In Mexico, thanks to the deeply-ingrained religious tradition, there are colorful carnivals taking place all year long for you to join in with, though above all around Easter week, between March and April.

For one week each year, the streets of many towns and cities explode with merry-making – those of Veracruz and Mazatlán are particularly famous for their wild celebrations.

For the duration of the Carnival, the town or city crowns a king and queen, who lead the festivities. Generally the Carnival queen is a beautiful local lady, or an actress or singer, while the king, who is called the “Ugly king” or “King of joy”, is a representation of Momus, the Greek god of madness and mockery.

The Carnivals are full of music, food and drinking. The symbolism is made clear from the start, with many Carnivals commencing with the “burning of the bad mood”, in the form of a figure that is set on fire to declare the party has begun.

Apart from Mazatlán and Veracruz, major Carnivals are held in Campeche, Yucatán, Baja California, Morelos, Tlaxcala and Cozumel.

Even though strictly speaking it is not a Carnival, the celebration of the Guelaguetza, in Oaxaca, in which the locals pay tribute to their past and their ancient traditions is a colorful event that has been held in July since pre-Hispanic times.

Mexico has other kinds of fiestas too: you can witness celebrations that bring the crowds out onto the streets such as the pilgrimage to the Basílica de Guadalupe on December 12 to pay homage to the Virgin of Guadalupe.

Then there are the celebrations for the Day of the Dead, in November, where the festival, colorful as it is, also shows signs of the syncretism between the different cultures that give Mexico its identity.

Finally, important fairs are also held in every one of the states of Mexico, so as long as you keep an eye on the calendar you can be sure of a year-long party!