Mexico has it all, whether you’re looking for a Mexican music festival, a celebration of life (not death), or an internationally known literature festival. Even if the commercialism presently connected with some of the country’s most well-known events makes Mr. Paz turn in his grave, there’s no denying that no one throws a party quite like Mexico. Each year, the country hosts ten of the most outstanding fiestas and festivals. Here we will look at some of the most colorful Mexican Festivals that you should attend.
When you’re in Mexico, there’s no such thing as a dull time, as all Mexicans know! People travel from all over the world to experience the Mexican charm, which is known for its wonderful cuisine, delighted people, and rich culture. What better way to do that than to take part in their celebrations? Take a look at some of the country’s most memorable celebrations, and organize your next trip here around the Mexican festivals you wish to attend.
Here are the top 10 Mexican Festivals that you Should Attend to see the Country Colorful Side
1. Day of the Dead, Nationwide
When you think about Mexico’s annual festivals, the Day of the Dead is perhaps the first thing that comes to mind. After all, this ancient, spiritual, and emotionally significant annual ritual, which honors the deceased by commemorating their lives, is wholly Mexican and is observed in many parts of the country. Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, is probably the most well-known, followed by Oaxaca City. However, in recent years, a parade in Mexico City has emerged, which inquisitive foreigners can attend.
2. Ambulante, (Almost) Nationwide
Ambulante is a traveling documentary film festival co-founded by Mexican actor, director, and producer Gael Garca Bernal that travels around major Mexican states, including Chihuahua, Jalisco, Oaxaca, and even Veracruz, putting on screenings, workshops, and cultural activities wherever it goes. However, historic film festivals such as the Los Cabos International Film Festival, the Morelia International Film Festival, and the Guadalajara International Film Festival are also worth seeing in Mexico.
3. Vive Latino, Mexico City
If music festivals are more your thing, Vive Latino in Mexico City in the spring is the place to go. Vive Latino attracts big-name performers from all over the world every year, albeit it does have an autumnal competition in the form of Corona Capital. However, outside of Mexico City, there is no shortage of similarly fantastic live music options. Hellow Fest and Pa’l Norte are famous in Monterrey, while Morelos hosts the hipster Bahidorá in February and Ceremonia in Toluca in the spring.
4. Mexican Independence Day, Nationwide
Mexican Independence Day is not the same as Cinco de Mayo, contrary to popular misconception. In actuality, because Independence Day is celebrated on September 16th, this is about four months off the mark. There will be a dramatic increase in the amount of red, white, and green paraphernalia everywhere in Mexico, and on the day itself, Mexico City will witness the President’s grito, as well as parades, parties, and fireworks. It’s practically mandatory to have a bowl of pozole on Independence Day to have a truly Mexican experience.
5. Cervantino, Guanajuato
Guanajuato, a colorful city known for its quaint, cobblestone callejones and colonial attractiveness, is another city that celebrates culture in October. The Cervantino Festival, however, is undoubtedly the city’s most enduring legacy, attracting thousands of people to Guanajuato’s already congested, serpentine alleys to celebrate art, music, literature, and cinema. However, book early because this festival has become extremely popular in recent years.
6. Night of the Radishes, Oaxaca
When it comes to odd Mexican holidays and festivities, Oaxaca’s Night of the Radishes, a much-hyped and much-loved Christmas tradition centred around radish cutting competitions (yes, really), is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s also Tlaxcala’s Night Nobody Sleeps when colored sawdust carpets the streets to commemorate the Virgin Mary’s Assumption; Zacatecas’ La Morisma, which includes full-fledged re-enactments of Christians vs. Moors battles; and San Miguel de Allende’s Fiesta de los Locos (Crazy People’s Party).
7. Carnaval, Veracruz and Mazatlán
There’s no denying that Carnaval is most closely linked with Brazil and the Caribbean. However, two coastal Mexican communities, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, and Veracruz, participate in their own mini Mardi Gras each year in March. During the nine days of parades and parties, Mexico’s Carnaval celebrations feature excessive dancing, drinking, and performances, as one might imagine.
8. Feria Nacional de San Marcos, Aguascalientes
Although an almost month-long agricultural fair may not appear to have much attraction for the general public, the Feria Nacional de San Marcos in Aguascalientes is Mexico’s largest fair and well worth a second look. There are also rodeos, ethically dubious bullfights, and the usual fairground rides and food on offer, in addition to industrial exhibitions.
9. Feria Internacional del Libro, Guadalajara
Guadalajara isn’t just known for its film festivals. With the Feria Internacional del Libro, it is also host to Latin America’s largest book fair. Each year, a different country, city, or region is honored with an invitation. Latin America was honored in 2016, Madrid in 2017, and Portugal in 2018. There are also singing and dance acts, as well as special guests—last year, George R. R. Martin made an appearance!
10. Fiestas de Octubre, Guadalajara
Guadalajara in October is the place to go for a new kind of month-long celebration. The annual Fiestas de Octubre in Mexico City celebrates all things arts and culture, with shows and events ranging from fairs to concerts to modern art exhibits taking place all throughout the city.
Mexico serving diverse cultures and traditions is one of the best things to experience.
Do you know more than these Top 10 Mexican Festivals that you Should Attend to see the Country’s Colorful Side? Do let us know in the comments section below.
Also Checkout: 10 Most Unusual Cultures And Festivals Around the Globe
