FESTIVALS AND TRADITIONS

Every year Queretaro hosts about 30 festivities, which include food festivals, saints? day celebrations, cockfights, bull runs and cultural events. Among the most traditional events is the Desfile de Carros Biblicos, a Christmas parade with biblical scenes. Another important celebration is Santa Cruz, a three-day dance festival that takes place in September. During this festivity people dance to the rhythms of guitars, mandolins, as well as huehuetl drums, tambors and rattles, which are instruments of indigenous tradition. Many of the participants wear traditional garb, such as plumed headdresses, small bells around their ankles and huaraches (Mexican sandals). Other important celebrations include, Day of the Dead, which takes place during Holy Week, as well as Mexican Independence Day and the day that marks Queretaro?s founding, which falls on July 25. During these festivities you?ll see various exhibits, concerts, theatrical performances, parades and tournaments.