Festivals in Mexico: 20 Must-Visit Events You Can’t Miss

Mexico is home to some of the best festivals in Mexico, celebrating its rich culture, history, and traditions. From colorful parades to traditional dances, these famous festivals in Mexico showcase the country’s vibrant heritage and offer unforgettable experiences for travelers.

Whether you’re seeking traditional festivals in Mexico, religious celebrations, or lively cultural events, there’s something for everyone. This guide highlights the must-see festivals in Mexico, featuring unique performances, striking costumes, and immersive local traditions that bring Mexico’s spirit to life.

Explore the top festival and celebration in Mexico, where every event tells a story, connects communities, and offers travelers a true taste of Mexican culture and festivity.

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20 Best Festivals in Mexico

Mexico’s festivals range from colorful, lively celebrations to solemn, spiritual rituals, and each one provides a unique cultural experience. Below are the top 20 festivals you should not miss:

1. Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

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• A celebration of life and death

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is one of the most famous festivals in Mexico and a must-see celebration. Held on November 1st and 2nd, it honours deceased loved ones with colorful altars, food offerings, and candlelight, creating a joyous and memorable festival and celebration in Mexico.

What to Experience

• Visit the colorful altars and cemeteries
• Experience the procession and dances
• Taste traditional foods like pan de muerto

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2. Carnival of Veracruz

• Mexico’s Vibrant Coastal Celebration

Carnival in Veracruz is among the best festivals in Mexico, taking place in February or March. This energetic event features vibrant parades, music, dancing, street performances, and the crowning of a carnival queen, drawing both locals and tourists to the lively coastal town.

What to Experience

• Watch the grand parades and floats
• Dance to salsa, mambo, and cumbia
• Enjoy delicious seafood and street food

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3. Guelaguetza Festival

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• A celebration of Indigenous culture

The Guelaguetza Festival in Oaxaca, celebrated in late July, is one of the traditional festivals in Mexico that highlights the country’s indigenous cultures. Visitors can enjoy traditional music, dances, and elaborate costumes from various communities, making it a cultural experience not to be missed.

What to Experience

• Participate in traditional dances
• Enjoy the vibrant costumes and performances
• Taste traditional Oaxacan foods like mole and tlayudas

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4. Festival Internacional Cervantino

• Celebrating the arts in Guanajuato

Festival Internacional Cervantino in Guanajuato, held in October, is a must-see festival in Mexico and one of Latin America’s largest arts events. It celebrates the legacy of Miguel de Cervantes with theater, music, dance, and literary performances from around the world.

What to Experience

• Attend performances in the picturesque streets of Guanajuato
• Watch theatrical performances and operas
• Enjoy music from global artists

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5. Las Posadas

• Celebrating the Christmas tradition

Las Posadas, celebrated from December 16th to 24th, is a cherished traditional festival in Mexico. It commemorates Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in Bethlehem with processions, caroling, and piñata celebrations, offering a warm and festive community experience.

What to Experience

• Join the candlelit processions
• Enjoy traditional foods like tamales and ponchos
• Experience the joyful singing and festivities

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6. Día de la Candelaria

• Celebrating the Virgin of Candelaria

Día de la Candelaria, held on February 2nd, honours the Virgin of Candelaria, particularly in Tlacotalpan and surrounding Veracruz regions. This festival and celebration in Mexico includes processions, music, and candle offerings, reflecting deep-rooted cultural and religious traditions.

What to Experience

• Attend the grand procession
• Enjoy the folk music and dances
• Taste regional delicacies and pastries

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7. Fiesta de la Virgen de Guadalupe

• A religious pilgrimage and celebration

Our Lady of Guadalupe Festival, celebrated every December 12th, is one of the most famous festivals in Mexico. Pilgrims nationwide walk to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City to offer prayers and join in the vibrant religious ceremonies.

What to Experience

• Join the pilgrimage to the Basilica
• Attend the mass and traditional ceremonies
• Witness the emotional prayers and offerings

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8. Fiesta de San Sebastián

• A celebration in honour of St. Sebastian

Fiesta de San Sebastián in Atlatlauhcan, Puebla, held on January 19th–20th, is a must-see festival in Mexico. The event features indigenous dancers in traditional costumes, lively music, and horse parades, combining religious devotion with colorful cultural expression.

What to Experience

• Watch the Indigenous dances
• Experience the horse parades
• Enjoy the local food and drinks

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9. Festival de la Canción OTI

• Celebrating Mexican music

The Festival de la Canción OTI is a prestigious Mexican music festival that showcases the country’s best talent in song composition and performance. It’s celebrated annually, with a competition where artists from across the country perform original songs.

What to Experience

• Enjoy live musical performances
• Discover new and emerging Mexican talents
• Attend the grand finale event

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10. Día de la Independencia

• Celebrating Mexico’s Independence Day

Día de la Independencia, celebrated on September 16th, marks Mexico’s independence from Spain. It’s a national celebration full of patriotism, fireworks, parades, and music. The festivities begin the night before with the “Grito de Dolores,” a ceremony led by the president.

What to Experience

• Join the Grito de Dolores ceremony
• Watch the spectacular fireworks displays
• Enjoy traditional Mexican food and music

11. Fiesta de los Pueblos Mágicos

• Celebrating Mexico’s magical towns

Held annually, Fiesta de los Pueblos Mágicos celebrates the country’s designated “magical towns” (Pueblos Mágicos). Each town showcases its unique culture, traditions, and history through parades, music, and artisan fairs.

What to Experience

• Visit the magical towns and experience their charm
• Enjoy folk dances and music
• Shop for local crafts and art

12. Hanal Pixán

• A celebration of the Yucatán’s Day of the Dead

Similar to Día de los Muertos, Hanal Pixán is celebrated in the Yucatán region, especially in the city of Mérida. The festival blends Maya traditions with Catholic beliefs and includes rituals, feasts, and altars dedicated to the spirits of the dead.

What to Experience

• Visit the Hanal Pixán altars
• Enjoy traditional Yucatán food like mucbipollo
• Participate in Maya cultural rituals

13. Fiestas de la Santa Cruz

• A festival of crosses

Fiestas de la Santa Cruz, held on May 3rd, is a celebration where Mexicans honour the Holy Cross. This festival includes parades, the decoration of crosses with flowers, and a series of religious events.

What to Experience

• Attend the religious ceremonies and blessings
• Admire the beautifully decorated crosses
• Experience local dances and music

14. Festival Internacional de Jazz de México

• Celebrating jazz in Mexico City

The Festival Internacional de Jazz de México, held annually in Mexico City, is one of the most significant jazz festivals in Latin America. The festival features performances from renowned international jazz musicians and local talent.

What to Experience

• Watch performances by famous jazz artists
• Attend workshops and masterclasses
• Enjoy the vibrant jazz culture in Mexico City

15. Festival de la Guelaguetza de Oaxaca

• Cultural traditions from Oaxaca

Another significant festival in Oaxaca, the Festival de la Guelaguetza, celebrates the local indigenous cultures of the region. It’s a month-long festival held in July, offering a rich display of Oaxacan dance, music, and art.

What to Experience

• Watch traditional dances
• Taste Oaxacan specialties like mole
• Explore the stunning crafts and arts

16. Feria Nacional de San Marcos

• A lively fair in Aguascalientes

Held every April, the Feria Nacional de San Marcos in Aguascalientes is one of the largest festivals in Mexico. It’s a massive fair with concerts, bullfights, parades, and a variety of entertainment.

What to Experience

• Experience the lively concerts and music
• Visit the traditional rodeo and bullfights
• Enjoy the carnival rides and games

17. Festival de la Vendimia

• Celebrating wine in Baja California

The Festival de la Vendimia, held every August, celebrates the grape harvest season in the wine-producing region of Baja California. It’s a delightful event for wine lovers, with wine tasting, food pairings, and cultural activities.

What to Experience

• Taste wines from Baja California’s best wineries
• Participate in grape stomping
• Enjoy live music and performances

18. Fiestas de la Virgen del Carmen

• Celebrating the patron saint of fishermen

In the coastal towns of Mexico, the Fiestas de la Virgen del Carmen is a major event honouring the patron saint of fishermen. The festival involves processions, boat parades, and religious ceremonies.

What to Experience

• Join the procession along the coast
• Enjoy the boat parades and decorations
• Experience seafood delicacies from the region

19. Nochebuena

• Celebrating Christmas Eve in Mexico

Nochebuena, celebrated on December 24th, is Mexico’s Christmas Eve celebration. It’s marked by family gatherings, elaborate dinners, and religious ceremonies, followed by a festive midnight mass.

What to Experience

• Join family celebrations and enjoy traditional foods
• Attend the midnight mass
• Experience the festive atmosphere in towns and cities

20. Festival de la Marimba

• A celebration of music in Chiapas

The Festival de la Marimba, held in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, celebrates the marimba, a traditional musical instrument in Chiapas. It’s a lively festival filled with music, dance, and cultural performances.

What to Experience

• Listen to live marimba performances
• Enjoy local dance and music
• Visit cultural exhibitions showcasing Chiapas

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FAQs

What are the most famous festivals in Mexico?

Mexico is known for iconic festivals like Día de los Muertos, Carnival in Veracruz, and Guelaguetza. Each showcases the country’s rich culture and traditions.

Do I need to book in advance to attend festivals?

While many festivals are open to the public, events like the Guelaguetza or Festival Internacional Cervantino may require booking for special performances.

Are Mexican festivals family-friendly?

Yes, most festivals in Mexico are family-oriented, featuring activities for all ages, from cultural events to parades and delicious food offerings.

What should I wear to Mexican festivals?

Comfortable clothing is ideal, but some festivals encourage traditional attire or themed outfits. Check the specific festival’s traditions to enhance your experience.

Can tourists participate in the celebrations?

Tourists are warmly welcome to join in most Mexican festivals, and participating in local traditions is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.

Are there any regional differences in festival celebrations?

Absolutely. Festivals like Día de los Muertos and Hanal Pixán vary in their customs, food, and rituals depending on the region you visit.

What’s the best way to travel during festival season?

Plan your travel early, as accommodations fill up quickly during major festivals. Public transport and local tour operators are reliable options for getting around.

Are there food specialities during festivals in Mexico?

Yes, festivals in Mexico often feature unique dishes. For example, pan de muerto is popular during Día de los Muertos, while mole is a highlight at Guelaguetza in Oaxaca.