There are excellent festivals in Mexico. This is a country with a rich cultural past and present. Centuries ago, the Spanish tried to transform many of the prehispanic traditions into catholic celebrations. Yet, nowadays many festivals are a mix of traditions, as it is Mexico’s culture in general. Whether you’re looking for mariachi music, a celebration of life (not dead) or folklore festivals, this country has you covered!
Oaxaca is a unique place to experience the Day of the Dead (October 31 to November 2). It’s a time when family and friends come together to remember their dead loved ones through food, music, prayer and colourful altars.
During this beautiful celebration, we will explore attractions such as the local markets. These show a jumble of sight and sound that bursts with the colours of flowers. Another highlight is to witness the calendas. These street parties include massive puppets on stilts, dancers, music and fireworks. Besides, we will admire the tradition of decorating the family gravestones. Around the cemeteries, families bring flowers, light candles and even play the favourite music of their dead relatives.
All in all, the “Día de Muertos” festival is a celebration of ancestors as well as a huge party. Join us for an adventure to explore Mexico at its full expression!
The Guelaguetza takes place every summer in Oaxaca, Mexico. This event is an impressive indigenous dancing, cultural and culinary celebration. The festival predates the arrival of the Spanish, proving its historical importance. Thus, this tradition is a key piece to ensuring the survival of indigenous cultures.
During the Guelaguetza, dancing parades showcase the rich heritage of different villages. Moreover, typical foods, mezcal fairs and plenty of crafts are all over the city. Above all, the dancers’ traditional dresses, with colourful ribbons, are something to behold!
Each Monday, there are special events at the amphitheatre. During the morning, you can spot traditional dance shows. While the afternoon sees re-enact the legend of the last Zapotec princess.
If you’re thinking of visiting the state of Veracruz, a good time is during the spring equinox (at the end of March). During this time, the Cumbre Tajín, One of the most interesting festivals in Mexico, takes place. This event promotes the culture of the region through conferences, exhibitions, and workshops. There are also mystic rituals, alternative therapies and traditional games. Moreover, the festival host concerts by folk singers and orchestras.
You can find the tours visiting Veracruz below. Note you will need to choose the tours running in March to experience the Cumbre Tajín Festival. We can only know the exact dates three months before it takes place. Thus, we can only guarantee that we will witness the Spring Equinox, but not the event itself. Your flexibility is much appreciated!
Our routes have short driving days (most of them being just one morning or less). This allows us to submerge into the local regions, without losing anything of interest on our way!