NOVEMBER
Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos)
Nationwide
The most colorful annual festival on the Mexican calendar, commemorating departed loved ones. During this festival, the dead have divine permission to visit friends and relatives on earth. The living welcome the souls of the departed with offerings incorporating their favorite foods and beverages, as well as marigolds and candles. The Day of the Dead celebration is particularly memorable in the states of Oaxaca and Michoacan, as well as in Mexico City.
Festival del Gourmet
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
One of Mexico's premier culinary arts events, attended by more than 20,000 people annually. Local chefs at participating restaurants and more than 20 guest chefs from around the world serve up some 500 gourmet foods, cheese, tequilas and liquors. The event also involves cooking classes, wine-tasting, beer samplings and other activities. For more information, please visit: www.festivalgourmet.com.
Tag and Release Fishing Tournament
Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Guerrero
International tournament that permits the observation and preservation of a variety of species in the Pacific.
International Half Marathon (Medio Maraton Internacional Vallarta)
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
The only one of its kind, this challenging race actually begins in Jalisco and ends in its neighboring state, Nayarit. Beginning in the popular vacation spot Puerto Vallarta, and ending in Nuevo Vallarta, this event is sponsored by the two participating states? Secretary of Tourism in an effort to promote both destinations on a national and worldwide level. With five different categories, this half marathon offers great cash prizes to winners.
Annual Golf Tournament (Copa de Golf Vallarta)
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Taking place at the prestigious Nicklaus Vista Vallarta and the Mayan Palace Golf Courses, this annual tournament brings in more than 120 golf enthusiasts, both amateurs and professionals alike, to compete for cash prizes.
Annual Harley Davidson Rocky Point Rally (Rally de Motociclismo)
Puerto Peñasco, Sonora
Annual Hog get-together featuring scenic rides, charity events, beach parties, live music and plenty of engines revving up. www.rockypointrally.com
Annual Yucatan Bird Festival (Festival de las Aves Toh)
Merida, Yucatan
Bird-watching tours/sessions, workshops and exhibits are the highlights of this festival designed to illustrate the special role birds play in our environment and in the Yucatan territory. www.yucatanbirds.org.mx
19th Annual International Musical Festival of Morelia (XIX 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. www.festivalmorelia.com
International Puerto Vallarta Sailfish and Marlin Tournament
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Sailfish, marlin, tuna and dorado anglers will compete for prizes valued at more than $150,000 during this annual tournament, organized to promote Puerto Vallarta as a culturally rich tourist destination both nationally and internationally. Prizes include new cars, fully-equipped Nava boats, cash prizes, and all-expense paid trips to destinations in Mexico and abroad.
Mexican Revolution Day (Dia de la Revolucion Mexicana)
Nationwide
November 20th marks the anniversary of the Mexican Revolution of 1910, with parades and celebrations occurring throughout the country.
Annual Jazz Festival
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
One of the most cultural and artistic towns in Mexico, San Miguel de Allende in the state of Guanajuato will be hosting this music festival. The XIth Annual Jazz Festival is an opportunity to show some of the history behind Jazz as well as the history and culture that San Miguel de Allende offers to its visitors. http://www.jazz-sma.com/
Concert of Bells (Concierto de las Campanas)
Cholula, Puebla
More than 100 bells from the different churches in Cholula participate in this annual celestial concert of bells. Townspeople sit atop roofs with lit candles to enjoy the harmonious spectacle. The town of Cholula boasts the greatest quantity of churches and alters in Mexico with a total of 365 in the district, one for each day of the year.
21st Annual International Book Fair in Guadalajara (Feria Internacional del Libro, or FIL)
Guadalajara, Jalisco
Created 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 Guadalajara Expo Center and submerge themselves in the best that the literary world has to offer. http://www.fil.com.mx
Monarch Butterfly Sanctuaries (Santuarios de la Mariposa Monarca)
several areas in Michoacan State
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 – March)
National Silver Fair (Feria Nacional de Plata)
Taxco, Guerrero
Taxco is the region of the country known as Mexico’s "silver heartland," as it is the source of much of the lucrative silver mining and export business. Every year Mexico's best silversmiths compete against artists from around the world in this lavish festival including concerts, dances, fireworks and a seemingly endless supply of unique items for sale.
Balsas River Nautical Marathon (Maraton Nautico del Rio Balsas)
Bay of Zihuatanejo, Guerrero
Considered the most important jet boat marathon in Mexico and one of the most important events of its kind in the Americas, the Balsas River Nautical Marathon covers almost 500 miles in six consecutive days and welcomes international participants from all over the world.
International Sailfish Tournament (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. www.imanzanillo.com
DECEMBER
5th Annual Air Balloon Festival
Leon, Guanajuato
Largest festival in Latin America with more than 60 balloons and pilots from all over the globe participating.www.festivaldelglobo.com.mx
Vallarta Film Festival
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
An international event supported by the Houston Family, scions of late director John Huston, this festival continues in its focus on environmental films with conferences, classes and gala events and screenings. www.vallartafilmfestival.com/
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.
Annual International Tequila Festival
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Count on the streets of Puerto Vallarta to be full of "spirit" this winter as Tequila aficionados from all walks of life are expected to attend this week-long event, but don't let the name "Tequila Festival" fool you - 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 savor 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. www.visitpuertovallarta.net
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.
Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe (Fiesta de la Virgin de Guadalupe)
Nationwide
The most important holiday in Mexico in which millions of pilgrims converge on the Mexico City Basilica of the country's patron saint to pay tribute. The square in front of the Basilica is a stage for singing, dancing and celebration.
Posadas
Nationwide
Processions recreating Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem, in which people holding candles go door to door to seek shelter. Festivities include piñatas, Christmas caroling and special foods and sweets.
Posada and Piñata Fair (Feria de la Posada y Piñata)
Alcoman, Estado de Mexico
An annual celebration near Mexico City of the Posadas procession and this children's party staple. Among the piñatas on display are those made from clay, traditional models with seven points that symbolize the seven deadly sins, and those made from cardboard with popular children's designs. Workshops in piñata-making are also offered.
Festival of the Radishes (Festival de los Rabanos)
Oaxaca, Oaxaca State
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.
Las Calendas
Oaxaca, Oaxaca State
The districts of Oaxaca City 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.
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 marvelous animals.
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