Best Events in Mexico

Major National Festivals & Holidays

These are cornerstone cultural events that often form the centerpiece of a trip to Mexico. For any of these celebrations, planning and booking well in advance is not just recommended, it is essential to secure accommodation and transport.

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

When: Primarily November 1st and 2nd, with celebrations often starting in late October.

What to Expect: A vibrant celebration of life and memory, not a somber occasion. Expect streets filled with marigolds, beautifully decorated altars (ofrendas) in homes and public spaces, sugar skulls, and people with painted calavera (skull) faces.

Best Places to Experience:

• Oaxaca: Famous for its cemetery vigils in towns like Xoxocotlán and colorful street processions (comparsas).
• Pátzcuaro, Michoacán: Known for its deeply spiritual and atmospheric candlelit ceremonies on Janitzio Island.
• Mexico City: Hosts a massive, spectacular parade inspired by the James Bond film Spectre.

Traveler Tip: Book flights and accommodation 6-12 months in advance for prime locations like Oaxaca.

Semana Santa (Holy Week)

When: The week leading up to Easter Sunday (dates vary annually, typically March or April).

What to Expect: A mix of solemn religious processions, passion plays re-enacting the crucifixion, and a major national vacation period. Cities are decorated, and there’s a unique festive atmosphere.

Best Places to Experience:

• Taxco, Guerrero: Famous for its dramatic and somber processions involving hooded penitents.
• Iztapalapa, Mexico City: Hosts one of the world’s largest and most elaborate passion plays.
• San Miguel de Allende: Blends solemn processions with vibrant public events.

Traveler Tip: This is peak travel time for Mexican nationals. Expect crowded beaches, cities, and higher prices. Book everything far in advance.

Mexican Independence Day (Día de la Independencia)

When: Festivities begin the evening of September 15th and continue through September 16th.

What to Expect: A nationwide patriotic party. On the night of the 15th, crowds gather in town squares (zócalos) to hear the Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores), a re-enactment of the call to arms, followed by massive fireworks displays. The 16th features military parades.

Best Places to Experience:

• Mexico City: The President delivers the Grito from the National Palace to a crowd of hundreds of thousands in the Zócalo.
• Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato: The historical heart of the celebration, where the original Grito took place.

Traveler Tip: Wear green, white, and red to join in the fun. Be prepared for very large, boisterous crowds.

Arts, Culture & Music Festivals

Festival Internacional Cervantino

When: Three weeks in October.

Where: Guanajuato City.

What it is: One of Latin America’s most prestigious performing arts festivals. The entire colonial city becomes a stage for international artists performing everything from classical music and opera to modern dance and avant-garde theatre.

Traveler Tip: Even if you don’t have tickets, the street performances and electric atmosphere make it worth a visit.

Guelaguetza Festival

When: The last two Mondays in July.

Where: Oaxaca City.

What it is: A spectacular celebration of Oaxacan culture, often called the “Mondays on the Hill.” It features delegations from the state’s eight regions performing traditional dances in vibrant, indigenous costumes.

Traveler Tip: Tickets for the main amphitheater event sell out almost instantly. Book a comprehensive tour or be prepared to watch from the free seating area on the hill above.

Vive Latino

When: A weekend in Spring (usually March).

Where: Mexico City.

What it is: The country’s premier rock and alternative music festival, featuring a massive lineup of Spanish-language rock legends and up-and-coming artists, alongside major international acts.

Traveler Tip: Think of it as Mexico’s Lollapalooza. It’s a multi-stage event with a huge, energetic crowd.

Unique Regional & Foodie Events

Noche de Rábanos (Night of the Radishes)

When: December 23rd only.

Where: Oaxaca City.

What it is: A truly unique folk art festival where local artisans carve elaborate scenes—from nativity sets to historical events—out of oversized radishes. The displays are on view for only a few hours.

Traveler Tip: The line to view the displays in the zócalo can be hours long. Arrive in the early afternoon to queue up for this one-of-a-kind spectacle.

Feria Nacional de San Marcos

When: Three weeks between April and May.

Where: Aguascalientes.

What it is: Mexico’s largest and oldest national fair. It’s a massive event featuring concerts from top Latin artists, bullfights, livestock exhibitions