5 Unforgettable Mexican Festivals to Add to Your Bucket List

1. Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead)

Celebrated across Mexico from November 1st-2nd, Día de Muertos is perhaps one of the most internationally recognized Mexican festivals.

This profound celebration honors deceased loved ones, blending indigenous traditions with Catholic elements.

Towns and cities are adorned with marigolds, papel picado (perforated paper), and elaborate altars.

The festivities are especially vibrant in places like Oaxaca and Mexico City, where you can witness candlelit graveyards, colorful parades, and local families gathering to remember the departed with food, drinks, and music.

2. Guelaguetza

Held in Oaxaca on the last two Mondays of July (if the Monday falls on July 18, it is moved to the next day), the Guelaguetza festival is a spectacular display of Oaxacan culture.

Pronounced “Gela-get-zaa”, this event features traditional dance, music, and parades from the different ethnic groups of the region.

Participants dress in traditional attire and perform dances that are often centuries old, sharing their cultural heritage.

The festival also includes a vast market selling local crafts and foods, making it a feast for the senses.

3. La Feria Nacional de San Marcos (San Marcos National Fair)

Taking place in Aguascalientes between April and May, the Feria Nacional de San Marcos is one of Mexico’s oldest and most traditional fairs.

It originally started as a livestock fair but has evolved into a massive cultural event featuring concerts, rodeos, bullfights, art exhibitions, and a variety of food stalls.

The fairgrounds come alive with the energy and joy of both locals and visitors, making it a lively environment to experience the warmth of Mexican hospitality.

4. Carnaval de Veracruz

Experience the exuberance of Mexican carnival in the port city of Veracruz, usually in the week leading up to Ash Wednesday.

The Carnaval de Veracruz is one of the most joyous celebrations in Mexico, with dazzling parades, elaborate floats, and energetic dance performances.

Music fills the air as people dressed in bright, elaborate costumes dance in the streets.

This festival is a wonderful display of Mexican festivity and creativity, perfect for those looking to dance the night away.

5. Cervantino Festival

Each October, the colonial city of Guanajuato becomes a vibrant hub for international arts and culture during the Festival Internacional Cervantino.

This extensive festival, named after Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, author of “Don Quixote,” is one of the most significant and anticipated cultural events in Latin America.

It attracts artists, performers, and spectators from all over the world to celebrate music, theater, dance, and visual arts.

The streets and historic venues of Guanajuato are filled with performances ranging from classical concerts and avant-garde theater to modern dance routines and street art displays, making it a must-experience event for culture enthusiasts.

Each of these festivals offers a unique insight into the different aspects of Mexican culture, from its deep spiritual roots to its lively musical traditions.

They’re definitely worth adding to your bucket list for an unforgettable and immersive Mexican experience.