Mexico knows how to celebrate. Throughout the year, cities and small towns come alive with music, dancing, parades, traditional food, fireworks, colorful costumes and centuries-old traditions.
While almost every part of Mexico has its own fiestas, some celebrations are particularly special because of the places where they take place. If you want to experience Mexican culture through its festivals, here are some destinations to put on your travel list.
Día de Muertos — Pátzcuaro and Janitzio, Michoacán
Día de Muertos is celebrated throughout Mexico, but the region around Lake Pátzcuaro is particularly associated with this tradition.
Travel to Pátzcuaro and nearby Janitzio around November 1 and 2 to experience ceremonies, candlelit cemeteries, flowers, music and beautifully decorated altars. The local Purépecha traditions give the celebration a distinctive character.
The lake itself is part of the experience. Boats connect Pátzcuaro with Janitzio and other islands, making it possible to combine the festival with a visit to the villages and landscapes around the lake.
If you want to experience Día de Muertos here, plan well ahead. Accommodation can become difficult to find during the celebration.
Guelaguetza — Oaxaca City, Oaxaca
Every July, Oaxaca City becomes the center of one of Mexico’s most important celebrations of regional culture.
The Guelaguetza brings together traditions from the eight regions of Oaxaca through music, dances, traditional clothing and regional customs. The main Lunes del Cerro celebrations take place at the Auditorio Guelaguetza, while parades and other events bring the festivities into the streets of Oaxaca City.
This is a wonderful fiesta for travelers interested in indigenous cultures, traditional music, textiles, dancing and Oaxacan food.
Don't limit your visit to the main performance. Oaxaca City hosts many related events during the festival season, including parades, cultural activities and food celebrations.
Fiesta Grande and the Parachicos — Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas
For something completely different, head to Chiapa de Corzo in January for the Fiesta Grande.
The celebration honors San Sebastián and is famous for the traditional dance of the Parachicos. The dancers, accompanied by music and drums, fill the streets in one of the most distinctive festivals in Chiapas. The Parachicos tradition has also been recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Chiapa de Corzo itself is worth visiting even without the festival. Its colonial architecture, traditional lacquer work, local food and location beside the Grijalva River make it an interesting destination.
During the fiesta, however, the town takes on an entirely different atmosphere, with music, costumes and processions occupying the streets.
Carnaval — Veracruz, Veracruz
If you prefer your Mexican fiestas loud, energetic and full of dancing, head to Veracruz during Carnaval.
Veracruz's Carnival takes place before Lent and features parades, music, dance groups and elaborate floats. It is one of the country's best-known carnival celebrations.
The historic center and the waterfront are excellent areas from which to experience the festive atmosphere. Spend some time around the Zócalo, then explore the city's famous food and nightlife.
Veracruz is also a great destination for seafood lovers, making it easy to combine a festival trip with a culinary vacation.
Feria Nacional de San Marcos — Aguascalientes
The Feria Nacional de San Marcos transforms Aguascalientes into a huge celebration during April and early May.
This is much more than a traditional fair. Visitors can find concerts, cultural performances, food, artisan exhibitions, livestock events, amusement rides and numerous other activities throughout the city and fairgrounds.
The main fair area around San Marcos and the city's various entertainment venues become especially lively during the festival.
If you enjoy large-scale Mexican celebrations with something happening almost everywhere, San Marcos is an excellent choice.
Independence Day — Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato
For Mexican Independence celebrations, consider going to Dolores Hidalgo, the historic city closely associated with the beginning of Mexico's independence movement.
On the night of September 15, Mexicans throughout the country gather for the traditional Grito de Independencia. The celebrations usually include music, food, fireworks, dancing and a festive atmosphere in the main plaza.
Mexico City is famous for its enormous celebration in the Zócalo, but a smaller historic city such as Dolores Hidalgo offers a different experience, surrounded by colonial architecture and the history associated with Mexican independence. Independence festivities take place throughout Mexico on September 15 and 16.
Festival de Calaveras — Aguascalientes
If you love Día de Muertos but want a large festival atmosphere, Aguascalientes offers another interesting option.
The Festival de Calaveras celebrates the traditions surrounding the dead and pays tribute to José Guadalupe Posada, the Aguascalientes-born artist associated with the iconic Catrina.
The festival includes cultural activities, exhibitions, food, music, theatrical performances and a famous Calaveras parade through the historic center.
It is a particularly good choice for travelers who want to combine Mexican traditions surrounding Día de Muertos with the energy of a major city festival.
Which Fiesta Should You Choose?
The answer depends on what kind of experience you want.
For tradition and spirituality, consider Día de Muertos in Pátzcuaro and Janitzio.
For indigenous culture, music and traditional dance, choose the Guelaguetza in Oaxaca.
For traditional costumes and spectacular street dances, visit Chiapa de Corzo for the Fiesta Grande.
For music, dancing and carnival energy, Veracruz is an excellent destination.
For a huge multi-week celebration, experience the Feria de San Marcos in Aguascalientes.
For history and Mexican Independence, visit Dolores Hidalgo around September 15.
And for a modern festival inspired by Día de Muertos traditions, Aguascalientes' Festival de Calaveras is another fascinating option.
One of the best things about traveling through Mexico is that there is almost always a fiesta somewhere. Plan your trip around a celebration, stay a few extra days, try the local food and allow yourself time to experience the streets rather than simply visiting the major tourist attractions.
That is often when Mexico really comes alive.
Comments
Post a Comment