4 Mexican Festivals for Your Bucket List

Mexico is mostly known for its beaches, tequila and picturesque views. But let’s face it — you can find better beaches in many countries. When I visit Mexico, I go for the cultural attractions. But many people don’t realize that it’s a big country filled with a variety of unique and textured cultural flavors.

There are said to be between 5,000 and 6,000 celebrations every year, ranging from local events to national celebrations. This makes it easy to choose a place and time of year to visit — just go wherever there’s something to celebrate.

Tropical forests and turquoise beaches are great, but our neighbor-to-the-south sure knows how to throw a great party. Here are four festivals to attend if you want to experience a traditional Mexican celebration:

Cinco de Mayo

Many Americans mistake this day as Mexico’s Independence Day, but it’s actually commemorative of the Mexican army’s triumph over the French on May 5, 1862, in the town of Puebla, Mexico. Every year on the fifth of May, people flock to Puebla for food, music and tequila, outfitted in crazy costumes that range from traditional flamenco-style Mexican dresses to simple eyelet and embroidered dresses.

You’re also likely to see a few Mexican and French “soldiers” walking around. But don’t expect another battle, as they are likely participating in a reenactment of Mexico’s victory. Interestingly enough, the Mexican celebration of Cinco de Mayo is mostly just within Puebla, but Americans celebrate all across the United States.

Carnaval Mexico

Also known as a “celebration of the libido,” Carnaval is the Mexican equivalent of Mardi Gras. If you really want to party, take a trip to Veracruz or Mazatlán the week prior to Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of a 40-day Lent before Easter. Basically, everyone indulges in the best food, drinks and music right before they abstain for 40 days. Mazatlan’s Carnaval attracts hundreds of thousands of people from Mexico and the U.S., making it the third largest event behind Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro and Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

Expect parades, parties, vendors, concerts, fireworks, food, drinks and some crazy people-watching. Costumes to be seen in the crowd vary from bright colors and traditional Mexican styles to cross-dressing to parodies of political figures. Much like the New Orleans Mardi Gras, Carnaval festivities go on all night, until they come to a close five days later.

Dia de los Muertos

This holiday combines indigenous rituals with Catholicism to honor and celebrate the lives of the dead instead of mourning them, which would be an insult to their memories. Although this holiday is celebrated throughout Mexico and most of Latin America, Janitzio, a small island in Patzcuaro Lake, is one of the most famous places to visit for a truly elaborate celebration.

On the days of November 1 and 2, the town is full of processions, folk dances, music and traditional food. One of the most awe-inspiring moments is when the fishermen in the city go out on the lake with torches to pay respect to the dead.

Grito de Dolores

Now, this is the real Mexican Independence Day. Every year on September 15, thousands of Mexicans and tourists gather at the Plaza de la Constitución (or Zócalo) in Mexico City for live entertainment and plenty of food and Cerveza in celebration of Mexico’s Independence from Spain. At 11 p.m., the Zócalo (one of the largest public plazas on Earth) falls quiet as the President of Mexico rings the National Palace Bell and gives the shout of “¡Viva México!” Then, the crowd sings the Mexican national anthem accompanied by a band made up of soldiers from the Mexican Armed Forces.

The next day, there are fiestas, parades and concerts across all of Mexico. A traditional dish to have on El Grito de la Independencia is chiles en nogada (stuffed poblano peppers doused in a walnut sauce).

If you can’t make it to one of the events listed above, don’t worry. Mexico is a huge place full of sights, events, culture, adventures and interesting people all year long.