Mexico city, Mexico » Entertainment » Festivals

The residents of Mexico City celebrate several festivals & events throughout the year.

Dia de los Reyes Magos (Epiphany):

January 6th every year.

On this day, gifts are exchanged in a traditional manner. It was the day when the Three Kings arrived at the Nativity to give their gifts to baby Jesus. On this day the Rosca de los Reyes (King's Loaf) is served, a round doughnut-like cake, which contains a little plastic doll somewhere inside. By tradition, if you are served the slice that contains the doll, you must host a party on Dia de la Candelaria in February.

Dia de la Candelaria (Candlemass Day):

February 2nd , all over Mexico.

Those who were served the plastic doll in their Three Kings Loaf (see January events, above) host a party on this day. It is a religious holiday, celebrated with dancing, music, processions, bullfights and the blessing of the seeds and candles.

Dia de la Independencia (Independence Day):

September 16th is Mexico's most important and most revered National Holiday. It is an official holiday that commemorates Mexico's Constitution. From the evening of September 15th, festivities begin in the city. At 11pm, the President of the Republic shouts the Cry (El Grito) of "Viva Mexico" from the balcony of the National Palace - an event televised and broadcasted on radio to every corner of the nation, as Mexicans cry back with "Viva!" in an emotional traditional annual ritual. The Zocalo in Mexico City brims and buzzes with unabated excitement. Celebrations are particularly lively at the revolutionary Colonial centres, especially Queretaro and San Miguel de Allende - important and significant places before, during and after the war of Independence from Spain.

Guelaguetza Dance Festival:

Mid-July.

This festival is one of the most popular events in the Oaxaca. It is a dance festival in which people wear local costumes and dance. Many Mexicans as well as people from all over the world, come to Ozxaca and enjoy the parties.

Carnaval:

Late Feb/Early March.

This festival takes place 46 days before Easter Sunday (3rd day preceding Ash Wednesday). The carnival kicks off a five-day celebration of the libido before the Catholic lent. Beginning the weekend before Lent, the carnival is celebrated with full enthusiasm accompanied with parades, floats and dancing in the streets.

Di de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe:

December 12th.

Not a public holiday, but it is probably Mexico's biggest religious festivals of the year. The people of Mexico celebrate the Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe (Our Lady of Guadalupe) with a mass ceremony and a traditional fair in honour of Lady Guadalupe. The day is packed with free concerts on the Basilica de Guadalupe's plaza.

Dia de los Muertos:

November 1st and 2nd.

This event encompasses 2 days: All Saint's Day, and All Souls day. The first event honours all saints and people who died as children and the event later commemorates the souls of those who died in adulthood. During this time, one can watch sugar-candy skulls, skeletons and Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead) advertised in shops and supermarkets as they are a traditional sight in Mexico at this time of year.

Dia de la Revolucion (Day of the Revolution):

November 20th.

This is a major national holiday, which commemorates the end of the revolution in 1910. The day is marked with social events, some festive parties as loud and significant as Independence Day celebrations in September.

Fiesta del Virgen del Carmen:

July, every year.

It is celebrated in the honour of Virgen del Carmen, by offering flowers. Traditional dances and the musical groups known as conjuntos perform on this day at the San Angel district of Mexico City.

Semana Santa:

It starts on Easter weekend. One can watch a variety of celebrations throughout Mexico City during this holy week. This religious holiday is one of the most important and popular festivals of the city.

Benito Juarez' Birthday:

Held on March 21.

This event is celebrated on the birth date of one of Mexico's most famous and revered heroes and the first President of the country, Benito Juarez. The day is marked with a Public Holiday.