely Virgin, Oaxaca. All the towns and cities in the State of Oaxaca organize very different events in honor of the Virgen de la Soledad, their patron. In the State capital, several events take place among which the processions of faithful natives from near and far who come here to pay homage to their saint dressed in their typical costumes and do the dances of the Santiagos, Jardineros, Matachines and the dance of the Feather stand out, these ceremonies sometimes take place in the atrium of the Church of the Virgen de la Soledad, and sometimes they take place in the Plaza de Baile next to the church.
  
  
• 23rd- Fiesta de los Rabanos (radishes), Oaxaca. Every year on the afternoon of the 23rd of December, this festival, full of tradition is organized here. On the main city plaza there is a horticulture’s exhibition, where the main produce of the region is shown, including floral arrangements of all sorts and small figures carved form radishes. There are contests and prizes for the most original arrangements; also on this day, another very old tradition is kept, after eating the delicious buñuelos ( a kind of very thin deep fried crepe), the dish is thrown up in the air so that it shatters on the ground.
  
  
• 24th- Christmas Eve, Oaxaca. From the evening of the 16th, the famous posadas begin, taking place everyday until the Christmas Eve. On the 24th of December, the city’s inhabitants organize a very solemn procession, the participants leave from various churches, carrying torches in their hands and head for the house of the “godmother” of the Baby Jesus. They pick him up and parade him in a bright procession of multicolored carriages, walking until they reach the city Zócalo (main square). After that, they return to the churches where they began, and place the Baby Jesus in the crib. Around Oaxaca there are several very important archeological sites that everyone should see, such as Monte Albán, Mitla, Yagui y Zaachila, considered true artistic treasures, like the church of Santo Domingo and the wonderful Chapel of the Virgen del Rosario. The native people of the region are famous for the handcrafts they make, so when you come this way, don’t leave without visiting the handicraft market.