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January

1

New Year's Day (Año Nuevo)--Nationwide.

Mexico rings in the New Year with celebrations featuring music, dance, food and fireworks. Streets are filled with revelers, and friends and families congregate for parties that often last till dawn. One tradition calls for eating twelve grapes, one with each stroke of the chiming bell at midnight, for luck during the next 12 months.

2-12

City of Merida Festival (Festival de la Ciudad de Merida)--Merida, Yucatan.

In celebration of the city's founding more than 461 years ago, this ten-day festival features music, dance and exhibits of local art, as well as the annual serenade to the city, where the traditional "Mañanitas" (the "Happy Birthday" song) is sung by its residents. www.merida.gob.mx

JAN 5-23

Merida International Arts Festival--Merida, Yucatan. Sponsored by CONACULTA (The National Board of Culture), INBA (National Institute of Fine Arts), the state of Yucatan and the city of Merida, this arts festival will feature live concerts, opera, dance, theater, poetry readings, art and photography exhibitions as well as films from all over the world. Many events will be taking place at the Jose Marti Cultural

JAN 6

Three Kings' Day (Dia de los Santos Reyes)--Nationwide.

The Feast of the Epiphany recalls the arrival in Bethlehem of the three wise men (reyes magos) bearing gifts for baby Jesus. This is the day of traditional gift-giving for children in the central and southern regions of Mexico. Rosca de Reyes, a crown-sha

ped sweet bread decorated with candied fruits with a small doll baked inside, is served on this day. Whoever is lucky enough to find the figure in his slice of bread must host a party on February 2, Candlemas Day, offering tamales (stuffed cornflour cakes wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves) and atole (a hot, sweet drink thickened with corn flour) to the guests.

JAN 14 ? FEB 7

Leon State Fair?Leon, Guanajuato.

 Leon City, located just 45 minutes outside of Guanajuato, hosts this annual fair which features concerts, dance, food and much more. One of the highlights of this year?s fair is an ancient Totonac ritual performed by dancers of all ages called Los Voladores de Papantla (Flyers from Papantla). These professional dancers launch themselves from the top of a 100-foot pole and slowly descend, flying through the air as the ropes around the pole unwind. www.ferialeon.com.mx or leonfer@ferialeon.mx

JAN 15-23

St. Sebastian Fiesta (Fiesta de San Sebastian el Martir)--Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas.

This fiesta is famous for its "parachicos" tour, which features a dancing procession from the Santo Domingo church to the San Antonio Hermit and ends in a delectable food festival featuring traditional dishes such as "pepita con tasajo" made of beef in a creamy pumpkin seed sauce. On the night of the 21st, a traditional nautical battle takes place on the Grijalva River which concludes in a spectacle of fireworks.

JAN 19

 Ceremony of the Pocho Dance--Tenosique, Tabasco.

Dating back to prehispanic times, the traditional "Pocho" dance means it's almost Carnaval time in Tabasco. The Pochü consists of a series of dances and other ancient ceremonies performed by masked dancers, many dressed as jaguars and tigers. The dance symbolizes the purification of man through the battle between good and evil. The Pocho performances begin on January 20 at the main park in Tenosique and on all subsequent Sundays prior to the commencement of Carnival. On the last day, the dancers dance backwards from the main square to the church where the dance began. 

February

FEB 1-6

Caribbean World Series--Mazatlan, Sinaloa.

Mazatlan will host the 2006 Caribbean World Series (CWS), showcasing baseball talent from around Latin America. The Dominican Republic team will defend its title this year against teams from Puerto Rico, Venezuela and Mexico in a swift and exciting 12 game round robin series that will decide the new Caribbean World Series Champion. www.latinobaseball.com

FEB 2

Candlemas Day (Dia de la Candelaria)--Nationwide. Celebrated with candlelit processions and dancing in many towns throughout the country, this holiday marks the end of the Christmas celebration. On this national holiday, families and friends gather together to enjoy tamales and atole (a hot, sweet drink thickened with corn flour). The musical events, parades and dances are especially memorable in the port city of Tlacotalpan, Veracruz, where a bull is rafted into town and released.

 FEB 3-8:

Carnival (Carnaval)--Nationwide. Celebrations begin five days before Ash Wednesday and are marked by parades, parties and dancing in the streets.

Some of the most famous and festive celebrations are held in the port towns of Veracruz, Campeche (www.webcampeche.com ), Mazatlan (www.carnavalmazatlan.com.mx) and Ensenada, while carnaval in San Juan Chamula, Chiapas is one of the most important indigenous celebrations in Mexico, involving purification ceremonies and ethnic dances that depict Mayan legends.

TBD

International Contemporary Film Festival of Mexico City (Festival Internacional del Cine Contemporaneo de la Ciudad de Mexico)--Mexico City.

Hosted by Cinemex, the Mexico City International Contemporary Film Festival is a ten-day showcase featuring 150 international pictures, among them winners at the Venice, Berlin and Cannes film festivals. www.ficco-mex.com/

FEB 6:

20th Annual Half International Marathon--Guadalajara, Jalisco.

The streets of Guadalajara will rumble with the sounds of pounding feet and wheel chairs as this traditional marathon enjoys its 19th consecutive year. The 21-kilometer course will be run by participants from all over the world, with this year's purse amounting to $875,000 pesos (US$77,912). www.maraton.com.mx

 FEB 16

Seashells and Wine Festival-Ensenada, Baja California. Now in its 5th year, this exquisite festival will take place at the Riviera Cultural Center, celebrating the fine wine from the region. For more information, contact: fiestasvendimia@hotmail.com.

 FEB 20-23

El "Cielo" International Nature Festival (Festival Internacional de la naturaleza "El Cielo")--Ciudad Mante, Tamaulipas.

This festival welcomes hundreds of visitors to interact with nature in one Mexico's most famous biosphere reserves.

FEB 21-27

Mexican Tennis Open?Acapulco, Guerrero.

The Mexican Open is the most important tennis open in Latin America and ranks fifteenth in the world. It is part of the International Gold Series ATP and Tier III of the WTA. Champions from this tournament will go to the US Open in New York. www.abiertomexicanodetenis.com.

FEB 23-26

5th Annual Extreme Adventure Competition--Husteca, Hidalgo.

This competition, which will take place in the mountainous region of the state, has been labeled by top international racers as one of the most important adventure competitions around the globe. More than U$S 60,000 in prizes will be awarded at the competition. This year?s route will cover many different disciplines including kayaking, trekking, mountain biking, canyoneering, swimming and caving. Teams from countries well known for their adventure enthusiasts like Australia, the U.S., Sweden, Spain and Mexico will be represented. www.eah2005.com

FEB 27-MAR 14

Tapachula International Fair (Feria Internacional de Tapachula)--Tapachula, Chiapas.

Cattle trade show featuring livestock, rides, bullfights, rodeos, cockfights and sport races, with a cultural twist.

TBD

Desert Cultural Fair (Festival Cultural para el Desierto)--Puerto Peñasco, Sonora.

Cultural exposition showing off the beautiful state of Sonora, which borders with the Gulf of California

March

MAR 4

Night of the Witches (Noche de Brujas)--Catemaco, Veracruz.

 Is modern medicine getting you down? Need a cure or are you just a bit curious? The small lakeside town of Catemaco, referred to as the mecca of witch doctors, attracts thousands of people seeking non-conventional healing methods, and many swear by the results. Taking place the first Friday night of March every year, the annual gathering is a spectacle of witches, healers, magicians and wizards.

MAR 6

LALA International Marathon Torreon 2006?Torreon, Coahuila.

Torreon will host thousands of national and international runners in one of the most important and traditional marathons in Mexico. This year, the 18th LALA International Marathon winners will be selected for the World Cup Marathon in Helsinki 2006, the fist places in each category will also receive $250,000 pesos. www.maratonlala.ecgnet.com.mx

MAR 11-13

Corona Rally Mexico--Guanajuato State.

The cities of Guanajuato, Silao and Leon in Guanajuato State will host the 2006 Corona Rally, a two-day race covering 600 miles of central Mexico's majestic plateaus and mountains in 15 legs of intense off road driving. Not to be missed is the wide array of festivities that always accompany the rallies. Traditional dance, music and food promise to put the Mexican spirit into this event. www.rallymexico.com

MAR 17-20

4th International Motorcycle Festival--Saltillo, Coahuila. Saltillo welcomes hundreds of riders to this unique event, just a three hours' ride from Texas. www.amoden.com

MAR 20-27

Holy Week (Semana Santa)--Nationwide.

Beginning with Palm Sunday and ending with Easter Sunday, the week's religious celebrations include reenactments of the events leading up to Christ's crucifixion. The most renowned celebrations are held in Mexico City, Patzcuaro, San Luis Potosi, Zacatecas, San Cristobal de las Casas and Taxco.

MAR 19-26 (tentative)

Tajin Summit (Cumbre Tajin)--Tajin, Veracruz.

This festival evokes the spring season (a time of renovation) and celebrates the archeological sites and natural beauty of Veracruz. The central theme of Tajin 2004 is the Ritual. www.cumbretajin.com

TBD

International Film Festival (Muestra Internacional de Cine)--Guadalajara, Jalisco.

Now in its 19th year, this contemporary film festival is the oldest and most important film festival in Mexico, offering the best selection of Mexican and Ibero-American films of the year. The festival features a variety of films including feature-length films, shorts, documentaries

TBD

Salsa and Merengue International Festival (Festival Internacional de Cumbia, Salsa y Merengue)--Manzanillo, Colima.

 Manzanillo, a natural beach paradise located in the state of Colima about 500 miles from Mexico City, brings the best artists and musicians of salsa, cumbia and merengue from Cuba, Columbia, Argentina, Dominican Republic, United States and Mexico to its free festival.

MAR 21

Spring Equinox (Equinoccio de la Primavera)?Chichen-Itza, Yucatan.

Thousands of people from around the world gather at this Mayan ruin on the Yucatan peninsula to witness the afternoon shadow of the snake-god Kukulcan slowly "crawl down" the country's largest Mayan pyramid, El Castillo.

TBD

XIII International Regatta--Nueva Vallarta, Nayarit. Four-day event in the Bahía of Banderas (Flag Bay) featuring sailing and a variety of beach activities. Fun for the entire family.

MAR 29

XIV International Guitar Festival of Morelia (XV)Festival Internacional de Guitarra de Morelia)--Morelia, Michoacan.

 Michoacan, with its rich musical traditions and home to one of the oldest conservatories in Latin America, is the perfect host for this popular guitar festival. The program features recitals, contests, conferences, seminars and expositions, with local as well as international artists participating from Venezuela, Chile, Germany, Spain, Argentina, Cuba and the Czech Republic

April

TBD

Cuernavaca Flower Fair (Feria de la Flor)--Cuernavaca, Morelos.

This fair fills Cuernavaca's streets with flower booths and gardening competitions. At night, everyone gathers at the main plaza for a laser light show. Pay a visit to the famous Borda Gardens, once the residence of Emperor Maximillian and his wife Carlota.

TBD

Sardine Fishing Ritual (Pesca de la Sardina)--Tacotalpa, Tabasco.

 In the picturesque villa of Tapijulapa, an enchanting cavern known as the Cave of the Sardines (Cueva de la Sardina) is the site of an annual religious ritual with prehispanic roots. The ritual involves fishing for sardines for the purpose of imploring Mother Nature to bring sufficient rain for the crops. The more sardines caught during the ceremony, the better the harvest will be. www.tabasco.gob.mx

TBD

Xochimilco Festival--Xochimilco, Mexico City.

Held annually two weeks before Easter, this four-day event dates back to precolonial times when Mexicans honored the goddess of flowers (Xochipilli) and the goddess of dance (Maculxochitl) to ensure good harvests. Every year, a young woman is crowned La Flor Mas Bella del Ejido (the most beautiful flower of the land) who presides over colorful parades on flower-decorated barges along Xochimilco's famed canals.

TBD

Xalapa Fair (Feria de Xalapa)--Xalapa, Veracruz.

Referred to as the Athens of Veracruz, the capital city of Xalapa is bursting with culture. The Xalapa fair dates back to the 18th century and offers a variety of artworks, handicrafts and unique products from the region at excellent prices. The fair features activities for all ages.

TBD

San Marcos Fair (Feria de San Marcos)--Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes State.

A colorful three-week festival featuring handicrafts, bullfights, folk dancing, games, cockfights, fireworks, cultural events and local cuisine. The National Poetry Prize and a traditional competition of typical dress also take place during this international celebration.

TBD

Cultural Festival of Zacatecas (Festival Cultural de Zacatecas)--Zacatecas, Zacatecas State.

 This festival features displays of literature, dance, theater, music and art in several venues throughout Zacatecas State. www.folklorico.com/festivales/zacatecas.html

APR 16-29

Annual Mexico City Festival (Festival del Centro Historico)--Mexico City, Mexico.

 Regarded as one of Latin America?s most vibrant celebrations of art and culture, this two-week festival features diverse events including opera, concerts, theater, art exhibits, dance productions and gourmet fare. More than a million local and international spectators will flock to Mexico City for the festival, and proceeds go toward the rescue and restoration of the art and architecture of Mexico City?s historic downtown area. www.fchmexico.com

APR 22-24

58th Annual Newport Beach to Ensenada International Yacht Race--Ensenada, Baja California.

Yachting competition originating in Newport Beach, California to Ensenada with more than 50 participating yachts, featuring a festival and ceremony upon their arrival in Ensenada.

TBD

Nopales Cactus Festival (Festival de Nopales)--Tlaxcalancingo, Puebla.

This small town on the outskirts of Puebla celebrates the nopal (tender edible cactus) annually with a food fair featuring cactus salads, stews and even ice cream.

TBD

Tabasco Fair (Feria de Tabasco) ?Parque Villahermosa, Tabasco.

 Famous for its Olmec artifacts, Villahermosa Park hosts this colorful state fair where 17 counties share their best in cuisine, arts and crafts. Visitors can also enjoy the colorful boat parade over the Grijalva River and the outdoor theater in the evenings where plays are presented by each county.

TBD

Haddock International Fishing Tournament (Torneo de Robalo)--Tampico, Tamaulipas.

Located along the Gulf of Mexico, this fishing town features an annual Haddock tournament for both national and international fisherman.

APR 30

Rosarito-Ensenada Fun Ride, Rosarito Beach, Baja California.

Head south of the border with 10,000 of your closest amigos for this fun ride along the Pacific Coast and inland through rural countryside from Rosarito Beach to Ensenada, Mexico. The event course is 50 miles of paved highway on the old Free Road from Rosarito Beach south to the city of Ensenada. Avid cyclists should finish in two hours, with the average time to complete being 4 1/2 hours. www.rosaritoensenada.com

May

MAY 2-8

Canadian Tour-Mazatlan Corona Classic, Mazatlan, Sinaloa.

 Considered one of the most important golf events in the world, the Canadian Tour will make its first stop in Mexico in Mazatlan and receive 156 players from 15 different countries. The purse this year is US$125,000. www.cmcgolf.com

MAY 5-8

Acapulco Boat Show--Acapulco, Guerrero.

 Aimed at fostering an interest in sea and water sports, as well as promote Mexico?s nautical market, this exposition features everything from mega yachts to aquatic motorcycles. National and international exhibitors include manufacturers, distributors and marina service providers. Boat owners, prospective buyers and sea lovers in general are welcome to attend. www.acapulcoboatshow.com

MAY 9-14

Canadian Tour-Michelin Morelia Classic in Morelia, Michoacan.

Considered one of the most important golf events in the world, the Canadian Tour will make its final stop in Morelia. The purse this year is US$125,000. www.cmcgolf.com

MAY 12-24

Mexico Undewater--Cozumel, Quintana Roo.

Mexico Underwater is the first premier dive show in Cozumel designed for the diving enthusiast. This dive fair is held in a truly world-class environment and in real scuba diving atmosphere. Mexico Underwater features educational seminars, product exhibits, travel opportunities and photo contests. www.mexicounderwater.com

TBD

19th Alarconian Theatrical Festival (XVIII Jornadas Alarconianas)--Taxco, Guerrero.

The picturesque silver mining town of Taxco will host 10 days of artistic and cultural events including literature, music, theater, dance, opera and artworks presented by local artists. www.guerrero.gob.mx/dominios/turismo/taxco.htm

MAY 15-20

ROLEX/IGFA Offshore Championship--Los Cabos, Baja California Sur.

This annual competition attracts more than 60 qualifying teams from 33 countries representing 250 international anglers and their guests to Cabo San Lucas and the Los Cabos area for four days of intense fishing on 44 local charter boats. Each team is allowed to weigh two fish of each species on each day of fishing, and top prizes include engraved gold and stainless Rolex watches. www.igfatournaments.com/2004/2004_index.html

TBD

Morelia Organ Festival--Morelia, Michoacan.