May, 29th
to June 7th, International Wine and Cheese Festival, Tequisquiapan,
Queretaro
The enchanting town of Tequisquiapan
hosts this annual wine and cheese festival, bringing together wine and cheese
producers from all over the country. Apart from wine and cheese tasting,
visitors will also enjoy regional cuisine, concerts, handicrafts and other
cultural events.
May, 24th of May, Horse, Arts and Wine Festival, Guadalupe
A random combination it may be, but the town of Ensenada in GuadalupeValley hosts a popular
Horse, Arts and Wine Festival every year. Just make sure you enjoy the wine
after the horse riding and not before...
Flamenco and folk dancing liven up the crowds
and riders from Mexico and California show off
their equestrian talents. Art exhibitions, supervised horse rides for kids,
wine tasting and piles of glorious Mexican food make the event a great day out
for all the family.
May, 17th, Fiesta of the
Flowering Vineyards (Fiesta de los Viñedos en Flor)
Noon-5pm: This colourful event is an excellent opportunity to sample wines from
many different wineries and enjoy regional foods and music in a family
atmosphere
May, 10th,
Mother's Day in Mexico
Although this is not a holiday, many
local people take a half day off when they can to take their mother out and
celebrate this event. Come to Mexico
with your mother and family ? the best gift for the Mother?s Day!
May, 5 th, Cinco de Mayo, Puebla
Puebla welcomes you for the ??Cinco de Mayo??. Cinco de Mayo is
a National holiday commemorating Mexico's defeat of the French in
the Battle of Puebla in 1862, on May 5.
May, 2nd
to 8th, Canadian Tour-Mazatlan Corona
Classic -- Mazatlan,
Sinaloa
Come on to see one of the most
important golf events in the world. The Canadian Tour will make a stop in Mazatlan and receive more
than 150 players from 15 different countries. The purse this year is
US$125,000.
May, 1st to 3rd, 21st
International sailfish fishing tournament in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo
During
the sunny spring, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo offers a variety
of activities for the whole family?s enjoyment.And so, on May 1st, 2nd and 3rd of this year, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo will host the "XXVI International
Sailfish Fishing Tournament".
After
a long journey filled with memorable experiences and adventures at sea during
the 26 years it has been held, the port
of Zihuatanejo?s most traditional event has become a world-class
competition that will award valuable prizes to the fishermen who capture
Sailfish, Marlin and Mahi-Mahi.
May, 1st, DiadelTrabajo,
Labor Day, Nationwide
This is a national
public holiday in Mexico.
There are political and labor union marches and
official speeches. Schools, banks and government offices are closed.
Enjoy food, music, mariachi bands, a cruise of the Caribbean,
assorted parties and a final champagne breakfast, during a weekend in May?
May, Fiesta
of the flowering vineyards, Guadalupe
This annual event is
held at many different wineries within the GuadalupeValley
to celebrate the harvest. The celebration includes wine tastings, a
sampling of local cuisine, concerts and gatherings at many different locations
surround Ensenada.
May, Cancun Jazz Festival, Cancun, Mexico
Each year Cancun hosts a week-long jazz festival that welcomes some
of the most recognised names from the world jazz scene. The programme embraces
jazz in all its forms ranging from traditional through to the weird and
wonderful sounds of experimental jazz. The event also has a strong Caribbean flavour with musicians representing
Afro-Latino, Flamenco and Cuban jazz traditions. The beautiful beachfront
resort of Cancun is a great place to relax and
let the music wash over you. Come to the Parque de lasPalapas and the area around
the Convention Center. You will enjoy the live performances from the best jazz
musicians in the world, during Memorial Day weekend.
April 29th
to May 3rd, FIFABeach Soccer World Cup
2009 Qualifier
Tourists and residents of Puerto
Vallarta are waiting for the Beach Soccer World
Cup 2009 qualifier. FIFA teams from Canada,
Mexico, Costa Rica, Salvador,
the United-States and Jamaica
will compete in Puerto Vallarta. A must-see event!
April 29th to 30th,
Festival de Nopales
,Tlaxcalancingo, Puebla
This pueblito is just a few miles from downtown Puebla, but looks like a
painting from an antique Mexican calendar. Set against a backdrop of snow-covered
volcanoes, amidst fields of nopal cactus, this town celebrates its spiney harvest with a food fair featuring nopal
salads, stews, stuffed nopales
and even nopal
ice cream, as well as other delicious regional specialties, grilled meats and
barbeque. Listen to one of the largest pipe organs in Mexico in the town's 16th century
church.
TianguisTuristico, the most important marketplace event for travel
professionals, provides an opportunity for Mexican National and International
Buyers to meet with more than 500 suppliers companies of the Mexican tourism
industry during more than two days of prescheduled appointments. This event
sells and promotes one single country: Mexico.http://www.tianguisturistico.com.mx/ing/
April 24th, Annual Newport
Beach to Ensenada International Yacht Race, Ensenada
April 24, 2009 will be the 62nd running of this event and for
the first time anyone can now be a part of the yachting glamour and excitement
from start to finish with special cruise packages offered exclusively through
SevenSeasTravel.com and Carnival Cruise Lines. The best way to be part of this
event is to own you own yacht, or to join one of the many yacht crews.
This Yachting competition is originating from Newport
Beach, California to Ensenada with more than 50 participating yachts, featuring
a festival and ceremony upon their arrival in Ensenada.
April 22nd to May 10th,
Feria de San
Marcos, Aguascalientes
The fair began in 1828 but has been
produced since 1966 by the State Institute of Culture.
Dedicated to
San Marcos,
this fair in the state capital features local food and beverages, as well as
cockfights, bullfights, and a lavishly decorated plaza. Said to be the largest
fair in Mexico,
there is a constant schedule of dances, processions, and exhibits. Bring your
camera to this one.
This is also Mexico?s oldest state fair, with
agricultural, livestock expo and cultural booths.
April 17th to 24th,
Fiestas delPitic, Festival CallejeroArtistico y Cultural, Pitic
The Municipal Institute of Culture
and Art is the creative machine behind the artistic and cultural movement of Hermosillo; from the
management, promotion, and diffusion of art and the popular culture through
work with institutions, companies, the artistic union and the community in
general.
April, Xochimilco Festival, Xochimilco, MexicoCity.
The annual Xochimilco Festival is held two weeks before Easter and dates
back to pre-colonial times when Mexicans honoured the goddess of flowers (Xochipilli) and the goddess of dance (Maculxochitl)
to ensure good harvests. Every year, a young woman is crowned La FlorMas Bella del Ejido
(the most beautiful flower of the land) who presides over colourful parades on
flower-decorated barges along Xochimilco's famed
canals.
April, 18th, Rosarito-Ensenada
FunRide, RosaritoBeach, Baja California.
Head
south of the border with 10,000 of your closest amigos for this fun ride along
the PacificCoast
and inland through rural countryside from RosaritoBeach to Ensenada.
The event course is 50
miles of paved highway on the old Free Road from RosaritoBeach south to the city of Ensenada. Avid cyclists should finish in two
hours, with the average time to complete being 4 1/2 hours.
April 13th to 23rd,
Performatica festival, Cholula, Puebla
Performática: International Forum of
Contemporary Dance and Movement Arts is a festival, a
conference, a workshop, a community builder, an exchange project, and a
creative vision. Inspired by years of exposure to international workshops, performance
festivals, academic conferences, and community art projects, Performática aims to synthesize the best of theses events
into a unique forum. The event brings together an international cadre of
practicing dancers, choreographers, theorists, and teachers of contemporary
dance and related movement arts.
A tradition of 153 years.....More than 1,000,000 spectators....this is Semana Santa in Mexico. All over Mexico, during Holy Week, there are plays
re-enacting the Passion of Jesus, but it is universally known that there is
none more spectacular than the one that takes place in Iztapalapa,
a neighborhood in the heart of Mexico
City! This centuries old tradition holds together a
community that prepares for a whole year for this celebration. Mexican popular
culture is seen at its best through this festivity: religious fervor, folklore,
entertainment, all perfectly intermixed.
April 4th, Rotary Golf
Tournament to Benefit Kids - Sporting Event, Nuevo Vallarta,Nayarit
Held at the Flamingos Golf Club between Bucerias and
Nuevo Vallarta, the Second Annual Rotary Golf Tournament to Benefit Kids is a
fun golf day that benefits local charities. Entry fee ($120 USD or 1,500 pesos)
includes hole-in-one prizes, lunch, beverages, door prizes, and a raffle. http://www.rotarygolfvallarta.org
March 2009
March,
18th to 22nd,CumbreTajin,
Veracruz:
This festival evokes the spring season (a time of renovation) and
celebrates the archeological
sites and natural beauty of Veracruz.
Taking place close to the archaeologically rich
site of Tajin, this annual festival celebrates
Mexican culture and the arrival of spring. Visitors are treated to an amazing
programme of traditional dance, music and song amidst the archaeological sites
and the incredible beauty of Tajin.
CumbreTajin translates as the 'Tajin Summit
' and showcases the culture, arts and craftsmanship of the Totonac
Indians who have lived in this region since pre-Columbian times. Each year,
thousands of tourists flock to the site for this magical festival experience.
March, 18th to 22th,
SpringEquinox,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.
March, 15thto 29th, Primer Festival Mundial De Danza 2009 "México
En La Piel", Michoacán:
BALLET FOLKLÓRICO
YURÉCUARO. After 22 years of existence, more and more people, associations, and
groups are joining this event. After travelling during 2 years from 2005 to
2007, this ballet won international acclaim thanks to its cultural organization
and work quality. Come and see this first world dance festival.
March, 12th
to 29th, 25th Historic Center Festival of Mexico,
Mexico:
The 25th Historic Center Festival of
Mexico will take place from the 12th until the 29th of March 2009. This event, organized by
the Mexico Historic Center Festival Association is the most important cultural
celebration of the year. It is also an important meeting for art amateurs in Latin America.
Every year since 1985, the largest historic
downtown of America
welcomes performing and visual arts for all kinds of publics.
During 18 days, more than 275 000
people will attend 280 concerts, shows and educative activities organized in
prestigious places, such as the FineArtsPalace,
the Metropolitan Cathedral, the FranzMayerMuseum,
but also in the street.
With 280 activities of all types,
this festival is far from being exclusive.
These are different activities that
you can enjoy:
Classical Music and Opera
Music, from Pop to rock
Theatre
Modern and Contemporary Dance
Literature
Cinema
Visual Arts
Public Arts
Several Conferences and classes for all kind of
audience
March, 12th to 14th,
Boat Show Latin America 2009, Puerto
Vallarta:
The Boat
Show Latin America 2009 takes place in Puerto Vallarta.
It is the most important boat show in Latin America.
It will take place in the 8,000 square meters of the port administration
facilities. Water sports professionals as well as visitors will admire hundreds
of boats as well as collect ocean and sea related information.
March, 6th. Night of the Witches (Noche de Brujas),
Catemaco:
The small lakeside town
of Catemaco,
referred to as the mecca of witch doctors,
attracts thousands of people seeking non-conventional healing methods. 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.
An important exhibition dedicated to
the national treasures of tsarist-era Russia,
with artifacts from the prestigious ErmitageMuseum in Saint- Petersburg.
December 11th to July 26th.
SpiritLand
(Tierra Espiritual) MuseoRufino
Tamayo Contemporary Art Museum, Mexico
City:
An exhibition centered on the deep
influence that non-European cultures had on 20th century artists.
Featuring works by the likes of Victor Brauner,
Mathias Goeritz, Georgia O´Keeffe,
Wolfgang Tillmans, María
Asunción Raventós, Rufino
Tamayo, Jean Dubuffet, Wifredo Lam, Francisco Toledo and
Marcelo Bonevardi.
Until March 3rd. Amero,
Resistiendo el olvido, Museo Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida
Kahlo
Until February 13.Drawings and Masters:
European and Mexican artists from the 16th to the 20th
century, MuseoNacional
de San Carlos, Mexico City:
This exhibition features a
collection of sketches made by acclaimed artists, which allow the visitor to
have a peek at the creative process behind the elaboration of some of their
great works.
Until March.Diego Rivera and the
Inquisition, Museo Mural Diego Rivera, Mexico
City:
This exhibition aims at presenting
traits of the visual arts in New Spain and early 20th century
Mexico, with a focus on the works of SimónPereyns, Juan RodríguezJuárez, Juan Correa and Cristóbal
de Villalpando. Starting March 2009, the exhibition
will be travelling to Monclova and Monterrey.
In the
state of Sinaloa, the famous carnavalMazatlán takes place every year 40 days before the Holy
week, with shows, queen of the carnaval election,
fireworks and other spectacular attractions.
February
5th. Constitution day, Santiago
de Querétaro
The
Constitution day is a day off for all Mexicans. During this day, the president
goes to the city Santiago de Querétaro to honour and celebrate the
constitution.
On the
Western coast of Mexico
in San Blas, the Blessing of the Sea festival is represented by several
activities related to the belief of the sea. Traditional music and dance,
horseracing are part of this exceptional event.
This
rally is part of the FIA World Rally Championship, with 965km through Mexico.
For lovers of rallies, one of the best events of this kind in
Mexico.
February
17th to March 1st. Mexicocity
International Contemporary Film Festival (FICCO)
6th edition of the most important cinematographic event in Mexico. Creators and audiences join in this festival to celebrate and share
their passion for cinematography.
February
23rd to 28th . Tennis Tournament
AbiertoMexicanoTelcel HSBC
International
event with some of the best players of the tennis circuit: Almagro,
Robredo, Moyafor the men?s tournament,
William and Penetta for the queen?s tournament.
Celebrated
since 1866, this carnival is recognized as the most important of Mexico.
The streets full of colours welcome you to enjoy the Happiest Carnival of your
life.
February 18th to 25th.UnCarnaval de PeliculaMeridaYucatan
This carnival
will take place in the city of Merida in the
state of Yucatan.
Famous for its burning of Juan Carnival and other spectacular
activities such as parades and fireworks.
January
25th to February 6th. XI World Championship FAI of paragliding,
Valle de Bravo
The best paragliding event of the year. Competitors from all over the world will celebrate this event in Valle
de Bravo. Certainly one of the most important sport events of
Mexico.
An important exhibition dedicated to
the national treasures of tsarist-era Russia,
with artefacts from the prestigious HermitageMuseum in
Saint-Petersburg.
December
16 toJanuary 18. TheStepsof José Luis Cuevas (Los pasos de José Luis Cuevas),
Centro Cultural del Centenario, Guadalajara (Jalisco):
An evolutive
collection of paintings, drawings, engravings and sculpture by this important
Mexican artist
All of January. 2nd
International piñata contest, Museo de Arte Popular, Mexico City:
An unmistakable figure of any
celebration of the posadas, the piñata,
is by definition a popular tradition. It is also the pretext behind this
exhibition, featuring 244 of this beautiful craft.
All of January.Railroads to exile:
The Children of Morelia, an Exodus in Mexico(Las víasdelexilio: Niños de Morelia, un éxodo en México), NationalRailroadsMuseum
(MuseoNacional de los ferrocarriles), Puebla:
In the summer of 1937, 454 Spanish
children were sent to Mexico
where the government of Lazaro Cárdenas had offered
them exile to escape from the Spanish Civil War. This exhibition tells their
story, and that of the means of transportation during this era.
Until January 18.Shall We Get Naked?
Drawings, paintings and crafts exhibition by GreciaKarnion (¿Nosdesnudamos?), Museum
of Journalism and Graphic Arts (MuseodelPeriodismo
y lasArtesGráficas), Guadalajara
(Jalisco):
Known as a very devout people,
Mexicans are also much concerned about the fate of their pets On
January 17, day of Saint Anthony, they bring their pets to be blessed at the
local church. With the diversity of nature to be found in Mexico, you can guarantee some
unusual pets will be thronging the church square - cats, dogs, quetzals,
geckos, you name it - you'll find it!
The feast is usually celebrated in a morning mass (around 10am) in the local
church and then the priest emerges to bless the assorted animals waiting
bemusedly in the church square. Don't just expect to see pets either, since for
agricultural people in Mexico,
the Feast of San Antonio Abad is an opportunity to ensure the health of their
livestock, donkeys and horses over the coming year.
Until January 23.Sensless
Death, Ex Convento
del Carmen, Mexico
City:
An exhibition by José PérezLópez.
Until January 25.Galactic Closet (TendederoGaláctico),
MuseoRaúlAnguiano, Mexico City:
UntilJanuary 30, PaperDreams (Sueños en Papel), Librería José Luis
Martínez, MexicoCity:
A selection of 124 pictures by 78
illustrators from around the world, taking a moment to dream away
Until February 1st. 10th
International Biennial of the Poster (10ª BienalInternacionaldel Cartel en México), Mexico City:
Trama Visual, A.C. and theFranzMayerMuseum present the 10th
edition of the International Biennial of the Poster. The special guest country
this year is Japan,
celebrating 120 years of close ties with the Asian archipelago nation.
Designers from 62 countries have participated, presenting over 4,500 posters. A
selection of 337 pieces is on display at the FranzMayerMuseum until February 1st 2009.
Until February 13.Drawings and Masters:
European and Mexican artists from the 16th to the 20th
century, MuseoNacional
de San Carlos, Mexico City:
This exhibition features a
collection of sketches made by acclaimed artists, which allow the visitor to
have a peek at the creative process behind the elaboration of some of their
great works.
Until March.Diego Rivera and the
Inquisition, Museo Mural Diego Rivera, Mexico
City:
This exhibition aims at presenting
traits of the visual arts in New Spain and early 20th century
Mexico, with a focus on the works of SimónPereyns, Juan RodríguezJuárez, Juan Correa and Cristóbal
de Villalpando. Starting March 2009, the exhibition
will be travelling to Monclova and Monterrey.
Until
May, La Reja,
Museo Trompo Mágico, MexicoCity
DECEMBER 2008
Until December 31. Guided tours of the
famous cantinas of Mexico City:
Discover Mexico as the locals live it!
Expert city guides take you along for a tour of some of the famous cantinas, or
taverns, surrounding the historic centre of Mexico City.
Until December 31.Paseo
de Plateros, one block away from the Palacio de BellasArtesMexico City:
Discover Mexico as the locals live it!
Expert city guides take you along for a tour of the main avenues of the
historic centre of Mexico City.
Approx. 45 min.
Until January 10. Outside Skating Rink, Zócalo, Mexico City:
For the second year in a row, the
City of Mexico affords all its citizens and visitors a chance to skate on real
ice, in the very heart of the city. The 3 sq. km. skating rink has free
admission, and even provides the skates. A cheerful way to top off your visit
to Mexico!
Until February 1st. 10th
International Biennial of the Poster (10ª BienalInternacionaldel Cartel en México), Mexico City:
Trama Visual, A.C. and the FranzMayerMuseum present the 10th
edition of the International Biennial of the Poster. The special guest country
this year is Japan,
celebrating 120 years of close ties with the Asian archipelago nation.
Designers from 62 countries have participated, presenting over 4,500 posters. A
selection of 337 pieces is on display at the FranzMayerMuseum until February 1st 2009.
December 1st
and 2nd. Monarch butterfly Reserves (Santuarios
de la mariposa monarqua), Rosario and Sierra Chincua,
Michoacán:
Until March 21st, two of the five Monarca butterfly sanctuaries of the State of Michoacán are opened to
the public. The sites of El Rosario and Sierra Chincua
give you a chance to observe those fascinating travellers by the thousand.
December 3 to 8.Fly All-Release
Sailfish Challenge, Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo,
Guerrero:
Sailfish take center stage during
this first international fishing tournament that focuses on the preservation of
the species.
December 5 to 12. Virgin of Guadalupe,
Antigua Basílica de Guadalupe, Mexico City and Nationwide:
Celebration of the
holiest figure of Mexican Catholicism, and Mexico?s Patron Saint, the Virgin
of Guadalupe. Many lively processions all across Mexico, but the main pilgrimage on
December 12this directed to the home of the miraculous image of the Virgin,
the Mexico City Basilica.
December 6 to 11. Annual International
Tequila Festival, Puerto Vallarta,
Jalisco:
Count on the streets of Puerto Vallarta to be full
of "spirit" this winter as the First Annual International Tequila
Festival kicks off on December 6. This exposition of prestigious beverages will
extend to such spirits as champagne, cognac, sake and bourbon, among others.
Not only will attendees be able to savour the tastes of these fine drinks, but
they'll also enjoy a variety of musical, theatrical and cultural performances
hosted by this Pacific coast city.
December 7 to 11.World WBS Billfish
Tournament, Mazatlan,
Sinaloa:
Bluewater anglers will congregate
in Mazatlan for
this annual world billfish tournament. Prizes include Mercedes automobiles, a
magnificent Marlin bronze trophy designed by the artist Geoffrey Smith and a
gold championship ring.
December 10 to 17.The Nutcracker,
by the Mexico CityPhilarmonic
Orchestra and Saint-Petersburg Ballet on Ice, Zócalo,
Mexico City:
The great classical ensemble will be
offering the music-lovers this classic of all classics: Tchaikovsky?s The
Nutcracker, with the inestimable presence of the Saint-Petersburg State Ballet
on Ice. The host conductor Marco Parisotto, will direct the
ball, given every night at 6 pm
on the great skating rink of the Zócalo.
December
12 to 21. Festival of San Cristobal de las Casas, San Cristobal
de las Casas, Chiapas:
This two-week festival in Chiapas includes a
procession by the Tzotzil and Tzetzal
Indians, lively concerts by marimba music groups and a parade of horses.
December 14. Japanese Martial Arts
Exhibition, Dr. Mora, besides
the AlamedaCentral Park, Mexico
City:
Part of the 120th anniversary of the
Mexico-Japan relations, Japanese martial artists present this tribute to Master
Nishizawa.
December 15 to January 7. Acapulco Fair (FeriaAcapulco), Centro InternacionalAcapulco, Acapulco,
Guerrero:
A lively Mexican-style fair, with
mechanical rides, handcrafts and of course lots of delicious typical food.
December 16 to 24.Posadas
de Navidad (Christmas Posadas), Nationwide:
On the days leading up to Christmas,
the Posadas are like a nine day-long rotating party, re-enacting Mary
& Joseph's search for an inn. Local communities arrange for one of the
local houses to be the inn that accepts - while local children travel from
door-to-door in traditional costume, holding candles and singing a traditional
carol, requesting a place to stay. Eventually they get to the arranged
house, and a party ensues therein. And so on the next day.
December 16 to 24.Posadas
and Posada and Piñata Fair (Feria de la Posada y Piñata) -- Alcoman, State of Mexico:
An annual celebration
near Mexico City of the Posadas procession and this children's party
staple.
Among the piñatas on display those are made from clay, traditional models with
seven points symbolizing the seven deadly sins, and those made from cardboard
with popular children's designs. Workshops in piñata-making are also offered.
December 18 to 28.The Magical Lights of
Christmas (La mágicaluz de la navidad), CatedralMetropolitana, Mexico
DF:
A light show especially designed for
the Holiday season. Beautiful
sights for all the family.
December
21. TheAmalia Hernández Folkloric Ballet presents: Navidades (Ballet Folklórico de Amalia
Hernández), Teatro de la Ciudad,
MexicoCity:
This well-known troupe?s Christmas
present to all art fans, Navidades, is an
intricate show of colours and movements that you will remember for a long time.
December
21. MexicoChoral Ensemble
15th AnniversaryConcert (Concierto del XV Aniversario del Ensamble
Coral México), Escuela Nacional de Antropología e Historia, MexicoCity:
An enchanting night, with a
great choir revisiting the Season?s classics and other timeless pieces.An event
not to be missed.
December 23. Festival of the Radishes
(Festival de los Rabanos), Oaxaca:
Local artisans and sculptors set up
stalls around the main square to display their elaborate pieces of art--made
entirely from radishes! The local crop is used for creating nativity scenes and
famous Mexican figures. Balloons and birds crafted from local flowers add even
more color.
December 24. Las Calendas, Oaxaca:
The districts of OaxacaCity
prepare floats and costumes for processions held throughout the city. The
parades feature marmotas (translucent paper spheres
lit from within and carried aloft on poles) and giant paper mache
people whose arms flop around as the person hidden inside dances.
December 31. Liberation of the
Turtles, Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo,
Guerrero:
Most hotels in the region
participate in a special marine animal protection program which includes
collecting and protecting turtle eggs until they hatch and are ready for
release. The releasing event symbolizes the beginning of a new year full of
hope for these marvellous animals.
December 31. New Year's Eve,
Nationwide:
Mexico City'sZócalo square (second largest square in the world
after Red Square in Moscow)
becomes as lively at it gets on Independence day.
Don't wear your good clothes - it is traditional to fill empty egg shells with
confetti and colourful liquids that will stain your clothes and may not come
out. The liquid is usually a variety of food coloring. Parties are vibrant and
go on forever. The mood is of celebration and hope for the new year ahead. Colonial
Centers are particularly atmospheric at this time and are great
places to go if you're looking for an alternative to the normal big town / big
city New Year?s scene.
December 31. Celebration 2009, Acapulco, Guerrero:
2008?s farewell party,
culminating with a firework extravaganza over the Bahía de Santa Lucía.
NOVEMBER 2008
November 1st
and 2nd. Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos), Nationwide:
This event encompasses 2 days: All
Saint's Day, and All Souls day. The former honours all saints and people
who died as children and the latter honour the souls of those who died in
adulthood. If you are in Mexico
around this time, expect to see sugar-candy skulls, skeletons and Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead) advertised at shops and
supermarkets - they are a traditional sight in Mexico at this time of
year. Relatives of those who died gather at cemeteries throughout Mexico,
bringing bread, fruit and their decorated sugar skulls, along with candles and
the favourite food of the people they are remembering to celebrate the lives of
those passed on, and remember their loved loves. The mood is far from
morbid: it is lively, upbeat - almost like an Irish wake - and is intended to
be a celebration of life, not a morbid occasion!
November 1st to December 20. 11th Mazatlan Cultural Festival (XI Festival Cultural de
Mazatlan), Mazatlan,
Sinaloa:
A cultural celebration featuring
theatre, dance, film, literature and concerts throughout the month in the
historic downtown area (Centro Historico) with many
of the events taking place in the open air as well as in the Angela Peralta
Theatre.
November 10 through
December. Fiestas de Mar (Parties of the Sea), Puerto Vallarta
This is Puerto Vallarta's biggest party event on the
annual calendar and includes a sailing regatta and the Governor's Golf
Tournament.
Mid November.Maestros del
Arte Annual Folk Art Fair, Ajijic, Jalisco:
Maestros del Arte artisans fair is a
three-day event held in one of the most beautiful villages in Mexico. Hand-picked Master Artists
travel from all over the country to bring buyers and collectors an astonishing
variety of exceptional folk art. Many of the artists are featured in the
acclaimed book Great Masters of Mexican Folk Art and represent families that
have practiced their art for generations; others are inspired craftsmen yet to
be discovered.
November 12 to 16: 17th International
Musical Festival of Morelia (XVII Festival Internacional de Musica de Morelia
Miguel Bernal Jimenez), Morelia,
Michoacan:
Created in 1989 and named after Mexico?s famous composer Miguel Bernal Jimenez,
this annual festival features performances by musicians from all over the world
and takes place at beautiful settings throughout Morelia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
November20. MexicanRevolution Day (Dia de la Revolucion
Mexicana), Nationwide:
A major national holiday,
which commemorates the end of the revolution in 1910. The day is marked with
some Fiestas Patrias (festive parties - but nowhere
near as loud or prominent as Independence Day celebrations in September), a big
parade in Mexico City's Zocalo, speeches and a few
official ceremonies.
November22-30.
International SailfishTournament
(Torneo Internacional de Pesca de Pez Vela), Manzanillo, Colima:
Since 1957, Manzanillo
has been referred to as the sailfishing capital of
the world due to the large number of sailfish caught in its waters. Manzanillo?s Sport Fishing Club
will be sponsoring this event.
November 26 to December 4. International
Book Fair in Guadalajara (FeriaInternacionaldelLibro, or FIL), Guadalajara,
Jalisco:
Created nearly two decades ago by
the University of Guadalajara, the FIL is an eclectic celebration of
literature, art and culture, representing the second largest book fair in the
world and, by far, the largest and most diverse international offering of
publications in the Spanish language. Throughout the nine-day event, writers,
scholars, artists, and literary connoisseurs from all walks of life fill the
halls of the GuadalajaraExpoCenter
and submerge themselves in the best that the literary world has to offer.
November30 to December 4: International
Golf Tournament, Mazatlan,
Sinaloa
The Golf Committee of the El Code
Golf & Country Club hosts this annual amateur golf tournament with
categories for adults, seniors, women, etc. Prizes will include cars, cash and
much more.
November through March. Monarch Butterfly
Sanctuaries (Santuarios de la Mariposa Monarca),
several areas in MichoacanState
Every year, millions of Monarch
butterflies migrate from Canada
and the U.S.
to the Oyamel forests near Angangueo,
Michoacan in the fall, hibernating for winter and
mating in the spring. Two sanctuaries are open to the public.
November 24. National Silver Fair, Taxco, Guerrero:
Taxco is the
region of the country known as Mexico's
"silver heart", as it serves as the source of much of the lucrative
silver mining and export business. The resulting wealth made Taxco into a beautiful city renowned for its
wares. Every year Mexico's
best silversmiths compete against artists from around the world. The lavish
festival surrounding the annual event includes concerts, dances, fireworks, and
a seemingly endless supply of unique items for sale.
All of October. October Festivals
(Fiestas de Octubre), Guadalajara, Jalisco:
Guadalajara sparkles with this month-long
event involving concerts, dances, cultural exhibits and food and attracting
visitors and performers from all over the world
October 1 to 9.Morelia
Film Festival (Festival Internacional de Cine de Morelia)?Morelia,
Michoacan:
Now in its tenth year, this festival
is one of the most important, this film festival gathers together an
international group of filmmakers, critics and actors in order to promote the
new talents of Mexican cinema and provide a forum for international
exhibition.450 performers hailing from countries as far as South Africa, Yugoslavia,
Argentina and Spain.
October 2 to 26. 13th Annual Sinaloa Arts
Festival, Mazatlán, Sinaloa:
The Pacific coast state of Sinaloa
will feature an elaborate celebration of art, dance and music, showcasing
local, national and international artists and more than
October
4 to 26. 30th National Mole
Fair (30° Feria Nacional del Mole), San Pedro Actopan, Estado de Mexico:
Just south of Mexico City, thousands of varieties of mole
will be prepared for sampling and competition. This spicy sauce is a Mexican
staple and made of unsweetened chocolate, peppers and spices, often served with
meat or poultry. Eat your fill and take some home; mole paste stays fresh for
several months in the freezer.
October 5 to 23. International Festival
of Contemporary Dance (Festival Internacional de DanzaContemporanea), San Luis Potosí:
Festival celebrating contemporary
dance and featuring national and international artists from countries such as
Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, United States, Japan and Venezuela. www.visitasanluispotosi.com/ferias.htm
October 8 to 26. 34th International
Cervantino Festival (34° Festival CervantinoInternacional), GuanajauatoState:
One of the most important cultural
events in Mexico,
this annual festival fills the streets of this colonial town with performers
and visitors from all over the world.
October 6 to 11. Fly All-Release Rooster
Fish Tournament, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Guerrero:
Fly fish take center stage during
this first international fishing tournament that focuses on the preservation of
the species.
October 11 to 26. Tamaulipas International
Festival (Festival Internacional Tamaulipas),
Tamaulipas:
Held in October every year, this
festival features a variety of cultural and artistic events including exhibits,
plays, concerts and cinema, turning the entire state into a hotbed of culture.
October
15 to 17. International Nacho Fest
(Festival Internacional del Nacho), Piedras Negras, Coahuila:
Every year this event is organized
to promote the notorious nacho, one of the region?s culinary contributions to
Mexican cuisine. (TBC)
www.festivaldelnacho.com.mx
October.
Tlaxcala Fair (Feria de Tlaxcala), Tlaxcala.
In honor
of all Saints and the dead, the annual festivities offer all sorts of cultural,
sporting and culinary events, including bullfighting, rodeos, cockfighting and escaramuzas, a women's choreographed horse-riding show. In
addition, Ms. Feria de Tlaxcala is crowned every
year, highlighting the beautiful people from the region.
TBD. 8th Annual
Culinary Heritage and Cultural Tourism Festival 2006 (VIII CongresosobrePatrimonioGastronomico y Turismo Cultural),
Puebla:
The colonial city of Puebla, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrates Mexico?s rich culinary heritage as well
as promotes competition among regional cuisines and the nation?s top chefs,
making it a favorite among Mexican and international
food experts alike?as well as people just looking for good food and a good
time. The festival features food workshops, delectable samplings, cultural
events and an academic program.
October 19 to 30. Mexican Cured Meat
Festival (Feria de la cecina)
Yecapixtla, Morelos:
The echo of a millenary tradition,
this festival is held since 1990, and receives high quality cultural events.
This years edition is especially promising, with the
presence of 5 invited Mexican states, and numerous traditional dance and music
performances.
October 22 to November 2. Festival
of Skulls (Festival de lasCalaveras),
Aguascalientes:
This macabre festival features a
variety of morbid art exhibits, performing arts and a parade of skeletons, with
contests for the most creative costumes and artwork. Skulls of different sizes
and materials are on display as well as games and stands with traditional food
and seasonal fruits.
October
30 toNovember 28. November Festival (Fiestas de Noviembre), Puerto Escondido,
Oaxaca:
The events during this month include
the annual Pipeline of Mexico, ZicatelaBeach?s
International Surfing Tournament, the International Sailfish Tournament and the
Coastal Dance Festival
October.
Encuentro Nacional de la
Planta Medicinal y Terapias Alternativas, Lerdo and Comarca Lagunera, Durango:
This event has been organized since
1997 by the Regional Unit of Popular Cultures of Durango. Its base is the
Autonomous Agricultural University of Torreón, Coahhuila. It is held for World Medicinal Plant Day
(October 22) and consists of a series of lectures, exhibitions, workshops, work
groups, cultivation techniques, the creation of herbaria, etc.
October. October Cultural
Festival (Festival Cultural de las Fiestas de Octubre) Zapopan,
Jalisco: This is
the largest and most important art and culture festival in the state of
Jalisco. It has been held since 1991
in the principal forums of the town of Zapopan. In addition to other artistic and
cultural events it includes picture exhibitions, theatrical and musical
performances and numerous events for children.
October. Festival de Música Antigua In Illo Tempore,
Cuauhtémoc, Distrito Federal:
This began in 1995 to popularize ancient music dating from the 13th to 18th
centuries played by soloists, trios and ensembles from Mexico and abroad. The
concerts are given at weekends in October through December in the old
Archbishop?s Palace
October.
Festival de Octubre, Mexicali, Baja California:
Held since 2003 in the auditorium and
esplanade of the State Theater, Mexicali. It consists of a series of music, theater and dance events staged by artists and groups from
various states of the country. Cuba,
Spain, France, Venezuela,
and South Africa
are this year?s special guest countries.
October to March. Festival InternacionalLa Música de América, Ciudad Juárez,
Chihuahua:
This has taken place since 2003 on the first and last weekends of each month
from October through March in the CulturalCenter of the City.
Taking part are groups and performers of Latin American folksong, ballads and
New Song, who are selected through a nationwide invitation.
July 11 to September 30. Photo
Exhibition: LourdesGrobet
- Luchalibre (Wrestling),
Mérida (Yucatán): The artist has turned her lenses towards one of Mexico?s
favourite sport, the luchalibre,
this country?s carnivalesque version of wrestling. At the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo
of Yucatán, until September 30th.
August 1st to September
16. Photo Exhibition: Witnesses of the Military Dictatorship - 27 years of
dictatorship in pictures, MuseoArchivo de la Fotografía, Mexico City, DF:
This exhibition presents a series of
72 black and white prints, taken by the Chilean photojournalist Marco Ugarte along the 27 years of the Pinochet dictatorship. The
A series of images taken from the collection
August 12 to October 5. Spain, at
the crossroads of civilizations (España, encrucijada de civilizaciones), MuseoNacional de Antropología, Mexico City, DF: This exhibition is a collaborative
effort between the some of the most prestigious institutions of Mexico and
Spain, and brings for the first time to Mexico an impressive collection of
works of art and items attesting to the ancient and diverse influences that
came to form the present and past cultures of the Iberic
peninsula.
August 26 to September 11. 7th Macabro Festival, Mexico City, DF: Come and enjoy Mexico City?s foremost genre movie festival. This years? edition features a retrospective of the works of
zombie-flick guru George Romero, as well as a survey of the best bloody new
films from Latin America and the world.
Showings held at the CinetecaNacional,
CinemexInsurgentes and
rooms of the Filmoteca.
August 28 to September 7. 15th
Mariachi and Charreria Festival (EncuentroInternacionaldel
Mariachi y de la Charrería), Guadalajara,
Jalisco: Guadalajara's most important
cultural event of the year, this annual festival captures the essence of the
city. Musicians come from around the world to listen, audition, and compete.
Performances take place on the streets and in various venues throughout the
city.
All of September. ¡Viva México! En Cancún, Cancún, Quintana Roo: the month's premier festival, comprises a number of popular
events, such as art exhibitions, folk music and dancing, film screenings,
workshops, demonstrations, street entertainment and much more besides
Grito de la Independencia (IndependenceCry).
1st week of
September.Fresnillo Regional Fair (Feria Regional de Fresnillo), Fresnillo, Zacatecas: A country fair, commemorating the
foundation of the town of Fresnillo, on September 2,1554.
It features exhibitions, sport and cultural events, fireworks, music and a
popular ball, making for a typical Mexican feria in
the second largest town of the state of Zacatecas.
1st week of
September. Prickly Pear and Grape Fair (Feria
de la Tuna y de la Uva),
Ojocaliente, Zacatecas:Originally a religious event honouring the town?s
patron saint Our Lady of the Miracles, it has transformed through time in a
harvest festival, with the full range of typically Mexican activities it
implies, from the parade to the fireworks, the folk dances and music, the
cockfights. The event is complete with exhibitions, sport and cultural events,
and of course, a selection of exquisite food specialties elaborated from the
local produce, including the nopal cactus and
its fruit, the tuna, or prickly pear.
September 1 to 14.Zacatecas National
Fair, Zacatecas: Colonial jewel Zacatecas celebrates its rich cultural
history with a two week-long fair with musical performances, amusement rides
for the children, theatre performances, and an assortment of regional cuisine.
September 3 to 5. Latin American Food Show,
Cancún, Quintana Roo: A chance to sample
Mexican food at its very best, the gastronomic festival features demonstrations
by many leading cooks, trade stands and workshops, making it one of the most
important fairs of its kind in Latin America.
September 4 to October 1. Chihuahua International Festival, Chihuahua:
This
year marks the fourth edition of the Chihuahua International Festival which
will include 450 cultural events, with guest performers from throughout Mexico
and 21 other countries. Nobel Peace Prize Laureate RigobertaMenchu will be an honoured guest and Placido Domingo will perform in the closing concert in the EstadioOlímpicoUniversitario.
September 5 to 28. National Fair (FeriaNacional) Zacatecas: Two weeks of events, with
musical performances ranging from corrido
legends Vicente Fernández and Lupita
la del Barrio to the internationally acclaimed rockers Café Tacuba.
There is really something for everyone, with bullfights, cockfights,
amusement rides for children, theatrical performances, plus an selection of
tasty regional cuisine.
September
7 to 15. Fiestas de la Virgen de la Soledad. Jerez, Zacatecas: The people of Jerez, Zacatecas assemble,
and many return home from all corners of the republic to celebrate the patron
saint of the town, with processions, masses and lively celebrations lasting for
a week.
September 8. Tepozteco
Challenge (Reto al Tepozteco),
Tepoztlan, Morelos: Performance depicting King Tepoztecatl?s conversion to the Catholic religion.
Procession leads to the Tepozteco Pyramid, where
offerings are made. This event includes a food festival, chinelotraditional dancing and fireworks.
September 13. Death of Child Heroes
(Día de los niñoshéroes), San Miguel de Allende,
Guanajuato and Mexico City,
DF: Flags
are at half-mast and military parades are given in honour of the six young
cadets who stood last defending the Castillo Chapultepec against the American
invasion in 1847.
September 12 to 18. Karma Surfing
Tournament, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Guerrero:
The annual Karma Surfing Tournament
takes place on the Playa Escolleras beach, at the end
of Playa El Palmar along the main Boulevard Ixtapa. It is open to anyone and consists of short board,
long board and body board categories. It is held in collaboration with the Miss
Bikini contest.
September 13 and 14.Independence
Horseback Ride, Ensenada, Baja California: A guided horseback riding
adventure in the Sierra de Juarez, complete with outdoors meals and overnight
camping at Rancho El Alamar. Horse rental available
or bring your own.
September 15 and 16. Mexican
Independence Day (Día de la Independencia
Mexicana), Nationwide:Mexico
celebrates its declaration of independence from Spain
in 1810, in
what is the second most celebrated event in Mexico after Christmas. The night
of September 15, marks "El Grito," a
dramatic re-enactment of revolutionary Father Hidalgo's call for his fellow Mexicans to
join the uprising, which takes place at city halls across the country. On
September 16, military parades are held in almost every Mexican city. The Zócalo in Mexico City brims and buzzes with unabated
excitement. Celebrations are particularly lively at the revolutionary
Colonial centers, especially Queretaro and San
Miguel de Allende - important and significant places
before, during and after the war of Independence
from Spain.
This is a great time to be in Mexico
if you like celebrations, parties and a buzzing atmosphere!
September 18 to 28. 20th History and
Anthropology Book Fair (XX FeriadelLibro de Antropologia e Historia), Mexico City, DF: This event is held inside
the prestigious National Museum of Anthropology and History in Mexico City. The theme for
this year is Mesoamerica, and the fair will thus have a special focus on
Central America and the Caribbean. Over 100
editors are expected to take part in this edition, also featuring the 1st
Meeting of the Endangered Languages.
September 21. Ironman, Cancún, QuintanaRoo: The major triathlon event doesn?t need any further
introduction. The leading athletes in the world will compete in one of the most
breathtaking location along the international Ironman circuit. They swim in the
crystal-clear waters of the Pacific, bike along the ancient Mayan roads and finally
run what has been billed "world?s most beautiful half-marathon". The public is
welcome to cheer along and watch the athletes along the track.
September 22. Fall Equinox at Kulkulcan (Equinoccio de Kulkulcan), Chichen
Itza, Yucatán: Come and see one of the most
spectacular sights in Mexico:
the Mayan Chichen Itza pyramid at the time of the
autumn equinox. Visitors gather from all over to witness the very moment this
pyramid was especially designed to magnify. On this occasion, the sun rays
create the image of a moving snake on the ancient construction, and make for a
truly unforgettable experience.
September 22. Metropolitan Opera
2008-2009 season MET, Mexico City, DF: The AuditorioNacional will present for the first time a live
satellite retransmission of a concert by the prominent New York orchestra. This opening gala will
feature a audio and video high definition rendition of
Verdi?s La Traviata (2nd Act), Massenet?s Manon (3rd Act), and the final scene from Richard Strauss?
Capriccio. Mexican tenor Ramón Vargas,
and baritones Thomas Hampson and Dwayne Croft are among the featured
interpreters. http://www.auditorio.com.mx
September 24 to 30. National Antique
Festival (MuestraNacional
de Antigüedades), Saltillo,
Coahuila: Now in its tenth year, this festival gathers together top antique
dealers from all over Mexico
and features exhibitions of international treasures, accompanied by a musical
and educational program.
September 25 to October 4. Mexico City International Festival of Documentary Cinema (DocsDF),Mexico City, DF: Spain,
Canada, Brazil, Finland and many other countries
screen their cinematic offerings at venues all over the city at the Mexico City
International Festival of Documentary Cinema. A young event with an exponential
growth, it is gaining high recognition as an
must-attend festival in Latin America.
September 23. San Miguelada, San Miguel Allende, Guanajuato: The San Miguelada is an
annual festival in honour of Saint Michael Archangel. The event involves
parades, dances, concerts and fireworks. Previously an important part of this
festival was a running with the bulls similar to the yearly event in Pamplona, Spain.
Since 2007 this is no longer part of the celebrations. www.sanmiguelguide.com/tour-pamplonada.htm
September 26 to October 19. Fiestas del Sol, Mexicali, Baja California: Concerts, parades, shows and
exhibits in celebration of the founding of Mexicali. Many must-see
concerts, including energetic rockers Molotov, Jaguares,
and Kinky, as well as the popular singer JulietaVenegas. http://mexicalenses.blogspot.com/2008/08/calendario-fiestas-del-sol-2008.html
September 27. Rosarito Ensenada Bike Ride, Ensenada,
Baja California: Head to Baja California for this
award-winning 50 mile
bicycle ride. Bike along the PacificCoast and inland through the rural
countryside from RosaritoBeach to Ensenada. It all culminates with a party
at the legendary Fiesta Line Fiesta on the Ensenada waterfront with live rock bands
until sunset
September 28. Civic Act in Commemoration to the taking of the Alhondiga of Granaditas (Día de la toma de la Alhóndiga
de Granaditas), San Miguel de Allende,
Guanajuato: A series of
celebrations commemorating one of the first battles of the Independence
war of Mexico
in 1810. The day?s main event is the re-enactment of the dramatic
entering of the fort by El Pípila, a miner considered
since then a hero of the revolution.
September-October. Saint
Francis of Assisi
Festival (Festival de San Francisco de Assisi), Real de Catorce,
San Lui Potosí: Up in the
arid mountainous areas of San Luis Potosi, the quiet village of Real de Catorce awakes every year to the pilgrims arriving to
honour its patron saint, Saint Francis of Assisi, said to miraculously cure the
ill. The devout travel from far and wide for the chance to touch the feet of
his brightly-coloured effigy, and the celebrations last for nearly three weeks.
All of August.Chile in walnut sauce festival (Festival del Chile en Nogada), Puebla: Chile in walnut sauce is
somewhat of a national dish in Mexico,
and a favourite for Mexican Independence Day on September 15. It is prepared
with ingredients recalling the colours of the national flag: a green poblanochile, white walnut sauce
and red pomegranate. This festival features a cookout contest and activities
that take place throughout the month of August. The best recipe is crowned on
the last Sunday of August. Also, stay tuned for a competition for the largest chile, judged by the Guinness Book of World Records.
All of August. Photo exhibition: Vik Muniz: Reflex, AntiguoColegio San Idelfonso, Mexico City:
For more
than a decade, this Brazilian artist amazed the whole world with his pictures
representing symbols of history, the arts or communication media. His subjects
are often created out of material as diverse as sugar, diamonds, jam,
chocolate, dust and junk.
August. International Cervantes
Colloquy (ColoquioCervantinoInternacional), Guanajuato: An international
literature meeting centering around the work of 16th century Spanish writer
Miguel de Cervantes. Experts come mainly from Spain,
Mexico, and the United States.
Held since 1987, it features fora, lectures and
seminars, as well as concerts by the University Choir and the Guanajuato Symphonic
Orchestra
August.Guadalajara
International Contemporary Dance Festival (MuestraInternacional de DanzaContemporánea), Guadalajara,
Jalisco: This
event takes place annually since 2002. Internationally and nationally
recognized contemporary dance troupes perform in one of Mexico?s cutting edge dancing city.
August andSeptember. Photo Exhibitions in Guadalajara: Tepito ¡bravo el barrio!,FantasticPalaeontology
(Paleontología fantástica), Lobster Day (El día de la
langosta), Guadalajara, Jalisco: The Guadalajara
Regional MuseumpresentsTepito
¡bravo el barrio!, a photoprojectfrom Francisco Mata Rosas, untilSeptember 12. Prints of photographer Alberto Meillón are on show at the GuadalajaraPalaeontologyMuseum (Museo de Paleontología) until
September 30. Lobster Day (El día de la langosta), an exhibition of the works of Susana Rodríguez, can be seen at the MuseoRaúlAnguiano.
June 5 to September 14. Photo Exhibition: Jeff Wall, Tamayo Museum, Mexico
City: A retrospective exhibition of recent pieces from this Canadian
photographer.
July 26 to August 10. International
Amber Expo (Expo AmbarInternacional),
San Cristobal de lasCasas, Chiapas: Mexican amber, with its magical
colors, brilliant finishes and age-old history, is
considered by many the finest in the world. With the goal of developing and
integrating the amber artist community of Chiapas and promoting international
recognition, this expo highlights the hand-crafted jewels of the region.
Forty-eight different tones can be found in Chiapas amber, which is exhibited in a
variety of forms at the event from sculptures to articles of jewelry.
July 31 to August 17. International
Chamber Music Festival, San Miguel de Allende,
Guanajuato: The International Chamber Music Festival is the second most important
international music festival in Mexico.
Award-winning international ensembles, guest musicians and local artists will
be present. Among them this year: the Miami String Quartet and the Ahn Trio, performing in the city?s gardens and superb
gothic cathedral.
July 31 to August 17. Wine Festival
(Fiestas de la Vendimia), Ensenada,
Baja California: Come and celebrate the grape harvest
in the most famed wine-producing area of Mexico. You can visit wineries,
enjoy fine dining and concerts, and of course, sample the delicious products!
August 1st. Guelaguetza 2008: Concert by Ricardo Morquecho,
JardínSan Francisco, Oaxaca: The last concert of the most important cultural
festival of the Oaxaca
region.
August 1-12. Zacatecas Music
Colloquy (Coloquio Musical de Zacatecas), Zacatecas: Various activities take
place during this annual chamber music festival held since 1993 in the
UNESCO-classified town of Zacatecas.
The winners of the National Clarinet Contest, as well as many other
international and Mexican ensembles can be heard here. The event also features
master classes
First week of August. Huarache and Sombrero
Fair (Feriadel huarache y el sombrero) Sahuayo, Michoacán: Born out of the celebration of
Patron Saint Santiago (Saint James), the event grew to become the largest
festival of the western part of the state. It is now a
also a celebration of the local handicrafts like the huarache, a type of
traditional leather sandal, and the straw hat or sombrero.
August 5 to 20.Huamantla
Fair (Feria de Huamantla), Huamantla, Tlaxcala: This event features Huamantla at its most beautiful, while miles of city
streets are decorated with beautiful tapestries made of colourful flower petals
and coloured sawdust. The brave can also take part in the thrilling pampluna, or running of bulls ?but merely watching
it is sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Traditional dances and a fair are
also on the menu.
August 6 and August 15. Lord of the
Calvary Day (SeñordelCalvario), Calvario,
Hidalgo, and Assumption of Mary and Holy Cross
Day, ÁlvaroObregón, Hidalgo:
The full
range of activities of a traditional Mexican popular festival can be found in
these two events. From religious celebrations and pilgrimages to charreada (Mexican-style rodeo) contests and
mechanical rides, not to forget the popular ball and the fireworks: the scene
is set for a typically Mexican good time!
August 10-15. International Children
and Youth Cinema Festival, Guadalajara, Jalisco:
The most
important youth film festival in Latin America, and second only to Germany?s
Prix Jeunesse in the whole world, this festival is
supported by the UNESCO and UNICEF, and as such has a special focus on
children?s rights, social integration and non-violence. This year?s programme
features 84 offerings from 25 countries.
August 10 to September 6. Corn
Harvest Fair (Feriadelelote), Cocotitlán, State of Mexico: This harvest festival
takes place for a whole month, during the last three weeks of August and the
first week of September. Visitors can appreciate the cultural and commercial
importance of maize for this region, and sample the diverse traditional dishes
prepared with corn, one of the earliest crops of Mexico. A series of cultural and
artistic events are also on the menu.
Second week of August. Rustic Furniture and
Embroidered GarmentFair, Pichátaro, Michoacán: This
event features a series of musical bands, dances and sport contests. The
central plaza hosts a competition of pirekuas,
a form of poetry generally sung in the native P'urhépecha
language. The event is also an occasion for holding sales, exhibitions and
craftsmanship contests centered on hand-made wooden furniture as well as
traditional cross stitch embroidered textiles.
Second week of August, Chile Fair (Feríadelchile),
Queréndaro, Michoacán: This fair circles around a favourite
of Mexican cuisine: the Chile
hot pepper. Featuring a wide array of activities like rodeos,
horse races, cockfights and a popular ball with music from a live banda. Visitors can also enjoy here the
fireworks, a fashion show of traditional clothing and a celebration in honour
of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, on Augut 15th.
Second week of August. Mushroom Fair (Feríadelhongo), Senguio,
Michoacán: This community produces about 19 different types of mushrooms,
most of them in the forest areas. Exhibitions, stands, conferences, workshops,
gastronomy exhibitions as well as cultural events and tours to some of the
regions successful projects are among the featured activities.
August 12 to 16.National Handicrafts
Trade Fair (ExposicionNacional
de Artesanias), Tlaquepaque,
Jalisco: Over 130 Mexican artisans from all over the country exhibit their
artistic wares at this handicrafts fair near Guadalajara. Jewelry,
furniture, candles, ceramics, pewter, wood accessories, and blown glass are
among the products showcased.
August 12 to 15. 5th Mushroom
Fair of San Juanito (V Feria
del Hongo),San Juanito, Chihuahua:You just
love those mushrooms, but can?t tell your boletes
from your cepes? The San Juanito
Mushroom Fair is the perfect place to start.Workshops, demonstrations and taste-testing will help you to become an amateur
mycologist. The festival also features cooking contests and a series of
cultural events.
August 15. Ascension Day (Dia de la
Asuncion de la Virgen Guadalupe),
Nationwide: One of Mexico's most important religious events. The Virgin Guadalupe is
a central figure of Mexican Catholicism, and is revered everywhere in Mexico.
Special masses and processions take place nationwide, with a huge mass at the Basilica
de Guadalupe (where the original image is hosted) in Mexico City. Huamantla,
near Puebla, south of Mexico City, is home to some of the most
impressive celebrations.
Second half of August. National Copper Fair and
Hammered Copperwork International Contest, Santa
Clara, Michoacán: This locality has a long history of working copper, dating
back to the pre-Hispanic people of the area, who was the first to develop the
technology to make copper in Mexico, and eventually created the 1968 Olympic
torch. Craftsmen reunite to exhibit and sell their most beautiful pieces, while
many cultural activities take place.
August 16. Extreme Tour 2008, Pátzcuaro, Michoacán: One of the stops of this
year?s Extreme Tour Raid, a trying adventure sports challenge comprising kayak,
mountain biking and cross-country running. 120 teams of three people are
registered for this edition, and will compete in the surroundings of this
mountainous town located 2,200m above the sea level.
August 19. Day of the National
Supreme Encounter (Suprema Junta Nacional
Americana) Zitácuaro, Michoacán: Held on the anniversary
day of the event that gave birth to Mexican constitutionalism in 1811. Civic
commemorations are followed by an exhibition of handicrafts, music concerts and
other cultural events to celebrate the establishment in this very town of the
first independent government of Mexico.
August 20. Mani Festival (Fiesta de
Mani), Mani, Yucatán: This event is an example of how a joyful celebration of
Native American heritage can spring on the very site of a cultural tragedy.
Mani, where bishop Fray Diego de Landa ordained
valuable Mayan codices and manuscripts to be burnt in 1562, is now one of the
most representative Mayan towns alive. Visitors can appreciate here local
dancers, bands, traditional cuisine, live concerts, mechanical attractions, art
exhibitions and more, making for a truly unique cultural experience.
August 20-28. Paracho
Guitar Festival, Paracho, Michoacán:
A
festival dedicated to the centrepiece instrument of Mexican folklore and many
other types of music. Heir to over a hundred years of craftsmanship, Paracho is the place some of the best luthiers
of the world call home. According to some, the art of Michaocan
guitar makers is second only to Spain?s
best.
August 22-31. Tapatio
Folkloric Group Mexico Tour
2008, Guadalajara, Jalisco: The ballet FolkloricoMixteco from East Los
Angeles will be giving a series of performances in various venues of Guadalajara, Jalisco. The Mixteco will be in Guadalajara
for a total of 11 days, and is invited by the GrupoFolkloricoTapatio to take part
in this exceptional series.
August 28. Saint
Augustine?s Day (Fiesta de San Agustín), Atotonilco, Hidalgo: In the magnificient environment of the town of Atotonilco, which recently entered UNESCO?s
World Heritage Sites List, thanks to the Sanctuary Jesus of Nazareth, nicknamed
the «Sixtine chapel of Americas». A
popular Mexican fiesta, featuring charreadas(Mexican rodeo), cockfights, a popular ball and some exhibitions,
especially of photographs.
August 28 to 31.Huasteca
Festival (Festival de la Huasteca), Xilitla, San
Luis Potosí: This festival serves as an important
cultural encounter for the peoples of the Huasteca
region. It is a celebration of the traditions and cultures of the area, deeply
influenced by the Huasteca, a Native people
inhabiting the region. Music, traditional dances and many other fascinating
cultural activities are on the programme. This years? edition is in Xilitla, a town also well worth a visit for its extravagant
and surrealist Castillo Las Pozas.
August 28 to 31.Las Morismas de Bracho, Zacatecas: During
this celebration taking place annually since the colonial era, visitors can
enjoy re-enactments of historical battles between Moors and Christians in Lomas
de Bracho. The event also commemorates St. John the Baptist on
August 29th.
August 28 to September 7.
International Mariachi and Rodeo Festival (EncuentroInternacionaldel
Mariachi y de la Charreria), Guadalajara,
Jalisco: This
is Guadalajara's
most important cultural event of the year. It reunites mariachi performers and
aficionados from all over the world. Performances take place on the streets and
in various venues, where you can also see the charreria
(Mexican rodeo) competitions and a series of activities related to these
typically Mexican traditions.
July 4 ? 20. 12th International Festival of
Adventure Tourism, Creel & GuachochiChihuahua: Nature has been good to the state of Chihuahua, whose diverse
geography comprises white dunes, deep ravines, mountains, lakes and rivers, and
makes it the ideal place for action sports? lovers. It will host this coming
July and August the 12th Festival of Adventure Tourism. Athletes
compete for cash prizes at this festival featuring everything from marathons
and triathlons to mountain biking and sand-boarding. If the competition doesn't
take your breath away, the lush scenery will.
July 6. La Preciosa Sangre de
Cristo, Quiroga, Michoacán: On the first Sunday of
July, thousands of quiroguenses return to their
hometown to take part in this event. The celebration of the Preciosa
Sangre (Holy Blood) is almost as important for them as Christmas. The object of
their veneration is an enormous figure of a crucified Christ made out of
sugarcane paste.
July 8. Actopan Barbecue Fair (Feria de la
Barbacoa), Actopan, Hidalgo: The Actopan
Barbecue Fair (or the Feria de la Barbacoa)
is held to commemorate the town's foundation on 8 July back in the 16th
century. It's also the best chance a carnivore will have of finding heaven in Mexico.
From May until July 15th.Guadalajara
Sculpture Biennial, Guadalajara, Jalisco: The University
of Guadalajara invited
107 sculptors from around the globe to compete in the city?s first Sculpture
Biennial. The objective and grand prize of this contest is the realization of a
work of urban art. More than 45 scale models and plans have been submitted so
far, and will be on exhibition until the announcement of the winning bid in
July. This is a way for the University
of Guadalajara of putting
meaning back into urban spaces through the realization of large outdoors
sculptures which are sure to enrich the lives of citizens and visitors alike.
July 10 ? 15. Mar Bermejo Festival, Guaymas, Sonora: This festival was
created in 2004 to honour memory of the heroic defence of the port of Guayamas
against the French invasion on 13
July, 1854. It features cultural activities, exhibitions and
artistic events in which local and invited artists take part. It is organized
by the city of Guaymas
through the Dirección de AcciónCívica y Culutral, and
supported by the InstitutoSonorense
de Cultura.
July 10. Fiestas delPueblo Agua y Sol, Puerto Peñasco,
Sonora: This is the celebration
of the founding of Puerto Peñasco on July 10, 1907 in Rocky
Point. Groups of dancers and musicians, as well as theatre troupes and artisans
can be seen in a festive atmosphere. Many outdoors and free events take place
across the town for this family favourite.
July 11 ? 13. La
Onza, 2008 International Mountain
Biking Festival, Creel, Chihuahua: This mountain biking event features a range of
competitions designed to try the human desire to face nature and to raise level
of adrenalin among contestants and the public. Among others, the Cross Country
national competition and the Down Hill and Criterium
National Invitational Events will take place there.
July 11 and 12. Two Cabos
Bike Race (dates to be confirmed): The Two Cabos Bike Race in
midsummer Mexican heat should be appreciated from the sidelines if nothing
else, while the brave and perhaps mad cyclists peddle from San José del Cabo's town square, Plaza Teniente
Antonio Mijares, along Highway 1 to Cabo San Lucas.
July 11 ? 16. 15th International Puppetry
Festival (Festibaúl de Títeres),
Monterrey,
Nuevo León: The mission of the Baúl Theatre is to spread
the creations and the art of other puppeteers. One of its priorities is the
programming of annual festivals which present Mexican and international shows,
both for schools and for a general audience. Artists from all over Mexico, as well as from the United States, Colombia,
Cuba, Costa Rica, Nicaragua,
Argentina, Spain, El Salvador,
Brazil and Romania participated in previous
editions.
July. Tlaxcala International RoseteAranda Festival of Pupettry (Festival de TíteresRoseteAranda), Huamantla (and other cities in the state), Tlaxcala: This festival features
participants from many countries, who have been bringing their art and talent
to Tlaxcala since 1983. Among the programmed activities are lectures by
international specialists, the realization of the Investigation and
Experimentation Forum on Puppet Theatre and the delivery of the RoseteAranda Prize.
July 13 ? 19. 10th Villista
Cavalcade, Chihuahua:Chihuahua
will host this annual weeklong cavalcade from the city of Chihuahua to Hidalgo del Parral,
covering about 220 km
of scenic Chihuahuan countryside. While the first
cavalcade took place in 1996 with less than five hundred riders, more than
1,300 riders are expected to participate this year.
Second half of July. Fruit Fair (FeriaFructicola), Jeráhuaro (Zinapecuaro),
Michoacán:
Exhibition and sale of fresh and canned produce of the region. Jeráhuaro is located 81 km outside of Morelia,
and 25 km
away from the town of Zinapecuaro. The main local crops
are plum (10,000 tons annually), pear (8000 tons), peach (5000 tons), Mexican
hawthorn, capulines, and quince. Other important
activities of Jeráhuaro are wood work and agriculture
(mainly corn and beans), pipe fabrication as well as plastic recycling.
Two weeks in mid-July. Durango
Founding Fair (Feria de la Fundacion
de Durango & Feria
Agricola), Durango: Founders Day and
Agricultural Fair; ranching and agricultural roots celebrated with cock fights,
equestrian events, "charreadas" (Mexican rodeo) and
cultural events.
July 15 ? 30. Fiesta de la Virgendel Carmen, Ciudad
del Carmen, Campeche:
The
Virgin of the Carmen is celebrated in Ciudad del Carmen during the second half
of July. Religious events take place, as well as dances, rides, exhibitions and
a fishing tournament.
July 18 ? 27. Expresion en Corto (Short Film Festival) San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato: This is the biggest film festival
in Mexico and one of the
most important in Latin America, with a focus
on short films, videos and documentaries. The United States will be honoured this
year, with a retrospective of the best of American cinema, as well as a sample
of contemporary films.
July 18 ? 27. 5th Annual Nueva Paquime
Festival, CasasGrandes, Chihuahua:
This
festival takes place in CasasGrandes,
just outside the renowned Paquime archaeological site
(declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998). It is a celebration of the
heritage and cultures of northern Mexico, featuring, parades, art
contests, concerts, poetry readings, children's workshops and much more. Juan
Quezada, whose renowned pottery has been sold to collectors all around the
world, will be a guest artist at the festival.
July 21 ? 28. Guelaguetza
Festival, Oaxaca: The
last two Mondays of July mark the Guelaguetza
Festival in Oaxaca.
People from the seven ethnic regions of Oaxaca
gather to sing and dance, fully clad in traditional costumes. Typical music and
dancing in costumes from Oaxaca?s
seven regions make this a must see event
July 26. National Sarape Fair (FeriaNacional de Sarape), Santa AnaChiautempan, Tlaxcala: The renowned rectangular "sarape" shawls, one of Mexico?s traditional textile
handicrafts, are spotlighted every year at this annual fair.
July 29 ? August
2, 2008. Bisbee's East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament Buenavista/East Cape, Baja California Sur: In this major fishing
tournament, the luckiest fishermen will take home five- and six-figure prizes
for marlin, tuna and dorado.
July.International
Festival of Cultures and Arts Rosario Castellanos, Comitán de Domínguez, Chiapas: This festival boasts a
series of events such as exhibitions, films, art creation workshops for
children and the youth, gastronomic presentations, native peoples? arts
exhibition, a popular dance, gala concerts and theatre plays. The festival is
hosted in Comitán and in other towns of the region.
It has existed since 2001 and has featured the works of a series of artists
from many Latin American countries.
http://www.conecultachiapas.gob.mx/cartelera/
July. Zacatecas International
Folklore Festival, Zacatecas: This festival has existed since 1996 to commemorate the
anniversary of the founding of the city of Zacatecas in 1546. This city?s HistoricCenter was declared a World Heritage Site
by the UNESCO in 1993. Folklore groups from the five continents take part to
the celebrations.
May 30 ? June 1 Tecate Score 500 rally. Ensenada,
Baja California. International Car racing over 500 miles highway, where
intrepid pilots cross routes of mounts, valleys, deserts and forests. This race
has different categories from trophy truck to the one from; motorcycles and
motors cross.
May 2 ? June 6 May Cultural festival at Guadalajara, Jalisco. This event receives every
year to big number of local, national and foreign artists. It is celebrated
since 1998 in
several municipalities of Jalisco. Includes different events
from music and dance, between which they emphasize: the opera, choral music,
dance and contemporary music, symphonic music, to jazz and ballet for children.
June 11th Mushroom Festival, Baja California. Gastronomic sample and
tournament of different typical courses made with all kind of mushroom, with
the participation of different restaurants from the locality, artistic show and
exhibition of product suppliers and services.
June 1-3 Market Place Mexico2008 in
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. The sixth
edition of Mexico?s
meetings and you stimulate marketplace the event is divided in five equally
important Seminars: Trade show, City orientation visit, Pre and Post - you
extend stay and Networking to reach expected results, always thinking on the
buyers and to their needs.
June 7 Pan-American circuit contest Aid for dogs 2008 at Baja California. Dog?s breed contest
originated from the U.S.A.
and Baja California,
competing for the Mexican champion title and great Mexican champion title. Free
entrance for general public, the entrance to people who bring dogs that will
not compete or other mascots is not allowed.
June 8 Vineyards on flower Festival Baja California. In this occasion, the baby
off wine industry will be the host of this allusive show to the blossoming of
the vineyards that gives beginning to the season of grape production to
different types of table wines. Benefit event at San Vicente Shelter, the wine
tasting is free.
June 15 Paella and wine sample international festival, AcapulcoGuerrero. Sample
of great diversity of paellas and wines.
June 15 Fair of Atotonilco el Alto, Jalisco.For about 1 week take place cultural, sport
events, to culminate with the dramatization of the foundation of the village.
June 14- 29 Turtle Festival Tecolutla, Veracruz. Ecological, Artistic and
Cultural Event dedicated to the protection and learning of the Turtles.
All JuneTlaquepaque
Festival, Tlaquepaque, Jalisco. Originally for celebrating the holly patron. Where craftsmen of Tlaquepaque and other parts of Mexico
exhibits and commercialize its crafts that emphasizes palenque
and the different cultural and sport events that they are made in these
celebrations.
MAY 2008
MAY 1- 6: 8º Rosario Castellanos
Arts and Cultures International Festival at Comitán, Chiapas.Consists on a series of
academic and artistic forums, exhibitions, pieces of cinema for kids, artistic
and creational workshops, gastronomic shows, encounter with Mexican art,
popular dances, concerts and plays, which are typical from Comitán,
as in other municipalities of the region. Counts with the
participation of artists from diverse countries of Latin
America.
MAY 2 - June 6: May Cultural festival, Guadalajara, Jalisco. This event receives every year to big number of local, national and
foreign artists. It is celebrated since 1998 in several municipalities of Jalisco.
Includes different events from music and dance, between which they emphasize:
the opera, choral music, dance and contemporary music, symphonic music, to jazz
and ballet for children.
MAY 10?17: Candles Celebration, Juchitán, Oaxaca.
In Mexico, popular celebrations have a
great importance because they represent the identity of the autochthon towns. In
May, Oaxaca gets dressed in full dress in its
traditional "Celebration of candles" that is developed in the
mythical municipality
of Juchitán.
The spectacle is celebrated since XVII century in honour to San Vicente Ferrer. It is celebrated with religious ceremonies, dances,
watered of fruit (parade of carts and allegorical cars where the women dressed
in regional costumes, throw fruits and gifts to the contenders) and by the
nights are convivial, fireworks and popular dances.
MAY 21?25: Eusebio Francisco Kino Cultural X
Festival, Municipalities of Sonora.
Made sine 1998 in
honour the Jesuit father who founded the missions on the region. You can?t miss the musical
conferences, events, exhibitions, crafts sale and works theatre made in,
schools and public theatres of Magdalena, Santa
Ana, Ímuris, Cucurpe and San Ignacio populations. Also you can take
enjoy the delicious gastronomic flavours or go the folkloric dance
presentations.
MAY 28- JUNE 1: 4th International meeting of the Sea. Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz.
Do not miss the International meeting of the
Sea in the city of Coatzalcoalcos,
Veracruz,
that every year organizes a great diversity in cultural and gastronmic
events.
MAY 29 ? JUNE 7: Sacred Mayan Crossing, Xcaret,
Quintana Roo. Arises in 2007 with the
purpose of recovering one of the oldest transcendental traditions of the Mayans
of this region; to venerate the goddess Ix-Chel. The first sacred crossing
was at the beginning of the night the 31 of May in the area well-known as two
beaches within the XcaretPark, it is made in traditional canoes
from Polé, today Xcaret,
trough the Island
of Cozumel, and from this
island to Playa del Carmen. 25 canoes with 300 crew of the
mentioned communities are prepared. A roundtrip of approximately 50 km, with a duration up to seven hours.
MAY 4-10 FICA Acapulco International Film
Festival from Acapulco,
Guerrero.For 4
consecutive years the International film festival, for this edition the
festival will give beginning to the official program in Mexico City. More than 100 productions,
between short and long documentaries, national and international films will be
shown at private and public theatres
MARCH 2008
MAR 16-23: 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 lasCasas and Taxco.
MAR 19-23: TajinSummit
(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
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.
FEBRUARY 2008
FEB 2-6: AlfajayucanCarnaval,
Hidalgo. This carnival is made in order to commemorate the
town foundation. The celebration includes fireworks, folkloric
festivals, poetry contests and traditional dances.
FEB 19-29: MexicoCity´s
Contemporary International Film Festival. Created
in February 2004, this is the most important Film Festival in Latino America.
It includes Fiction Official Selection, Documental Official Selection, Invited
Country, Retrospectives, and Short Films.
FEB 21-MAR 2: Palacio de Minería?sBook Internacional Fair, MexicoCity. This fair gather together readers,
publishers and speakers. Society and university community enjoy experiencing
the most recent books from the Mexican industry.
FEB 29-MAR 2: Monarca
Butterfly Festival, Angangueo, Michoacán.
Workshops, expositions, analysis
groups, documental films and different artistic activities will be held in this
festival. The topics: tourism, agriculture, Pre-Hispanic cultures and environmental
conservation.
January 2008
JAN 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.
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 (reyesmagos)
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-shaped 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 8-23: 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 San Jacinto church throughtSanto Domingo
church back and fordward, ending
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 GrijalvaRiver
which concludes in a spectacle of fireworks.
JAN 11 ? FEB 6: Leon State
Fair?Leon, Guanajuato.LeonCity, located
just 45 minutes outside of Guanajuato, hosts this annual fair which features
concerts, dance, food and much more. Some of the highlights for this year?s
fair isRobert´s
International Circus, The traditional Palenques,
Dolphins exhibition and more. http://www.ferialeon.org/ or info@ferialeon.org
JAN 17: Feast Day of de San Antonio de Abad. Is a
religious holiday during which the Catholic Church allows animals to enter the
church for blessing.
JAN 21-30: The 2008 Rural
Tourism Fair?Oaxaca, Mexico. The
sixth such regional event co-created by Amigos del Sol and Planeta.com in Oaxaca City, Mexico. This alternative to
traditional mass tourism allows travelers to visit rural areas. Options include
hiking and biking,visiting
community museums and buying crafts. Mexico considers rural tourism a
critical feature in its promotion of travel alternatives, including adventure
travel and ecotourism. For more information visit: http://www.planeta.com/ecotravel/mexico/oaxaca/feriarural2008.html
JAN 19 ? FEB 16: Merida Carnival 2008. Merida?s
Carnival is one of the five most important in the entire Mexican republic and
one of the 12 principal carnivals in all of Latin America.
From January 30th to February 6th, locals and visitors will see the local
culture as they live the traditional time of Carnival. This huge party is Merida?s Carnival ? or
Mardi gras! This is a happy time for both
locals and visitors. If you are lucky enough to be visiting Merida at this time, do partake and enjoy! http://www.merida.gob.mx/carnaval/
