Festivals and events in Mexico

The festivals

When to go for the festivals in Mexico

In Mexico, the festival calendar combines Indigenous peoples’ traditions, the Catholic calendar brought during the colonial period and dates from the country’s history. Each town and village has its patron saint, and festivals usually include processions, brass bands, traditional dances, fireworks and food made for the occasion.

In spring, Holy Week fills churches and streets with processions across the country. In July, Oaxaca celebrates the Guelaguetza, a gathering of dances and costumes from the state’s regions. On September 15 and 16, plazas everywhere celebrate Independence with the traditional cry, flags and typical dishes.

Late October and early November are devoted to Día de Muertos, recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. Families set up altars with cempasúchil flowers, candles, photographs and the favorite foods of those who have passed, and in many regions they spend the night in cemeteries. Oaxaca, the shore of Lake Pátzcuaro (Michoacán) and Mexico City are among the places where the date is most strongly celebrated.

December brings posadas, neighborhood parties that recall Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter, with piñatas and punch, and the feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe on December 12. Because many dates change from year to year or vary between towns, it’s worth checking the local calendar before you travel.