FESTIVALS AND TRADITIONS

Aguascalientes is one of the most festive and faithful cities when it comes to celebrating its annual festivities. One of the main events is the San Marcos National Fair, which has more than 175 years of tradition, making it one of the oldest and most famous fairs in the nation. It takes place in April and it draws much attention due to its colorful decorations, food, traditional dress, bull runs, cockfights and an event called the Premio Nacional de Arte Joven (a national competition for young artists).

Another notable event is the Festival de las Calaveras (The Festival of Skulls), which is held at the end of October and the beginning of November. This festival follows a pre-Hispanic tradition of paying respects to the dead. Among the various activities that take place during the festival is the Jose Guadalupe Posada National Engraving Competition, which is held in honor of this famed engraver, whose favorite theme was death. During the celebration you?ll also see altars adorned with candy skulls and offerings of food. The most original one is the Altar Viviente (The Living Altar).

As for religious festivities, there?s the Quincenario de la Asuncion, a two-week celebration that begins on Aug. 1 and ends on Aug. 15 with the Romeria, a huge procession in honor of Our Lady of the Assumption of Aguas Calientes, the city?s patron saint.