Mexico Festival Calendar 2026

One of Mexico's largest and oldest fairs — running since 1828 — with a full month of bullfights, concerts, cockfights, regional food, and the Feria's famous wine and beer gardens. Over two million visitors arrive each April–May.

The second-largest Carnaval in Latin America after Rio — five days of elaborate floats, comparsa dance troupes, nightly concerts, and the ritual "burning of bad luck" to open the celebration. Veracruz's port becomes one continuous party.

Mazatlán's Carnaval draws 400,000+ visitors for a week of parades, fireworks over the Pacific, and outdoor concerts on the Malecón. The crowning of the queen and the naval battle reenactment are highlights.

One of the most important arts festivals in Latin America — three weeks of world-class theater, dance, opera, and music performed in Guanajuato's colonial plazas, churches, and the famous Juárez Theater. Named after the author of Don Quixote.

Mexico's most dramatic Holy Week procession — penitentes in black robes carrying heavy crosses through the cobblestone streets of the silver city, accompanied by muffled drums and incense. A deeply solemn and visually arresting tradition.

Xochimilco's floating garden district erupts in color as trajinera boats carry flower vendors, marimba bands, and revelers through the ancient Aztec canal system. Peak bloom season brings mariachi flotillas and sunset tlayuda vendors.

The most important indigenous festival in Mexico — eight ethnic groups from Oaxaca's Sierra Norte, Cañada, Mixteca, and coast perform traditional dances and present regional gifts at a hilltop amphitheater above the city. Held the last two Mondays of July. Plan 8–12 months in advance for tickets.

The Feria de la Noche de Rábanos (Night of the Radishes) on December 23 is unique in the world — artisans carve enormous radishes into nativity scenes and pre-Columbian figures displayed in the Zócalo. Thousands wait in line for hours to see the best works before they wilt.

On the night of September 15, the President delivers the "Grito de Independencia" from the balcony of the Palacio Nacional to a crowd of 100,000 in the Zócalo. Fireworks, mariachi, and pozole everywhere. September 16 brings the military parade.

The Purépecha village of Janitzio on Lake Pátzcuaro hosts what many consider Mexico's most authentic Día de los Muertos — overnight canoe processions to the island cemetery, marigold-covered altars, and families gathered at gravesites through the night of November 1–2.

Oaxaca's Day of the Dead is a multi-day experience: the comparsas (costumed processions) on October 31, the cemetery vigils on November 1–2 at Xoxocotlán and San Felipe, and the elaborate ofrendas placed in homes and doorways across the city. Book accommodation a full year ahead.

December 23 in Oaxaca's Zócalo — artisans display enormous carved radishes shaped into nativity scenes, Aztec warriors, and market life. A UNESCO-recognized tradition unlike anything else in the world. The best carvings go on display at 6pm and begin wilting by 10pm.

The nine nights before Christmas (December 16–24) bring candlelit processions through colonial streets reenacting Mary and Joseph's search for shelter. Each night ends in a courtyard with piñatas, ponche, and buñuelos. San Miguel de Allende's version is particularly beautiful.