The Best Festivals In Mexico: An Ultimate Guide for Travelers

When it comes to celebrating culture and tradition, Mexico is a country that does it with style and fervor. The vibrant and colorful festivals held throughout the year provide a glimpse into the cultural richness of the country. With over 5,000 fiestas taking place in Mexico annually, choosing which festival to attend can be overwhelming. This ultimate guide will help you discover the best festivals in Mexico that you should not miss.

🎉 Carnival of Veracruz

The Carnival of Veracruz is one of Mexico’s most popular and lively festivals, held annually in February. For nine days, the streets of Veracruz come alive with music, dance, and extravagant costumes. The festival’s highlight is the battle of the flowers, where participants throw flowers at each other. The Carnival of Veracruz is a must-visit for anyone seeking a lively and colorful celebration.

🎭 Day of the Dead

The Day of the Dead is a traditional Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1st and 2nd each year. It is a time to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away. The festival is characterized by colorful altars, sugar skulls, and marigold flowers. The most elaborate celebrations take place in Oaxaca, where locals decorate the streets and cemeteries with candles and flowers. The Day of the Dead is a unique and beautiful celebration that showcases Mexico’s rich cultural heritage.

🎵 Festival Internacional Cervantino

The Festival Internacional Cervantino is Mexico’s most important cultural festival, held annually in Guanajuato. The festival attracts artists and performers from all over the world, showcasing a diverse range of music, theater, and dance performances. The festival’s highlight is the Desfile de las Calaveras, a parade of skeletons that takes place on the opening day. The Festival Internacional Cervantino is a must-visit for anyone interested in the arts and culture.

🎉 Guelaguetza Festival

The Guelaguetza Festival is held annually in Oaxaca and celebrates the state’s indigenous culture and traditions. The festival features music, dance, and traditional costumes, with the highlight being the Lunes del Cerro performance, where indigenous communities come together to showcase their dances. The Guelaguetza Festival is a unique and authentic celebration of Mexico’s indigenous heritage.

🍺 Oktoberfest Mexico

Oktoberfest Mexico is a German-inspired festival that takes place in Mexico City each year. The festival features traditional German food and beer, live music, and carnival rides. The festival is a fun and lively celebration that showcases the fusion of Mexican and German cultures.

🎉 Feria Nacional de San Marcos

The Feria Nacional de San Marcos is held annually in Aguascalientes and is one of Mexico’s oldest and most popular festivals. The festival features traditional bullfighting, rodeos, concerts, and carnival rides. The highlight of the festival is the parade of floats, which takes place on the opening day. The Feria Nacional de San Marcos is a lively and colorful celebration that should not be missed.

🎵 Festival de Mexico en el Centro Historico

The Festival de Mexico en el Centro Historico is held annually in Mexico City and showcases the best of Mexican and international music, theater, and dance. The festival takes place in iconic locations throughout the city, such as the Palacio de Bellas Artes and the National Auditorium. The Festival de Mexico en el Centro Historico is a cultural extravaganza that attracts visitors from all over the world.

🎉 Son Jarocho Festival

The Son Jarocho Festival is held annually in Veracruz and celebrates the state’s traditional music and dance. The festival features live performances, workshops, and competitions, with the highlight being the fandango, a lively dance party that goes on late into the night. The Son Jarocho Festival is a unique and authentic celebration of Veracruz’s cultural heritage.

🎭 La Calaca Festival

La Calaca Festival is held annually in Mexico City and celebrates the Day of the Dead in a unique and contemporary way. The festival features live music, art exhibitions, and performances, with the highlight being the mega altar, a giant altar that pays homage to famous Mexican figures who have passed away. La Calaca Festival is a modern and artistic celebration that showcases Mexico’s rich cultural heritage.

🎵 Festival de la Huasteca

The Festival de la Huasteca is held annually in the Huasteca region of Mexico and celebrates the region’s traditional music and dance. The festival features live performances, workshops, and competitions, with the highlight being the Huapango dance, a lively and energetic dance that is unique to the region. The Festival de la Huasteca is a unique and authentic celebration of the Huasteca’s cultural heritage.

🎉 Feria de San Marcos

The Feria de San Marcos is held annually in Aguascalientes and is one of Mexico’s largest and most popular festivals. The festival features bullfighting, rodeos, concerts, and carnival rides, with the highlight being the Palenque, a series of concerts featuring famous Mexican musicians. The Feria de San Marcos is a lively and colorful celebration that attracts visitors from all over Mexico.

🎭 Festival Cultural de Mayo

The Festival Cultural de Mayo is held annually in Guadalajara and celebrates the city’s rich cultural heritage. The festival features music, theater, dance, and art exhibitions, with the highlight being the Festival de Danza, a showcase of contemporary dance performances. The Festival Cultural de Mayo is a cultural extravaganza that should not be missed.

🎵 Festival Internacional de Mariachi

The Festival Internacional de Mariachi is held annually in Guadalajara and showcases Mexico’s traditional mariachi music. The festival features live performances, workshops, and competitions, with the highlight being the Gran Concierto de Gala, a concert featuring the best mariachi bands in the world. The Festival Internacional de Mariachi is a must-visit for anyone interested in traditional Mexican music.

🎉 La Feria de Tlaxcala

La Feria de Tlaxcala is held annually in Tlaxcala and is one of Mexico’s oldest and most popular festivals. The festival features bullfighting, rodeos, concerts, and carnival rides, with the highlight being the Desfile de las Flores, a parade of floats decorated with flowers. La Feria de Tlaxcala is a lively and colorful celebration that attracts visitors from all over Mexico.

🎭 Fiesta de Santa Cecilia

The Fiesta de Santa Cecilia is held annually in Mexico City and celebrates the patron saint of musicians. The festival features live music, dance, and street performers, with the highlight being the Paseo de la Reforma, a parade of musicians and music groups. The Fiesta de Santa Cecilia is a lively and fun celebration that showcases Mexico’s rich musical heritage.

🎵 Festival Internacional de Jazz de San Miguel de Allende

The Festival Internacional de Jazz de San Miguel de Allende is held annually in San Miguel de Allende and showcases the best of international jazz music. The festival features live performances, workshops, and jam sessions, with the highlight being the Jazz en la Calle, a free concert held in the city’s streets. The Festival Internacional de Jazz de San Miguel de Allende is a must-visit for anyone interested in jazz music.

🎉 Carnival of Mazatlan

The Carnival of Mazatlan is held annually in Mazatlan and is one of Mexico’s largest and most popular festivals. The festival features music, dance, and extravagant costumes, with the highlight being the Batalla de Flores, a battle of flowers where participants throw flowers at each other. The Carnival of Mazatlan is a lively and colorful celebration that should not be missed.

Introduction

When it comes to festivals, Mexico boasts a diverse and colorful array of celebrations. Whether you’re looking for traditional music and dance, cultural heritage, or contemporary art and music, Mexico offers something for everyone. Although there are thousands of festivals across Mexico each year, choosing the best ones can be a daunting task. This ultimate guide will help you discover the top festivals that showcase Mexico’s rich cultural heritage and traditions.

In this guide, you will find detailed descriptions of 15 festivals held across Mexico, covering traditional celebrations like the Day of the Dead and the Carnival of Veracruz, as well as contemporary festivals like the Festival de Mexico en el Centro Historico and La Calaca Festival. We’ve also included practical information on when and where each festival takes place, as well as what to expect and what to bring.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Mexico or a seasoned traveler, this guide will help you experience the country’s vibrant and diverse festival culture.

The Best Festivals In Mexico

Mexico’s festivals offer a unique and authentic glimpse into the country’s cultural heritage. From traditional celebrations like the Day of the Dead and the Carnival of Veracruz to contemporary festivals