FESTIVALS AND EVENTS IN FEBRUARY
Carnivals in Mexico
Date: February
Location: Nationwide
Popular fairs held annually, characterized by parades, handmade masks, costumes, dances, music, and color. The celebration is a display of the cultural syncretism between indigenous and European traditions, and depending on the location, it can last for several days or weeks.
Feria de León (León Fair)
Date; January 9th – February 4th
Location: León, Guanajuato
The Fair has been celebrated since 1876, when the third centenary of the city's foundation was commemorated.
It is an event that incorporates plenty of fun, juegos mecánicos(carnival rides), shows, livestock exhibitions, and gastronomic, business, and industrial displays. The festivity commemorates the founding of the city and is one of the most important in the country due to the large number of events and attractions it includes.
It features: a Pabellón Gastronómico (Food Pavilion), with a huge variety of regional dishes in restaurants and stalls; more than 40 juegos mecánicos ranging from carousels to roller coasters; a livestock exhibition; a craft exhibition; an industrial exhibition, highlighting leather products and footwear; a Palenque (an enclosed arena) where internationally renowned artists perform; special events such as the Ice Skating Show, voladores de Papantla (ancient "birdmen" ritual flyers), puppet shows, clown shows, ballet folclórico (traditional folk dance), charreada (Mexican rodeo), or the circus, to name a few; bullfighting afternoons with magnificent carteles (lineups); an Art Fair, with a great variety of artistic and cultural events; and a parade of carros alegóricos (decorative floats) that takes place along Boulevard Adolfo López Mateos until reaching the fairgrounds.
Tenosique Carnival
Dates; January 19th – February 17th
Location: Tenosique, Tabasco
This is a celebration with Mayan roots where the townspeople gather in the streets to throw flour at each other before witnessing the traditional “Danza del Pochó.”
This dance is considered one of the most traditional and mysterious in Tabasco, as it includes characters such as: “cojóes,” men created from corn pulp who are at the service of Pochó; “pochoveras,” maiden priestesses of the God Pochó, responsible for keeping the fire burning around his altar; and “tigres” (jaguars), who come to earth to kill El Pochó. All participants dance in the streets and squares of the city to the rhythm of wind music, clad in magnificent clothing adorned with leaves and flowers and wearing wooden masks.
The meaning of the dance is the struggle between good and evil; therefore, it concludes in the central park, where the whole town gathers, with the death of Pochó, the evil God, who is defeated and burned on Martes de Carnaval (Mardi Gras/Shrove Tuesday).
Additionally, one can enjoy rich gastronomy.
Expo-Feria de la Candelaria Valladolid
Dates; January 23th – February 8th
Location: Valladolid, Yucatán
The party begins with the convite (a traditional invitation procession) and the paseo de las mestizas (a parade of women in traditional Yucatecan dress), the traditional vaquería (a folk dance party), and the coronation of the queen. In the following days, various shows are held, including a circus, musical concerts, bullfights, charreadas, gastronomic displays, and bailes populares (public dances).
On February 1st, a serenata (serenade) is brought to the Virgin of Candelaria.
Tecomán Lemon Fair (Tecomán Lemon Fair)
Dates; January 23rd – February 3rd
Location: Tecomán, Colima
This magnificent festival is full of joy and fun, including livestock, artisanal, and commercial exhibitions, as well as cultural and sports activities, a Palenque, and a People's Theater.
Tonatico Fair
Dates; January 24th – February 2nd
Location: Tonatico, State of Mexico
The event includes mechanical rides, a gastronomic showcase that of course includes delicious wines and meats, as well as craft sales. There are also musical events featuring renowned artists.
Feria Regional de la Candelaria Sombrerete (Candlemas Regional Fair)
Dates: January 29th – February 8th
Location: Sombrerete, Zacatecas
This Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) offers spectacular bullfights, carnival rides, crafts, and a gastronomic exhibition.
There is a teatro del pueblo (open-air community stage), sporting, religious, and cultural events, as well as traditional charrería activities and Banda music (style of Mexican music played with brass instruments and heavy percussion).
Feria del Tamal (Tamale Festival)
Date: January 29th – February 2nd
Location: Coyoacán, Mexico City
It takes place at the Museo de las Culturas and includes cultural, artistic, and craft events. However, the "star of the show" is the tamal, where you can taste all flavors, both sweet and savory. Make sure to try the champurrado (thick, chocolate-based drink), ponche (hot fruit punch made with sugarcane, guava, and hawthorn), and hot chocolate.
Carnaval en Campeche
Date: February 5 to 24
Location: Campeche, Campeche
The oldest in the country, celebrated since 1582. Among its main attractions are: the famous Baile de Cabeza de Cochino (Pig’s Head Dance), characterized by dancers dressed in traditional costumes, one of whom carries a tray on their head (adorned with paper flowers and ribbons) with a pig's head on top; the Corzo, a festivity in which only children participate; the Pintadera, where everyone goes out into the streets equipped with water balloons and paint; and the Desfile de Algarabía Campechana, in which people dress in traditional regional costumes.
Día de la Candelaria (Candlemas Day)
Date: February 2nd
Location: Nationwide
The celebration of Día de la Candelaria is one of the most deeply rooted Catholic traditions in Mexico. It is celebrated nationwide on February 2nd in honor of the Virgin of Candlemas, and its origins date back to the 10th century in Tenerife, Spain.
When this festivity was brought to Mexico, as with many other traditions, a blend occurred between Indigenous and Spanish cultures. The result was very characteristic cultural traits that distinguish it from celebrations held in other parts of the world.
For example, February 2nd coincides with what used to be one of the most important ritual days in the Mexica (Aztec) calendar, during which offerings were made to the “tlaloques,” the name of the mythological helpers of the god Tlaloc(the Rain God) who were responsible for scattering rain over the earth.
In these offerings, corn played a leading role, which is why to this day the celebration includes tamales as one of the indispensable elements in the celebration of Día de la Candelaria.
This festivity is related to Día de Reyes (Three Kings Day) because the people who found the “muñequito” (little plastic baby figure) hidden inside the Rosca de Reyes (King’s Cake) are responsible for buying the tamales for this celebration.
Although this tradition is celebrated throughout the country, there are places in Mexico where it is celebrated with greater enthusiasm, such as Tlacotalpan, where the Virgin is carried on a boat parade along the river amidst huapango music and the sones (folk rhythms) interpreted by jaranero musicians.
Zona Maco
Date: February 4 to 8
Location: Mexico City
This is one of the most important contemporary art fairs in Latin America, serving as a forum to showcase the latest news in the sector and featuring the presence of collectors, specialists, and galleries from all over the world.
The event has established itself as one of the most notable platforms for the sale, exhibition, and promotion of international contemporary art in this region.
It is divided into five sections: main, new proposals, Zona Maco México, Contemporary Art, Zona Maco Diseño(Design), Zona Maco Salón del Anticuario (Antiques Hall).
The event offers a range of opportunities to celebrate art, providing visitors with various free activities in public spaces, galleries, museums, and other cultural institutions, both public and private.
Expo Feria Monarca Zitácuaro
Date: February 5 to 22
Location: Zitácuaro, Michoacán
It features several events and activities including concerts by prominent artists, a torneo de charros (Mexican cowboy tournament), bullfights, juegos mecánicos (carnival rides), circus, commercial, craft, livestock, and industrial expos, as well as a Palenque (a cockpit for cockfighting) and Teatro del Pueblo (open-air community stage).
Carnaval Progreso
Date: February 5 to 18
Location: Progreso, Yucatán
The carnival dresses the port of Progreso in music, color, and tradition, especially the Malecón Tradicional (traditional boardwalk), the Unidad Deportiva Progreso, and the areas beneath the Municipal Palace.
The event features comparsas (dance troupes), carros alegóricos (floats), themed parades, and musical performances by the sea.
It offers spectacular concerts and a unique gastronomy.
Expo Feria Tizayuca
Date: February 6 to 15
Location: Tizayuca, Hidalgo
The celebration brings together tradition, entertainment, and cultural activities. It stands out for its artistic lineup with musical performances, live shows, and special events. The fair offers juegos mecánicos, children's areas, and recreational activities, as well as an attractive gastronomic showcase.
Veracruz Carnival
Dates: February 10 to 18
Location: Puerto de Veracruz, Veracruz
The carnival is considered “the most joyful in the world” and transforms the Port of Veracruz into a massive stage for music, dance, color, and tradition, especially the iconic Manuel Ávila Camacho Boulevard, which is the meeting point for parades of carros alegóricos, comparsas, and batucadas (drumming groups).
There are also concerts and performances by national and international artists on different stages across the port.
Restaurants, hotels, and businesses also join the celebration by offering gastronomic tastings and various local products.
Cozumel Carnival
Dates: February 11 to 18
Location: Cozumel, Quintana Roo
This is the most popular carnival in the Mexican Caribbean. It includes parades, carros alegóricos, traditional foods, music, and dance. The best part is the Baile de Comparsas, a dance troupe competition that you must not miss.
Mérida Carnival
Dates: February 11 to 18
Location: Mérida, Yucatán
This has been celebrated since the 18th century and is an excuse for the Ciudad Blanca (White City) to dress in colors. It incorporates the “batalla de las flores” (battle of the flowers) organized in the central plaza, where attendees enjoy a pleasant "brawl" throwing flowers at each other.
The parades with carros alegóricos show scenes ranging from the most traditional to the most avant-garde. The bailes masivos (massive public dances) are another main attraction, where live music and DJs transform the squares and streets of Mérida into enormous open-air dance floors.
There are also gastronomic showcases.
Carnaval de Valladolid
Dates: February 11 to 18
Location: Valladolid, Yucatán
It stands out for its cultural richness and because the entire community participates in the festivity.
It offers traditional parades of comparsas (organized groups of dancers in costumes) and carros alegóricos where local culture and traditions are expressed.
Added to the music and joy is the wonderful Yucatecan gastronomy.
Altamira – Ciudad Madero – Tampico Carnival
Dates: February 12 to 15
Location: Tampico, Tamaulipas
It begins with the coronation of the child kings, the "kings of fulfillment" (senior kings), and the rey feo (the "ugly king"). It features parades that take place along Fidel Velázquez Boulevard, costume contests, and various shows.
Guaymas Carnival
Dates: February 12 to 17
Location: Guaymas, Sonora
Most of the residents participate in the celebration.
It includes literary contests and comparsas. Of course, you can also enjoy the quema del mal humor(burning of the bad mood), the coronation of the carnival kings, and the parades of colorful carros alegóricos.
Carnaval de La Paz
Dates: February 12 to 17
Location: La Paz, Baja California Sur
It is a cultural and gastronomic event that embodies the essence of its inhabitants.
It is distinguished by its great diversity of high-level musical events. The celebration includes the coronation of the queen, parades, and dances.
Carnaval de Mazatlán
Dates: February 12 to 17
Location: Mazatlán, Sinaloa
Known for being culturally diverse and for the “Guerra de harina y confeti” (flour and confetti war). The tambora (traditional brass band music) can be heard throughout the Port, along with top-tier musical shows, parades, and fireworks.
It is recognized as the third most important carnival in the world, according to Forbes.
The celebration includes parades of carros alegóricos, the coronation of the queens and the carnival king, fireworks, the quema del mal humor, and various concerts with national and international artists.
Carnaval de Isla Mujeres
Dates: February 12 to 17
Location: Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo
The small island is filled with color and joy with shows, comparsas, contests, regional dances, and gastronomic displays.
Carnaval de Chapala
Dates: February 12 to 17
Location: Chapala, Jalisco
During the carnival, Chapala is filled with color, music, and celebration. The center of the carnival festivities is in the park next to the pier, but there are also activities in other towns such as San Antonio Tlayacapan and Ajijic.
The festivities include rodeo events, music, dancing, parades, juegos mecánicos (carnival rides), and much more. Masked dancers known as Sayacos (characters from Chapala carnival; they are a satirical representation of the town's ancestors) wear wide hats and long beards, while others dress in wigs and heavily padded breasts.
This event promotes local culture and traditions, including gastronomy and crafts.
Carnaval de Chetumal
Dates: February 12 to 17
Location: Chetumal, Quintana Roo
It is one of the most anticipated events in the south of the state as its streets fill with color with parades, comparsas (dance troupes), and carros alegóricos (floats).
There are artistic performances, concerts, and live shows, as well as recreational activities, contests, and special events.
Both the gastronomy and regional products are also part of the celebration, allowing visitors to enjoy all the local traditions and culture.
Carnaval de Bahidorá
Dates: February 13 to 15
Location: Las Estacas Natural Park, Morelos
It is a festival for lovers of electronic music, hip-hop, and folk music, gathering some of the best exponents of these genres, both national and foreign.
This event also offers a gastronomic showcase, holistic healing, the "b-shop" where you can acquire memorabilia, conference forums on ecology, creativity, and innovation, as well as the temazcal experience (an ancestral steam bath).
Due to its ecological philosophy, all attendees are asked to put trash in its place and respect the environment.
Carnaval Puerto Escondido
Dates: February 13 to 15
Location: Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
It is a festival full of joy, music, and a festive atmosphere. It offers comparsas, music, and artistic expressions amidst the incomparable landscape of this beautiful destination.
Gastronomy and crafts are the main protagonists of the carnival.
Tlaxcala Carnival
Dates: February 13 to 17
Location: Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala
It is also among the oldest, as it began to be celebrated in 1699. The party also incorporates the "elimination of the bad mood," but it is done through the “tormento del Tragafuegos”(Torment of the Fire-eater), which consists of burning a doll from head to toe. It is characterized by dances of Nahua(indigenous) origin. The carros alegóricos are accompanied by dancers known as “huehues” or “viejitos” (little old men) who represent wisdom. They wear brightly colored capes embroidered with sequins and beads.
Carnaval de Cancún
Dates: February 13 to 17
Location: Cancún, Quintana Roo
It features the quema del mal humor (burning of the bad mood), the coronation of the carnival queen, the king of joy, the queen and king of diversity, the youth king and queen, the children's king and queen, and the "golden" (senior) king and queen. It also has parades, comparsas (dance troupes) contests, visual arts contests, poetry contests, and the presence of great artists.
Carnaval Zoque Coiteco
Dates: February 13 to 18
Location: Ocozocoautla, Chiapas
Ocozocoautla, also known as Coita, is located just 20 minutes from the capital, Tuxtla Gutiérrez.
It is one of the most representative celebrations in the state of Chiapas and takes place 40 days before Semana Santa (Holy Week). It brings together traditional dancers and musicians wearing colorful outfits with stylized masks that honor the “Father Sun.” The ritual shows elements of the three cultures that sustain the region's identity: Zoque (indigenous), Christian, and Arab.
The dance of the tiger and the monkey are a representation of the struggle between good and evil, or between Moors and Christians, where the Christian faith triumphs. The dances seek not only to brighten the festival but also to pray for rain, the sun, and the earth, and to honor their ancestors.
Another dance is that of the enlistonados (ribboned ones), where the main characters are Mahoma Goliat, Mahoma de cochi, David, and the Caballo (Horse).
Feria de la Bandera Iguala (Flag Fair of Iguala)
Dates: February13 to March 1st
Location: Iguala, Guerrero
The celebration includes tradition, history, art, and entertainment for families, in addition to a spectacular artistic program, juegos mecánicos, commercial pavilions, sports activities, and an enormous gastronomic variety.
Yautepec Carnival
Dates: February 20 to 23
Location: Yautepec, Morelos
The celebration also incorporates the famous Danza del Brinco de los Chinelos (the Jump of the Chinelos Dance), as well as concerts at the Teatro del Pueblo (open-air community stage) and in the zócalo (main square).
It features parades of carros alegóricos, the coronation of the queen, and of course, the contest for the traditional Chinelo costumes.
The event includes internationally famous artists to make it one of the best in the region.
International Book Fair at Palacio de Minería
Dates: February 20th to March 1st
Location: Historic Center, Mexico City
This is an event held at the Palacio de Minería (Palace of Mining) and is organized by the Faculty of Engineering of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).
It offers a wide editorial range and a cultural program with book readings, storytelling, book presentations, and special guests.
San Pancho Music Festival
Dates: February 20, 21, 22
Location: San Pancho, Riviera Nayarit
This festival takes place from 17:00 hrs. to 23:00 hrs., where one can enjoy regional, national, and international music presented by artists from various countries such as the United States, Canada, and Latin America.
You can also enjoy delicious food and drinks throughout the town square.
It is one of the main musical events in the region.
Electric Daisy Carnival
Dates: February 20, 21, 22
Location: Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Mexico City
This is an internationally renowned festival that offers an incredible musical experience, attracting nearly a million fans annually across four different continents.
It is an event that seeks to push the boundaries of imagination and establish high standards in the entertainment industry, incorporating carnival themes and attractions involving recognized talent and impressive productions using advanced and innovative technology.
The shows result in a unique multisensory experience involving fireworks, special effects, juegos mecánicos, art, and many more surprises.
Carnaval de Manzanillo
Dates: February 26 to 28
Location: Manzanillo, Colima
It is an opportunity to experience days of joy and fun with comparsas, the coronation of queens, and varied shows.
One of its attractions is the parades held on the Boulevard Costero Miguel de la Madrid.
The malecón (boardwalk) is the protagonist of the main events, from juegos mecánicosto comparsas (dance troupes) contests (adult and children categories) and carros alegóricos.
Apizaco Fair
Dates: February 28th to March 15th
Location: Apizaco, Tlaxcala
The town celebrates the anniversary of its founding with a joyous and fun-filled party.
Attendees can enjoy the Paella Festival, cultural events, parades, puppet shows, bullfights, and charreadas, as well as concerts by important artists.
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