Mexico, a country renowned for its vibrant culture and rich traditions, is home to a plethora of festivals that offer unique and unforgettable experiences. From centuries-old celebrations to contemporary events, these festivals are an integral part of Mexican life and culture. Here are six of the best festivals in Mexico that you absolutely must visit to truly immerse yourself in the local way of life.
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
Día de los Muertos, celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, is perhaps Mexico’s most famous festival. This colorful and poignant celebration honors deceased loved ones, with families creating altars adorned with marigolds, candles, and photographs. The streets come alive with parades featuring vibrant costumes and skeletal face paint, and the air is filled with the scent of pan de muerto, a traditional sweet bread.
Visiting a local cemetery during Día de los Muertos offers a deeply moving experience, as families gather to remember their departed relatives. The blending of indigenous traditions with Catholic elements creates a unique atmosphere that is both festive and solemn. It’s a powerful reminder of the deep reverence for ancestors in Mexican culture. Learn more about how to Celebrate Mexico’s Day of the Dead: Mexico Tourist Card (FMM)
Guelaguetza Festival
Held in Oaxaca City every July, the Guelaguetza Festival is a spectacular celebration of the region’s indigenous cultures. This festival, also known as Los Lunes del Cerro, showcases traditional music, dance, and costumes from Oaxaca’s diverse communities. The highlight of the festival is the performance of the Danza de la Pluma, a mesmerizing dance that reenacts the Spanish conquest.
Visitors to the Guelaguetza Festival can also enjoy a vibrant market where artisans sell handwoven textiles, pottery, and other crafts. The festival provides a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Oaxaca, with its mix of pre-Hispanic and Spanish influences. It’s a feast for the senses and a must-visit for anyone interested in Mexico’s indigenous traditions.
Carnaval
Carnaval, the Mexican version of Mardi Gras, is celebrated with gusto across the country, with the largest festivities taking place in Mazatlán and Veracruz. This pre-Lenten festival is marked by exuberant parades, vibrant costumes, and lively music. In Mazatlán, the festivities include a famous parade along the Malecón, with floats, dancers, and musicians creating a carnival atmosphere.
In Veracruz, the Carnaval celebrations are equally spectacular, with nine days of parades, concerts, and street parties. The energy is infectious, and visitors are encouraged to join in the dancing and revelry. Carnaval is a time of joy and celebration, where the whole community comes together to have fun before the solemnity of Lent.
Also, read about Mexico’s Entry Requirements here: Mexico Tourist Card (FMM)
Festival Internacional Cervantino
The Festival Internacional Cervantino, held every October in the charming city of Guanajuato, is one of Latin America’s most prestigious cultural events. Named after Miguel de Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote, the festival features an eclectic mix of theater, music, dance, and visual arts. Performers from around the world come to Guanajuato to showcase their talents in venues ranging from grand theaters to intimate courtyards.
The festival’s diverse program ensures there is something for everyone, from classical music concerts to contemporary dance performances. Guanajuato itself, with its narrow, winding streets and colonial architecture, provides a picturesque backdrop for the festival. It’s a time when the city transforms into a vibrant hub of creativity and culture.
Independence Day
Mexico’s Independence Day, celebrated on September 16th, marks the anniversary of the country’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1810. The festivities begin the night before with El Grito de Dolores, a reenactment of the call to arms by Miguel Hidalgo. The main squares of cities and towns are filled with people waving flags, and the air is filled with the sounds of mariachi bands and fireworks.
The celebrations continue the next day with parades, speeches, and more fireworks. In Mexico City, the Zócalo becomes the focal point of the festivities, with a military parade and a patriotic ceremony. Independence Day is a time of national pride and unity, and experiencing it in Mexico is an unforgettable experience. Learn more about the best things to do in Mexico City here: Mexico Tourist Card (FMM)
Get Your Mexico Tourist Card (FMM) Online
Good news for travelers planning to visit Mexico: obtaining the necessary travel authorization has been simplified with the Mexico Tourist Card (FMM), also known as the Forma Migratoria Múltiple. This electronic travel document is required for tourists and can be obtained online, making the process quick and straightforward.
Applying for the Mexico FMMis easy—fill out the online form, pay the fee, and receive your card via email. The FMM is valid for up to 180 days, allowing ample time to explore Mexico’s rich culture and vibrant festivals. This hassle-free process lets you focus on enjoying your trip without worrying about lengthy paperwork.
La Guelaguetza Festival
Held in the month of July in the city of Oaxaca, La Guelaguetza is an indigenous cultural festival that celebrates the diversity of Oaxaca’s ethnic groups. The festival, also known as Los Lunes del Cerro, features traditional music, dance, and costumes from the state’s various communities. The highlight of the festival is the performance of the Danza de la Pluma, which reenacts the Spanish conquest of Mexico.
La Guelaguetza is also a feast for food lovers, with stalls offering traditional Oaxacan dishes such as mole, tlayudas, and chapulines (toasted grasshoppers). Visitors can also browse the vibrant markets selling handmade crafts and textiles. The festival is a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Oaxaca and see its traditions come to life.
Conclusion
From the ancient traditions of Día de los Muertos to the vibrant celebrations of Carnaval, Mexico’s festivals offer a unique insight into the country’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the historical reenactments, the colorful parades, or the delicious food, there is a festival for everyone. With the ease of obtaining a Mexico Tourist Card, planning your visit to these extraordinary events has never been simpler.
Before embarking on your journey, make sure to visit the official Mexico City tourism board for detailed information on attractions, events, and recommendations. For visa and entry requirements, head to Mexico’s National Institute of Migration (INM), which provides up-to-date information on the necessary documents for entering Mexico. Additionally, for comprehensive insights into Mexico’s travel policies, check the Mexico Ministry of Tourism, which offers resources for exploring the country’s diverse regions.
