FIESTAS Y EVENTOS EN OCTUBRE
Tehuacán Fair
Date: September 26 to October 12
Location: Tehuacán, Puebla
This fair has become a cultural and entertainment benchmark for the region. Both the Palenque and the People’s Theater have gained regional fame for the quality of the performances they feature.
The fair includes amusement rides, gastronomic zones, commercial, livestock, and artisan areas.
Fiestas del Sol
Date: September 27 to October 13
Location: Mexicali, BC
This is one of the region’s most important events, featuring the Isla de las Estrellas, a free stage within the fair where local, national, and international artists perform.
Whale Shark Season
Date: October to April
Location: La Paz, Baja California Sur
Every year, La Paz Bay welcomes dozens of whale sharks. Observing them in their natural habitat and swimming alongside them is a unique experience.
Their massive size, reaching up to 12 meters in length and weighing 20 tons, is matched only by their gentleness, allowing you to swim with them without any danger.
National Coffee and Huipil Fair
Date: October 1 to 5
Location: Cuetzalan, Puebla
The beautiful "Pueblo Mágico" (Magical Town) of Cuetzalan fills with joy and color during the fair held in honor of San Francisco de Asís, the town's patron saint. However, the celebration is a blend of Catholic and pagan rituals, starting with the “Corte de Palo” ceremony by the Voladores de Cuetzalan. In this ritual, the dancers perform at the foot of the tree that will be used to create the pole for their famous aerial dance. The ceremony includes candles and incense, seeking permission and forgiveness from nature for cutting the tree.
In addition to the traditions and folklore, visitors can enjoy mechanical rides, handicraft displays, sports activities, and gastronomic exhibitions, with the rich local coffee taking center stage.
The celebration also features concerts by famous artists, the coronation of the queen, and a dance.
Music Festival
Date: October 3 to 12
Location: Cancún, Quintana Roo
The festival is filled with concerts, recitals, conferences, masterclasses, and the traditional International Trumpet Competition.
This is an unforgettable experience for music lovers.
Tecalitlán Mariachi Festival
Date: October 3 to 13
Location: Tecalitlán, Jalisco
The program includes mariachi gala performances featuring the best and most famous groups of this traditional music style.
This major event, held in the birthplace of mariachi, is a great opportunity to experience the traditions of the municipality and enjoy the best mariachi music from Jalisco.
National Mole Fair
Date: October 3 to 25
Location: San Pedro Actopan, Milpa Alta, Mexico City
This event, celebrated since 1977, combines gastronomy, crafts, and culture and has become one of the most important events in San Pedro Actopan, which produces between 28,000 and 30,000 tons of mole annually.
Mole is one of the most famous dishes of Mexican cuisine, an exquisite blend of dozens of spices and ingredients, with each person having their secret recipe.
More than 60 producers participate in the fair, offering a wide variety of moles, such as red, almond, pine nut, apple, green mole, pipián, and adobo.
Visitors can also enjoy dishes based on nopal, rabbit, barbacoa, bean tamales, blue, red, and nopal tortillas, quesadillas, sopes, tacos, pozole, and beverages like pulque, aguamiel, and atole de pinole.
The celebration includes the sale of handcrafted products, mechanical rides, and cultural events, with various bands providing music throughout the fair.
Feast of San Francisco de Asís - Santo Charito
Date: October 4
Location: Real de Catorce, San Luis Potosí
This is a festival in honor of San Francisco de Asís, who is affectionately known as “El Charito” in this magical town. These patronal festivals attract thousands of people and are very significant celebrations. The event includes various activities such as amusement rides, traditional folk dances, music, and a local artisan market.
On October 4, there are mañanitas (morning serenades) for San Francisco, followed by a solemn mass.
October Fair
Date: October 4 to November 4
Location: Guadalajara, Jalisco
This is one of the largest fairs in the country, taking place at the Benito Juárez Auditorium and other locations across Guadalajara, Zapopan, Tlaquepaque, Tonalá, and Tlajomulco.
The Fiestas feature a wide variety of artistic and cultural performances, along with multiple recreational activities.
The event includes a commercial zone where you can taste the best dishes from Jalisco and discover many surprises.
Other traditional spaces include the Canica Azul, the Mansion of Terror, amusement rides, and the Main Stage.
Alfeñique Fair
Date: October 8 to November 3
Location: Toluca, State of Mexico
This is a colorful event held in the city center, specifically around the Portales and the Cathedral of San José.
The word alfeñique is of Arabic origin and refers to a cooked sugar paste, stretched into thin rods and twisted. Nowadays, this term refers to sugar glass figures made for Day of the Dead.
These sweet treats, shaped like coffins, skulls, crosses, sheep, deer, bones, processions, angels, animals, and fruits, are sold at the fair. You can also enjoy other traditional sweets like dulce de leche, jamoncilla, amaranth candy, tamarinds, cocadas, and many more.
The celebration also includes traditional altar displays, a zombie parade, and the Llorona in the Portal 20 de Noviembre, as well as various representations of La Catrina, mummies, and other iconic Day of the Dead characters.
The fair also features cultural events like dance, music, theater, exhibitions, conferences, a gastronomic showcase, concerts, book presentations, workshops, video screenings, and competitions.
Quimera International Festival of Arts and Culture
Date: October 10 to 20
Location: Metepec, Estado de México
This event offers a large number of performances and brings together artists from various disciplines such as music, theater, visual arts, dance, literature, and cinema. Participants come from various countries, giving the festival an interesting multicultural aspect.
The festival takes place at several venues including the Parish of San Juan Bautista and Santa María de Guadalupe, the Old Franciscan Convent, and Juárez Park, among others.
Morelia en Boca
Date: October 11 to 13
Location: Morelia, Michoacán
Morelia en Boca is one of Mexico's most prominent gastronomic projects. This event brings together top Mexican and international chefs, traditional Michoacán cooks, winemakers, artisans, and culinary experts who share their art and knowledge during the festival.
It includes tastings, workshops, and sampling sessions where experts from Michoacán’s culinary scene present their projects and work.
International “Paste” Festival in Real del Monte
Date: October 11 to 13
Location: Real del Monte, Hidalgo
This town is located about 12 km from the state capital, Pachuca, and is famous for the “paste,” a dish of English origin brought by the English when they came to mine silver in the region. The original paste was a pastry filled with ground beef and potatoes, but today there are many varieties, both sweet and savory.
The event includes a wide range of cultural and artistic events, a commercial and artisanal zone, and musical performances.
Of course, you can't miss the opportunity to try the delicious pastes.
Carrera Panamericana
Date: October 11 to 17
Location: Zócalo, Mexico City
La Carrera Panamericana es un encuentro de motores, autos clásicos y competencias a máxima velocidad y recorre 8 estados durante 7 intensos días de competencia. Es el evento de velocidad tipo rally en carretera, más importante y de mayor recorrido en el mundo. Pasa por Oaxaca, Veracruz, Ciudad de México, Querétaro, Michoacán, Guanajuato, Aguascalientes y San Luis Potosí.
International Revueltas Festival
Date: October 11 to 20
Location: Durango, Durango
This festival is the most important cultural event in Durango and serves as a meeting point for local, national, and international artists and creators.
Music, dance, literature, visual arts, and performing arts claim their space across the 39 municipalities of the state. The event takes place primarily in the historic center of the city of Durango, which is an architectural heritage of exceptional value.
As the biggest cultural event in the state, it attracts artists and creators from various disciplines.
Dinner in the Sky
Date: October 11 to 27
Location: Mexico City
This is a unique experience that combines dining with an incredible view, creating an unforgettable adventure as a crane literally lifts you into the sky. The experience lasts 60 minutes, and participants must weigh less than 130 kg.
There is a gourmet menu prepared by renowned chefs, with both regular and vegetarian options.
The event takes place at Campo Marte.
International Cervantino Festival (FIC)
Date: October 11 to 27
Location: Guanajuato and León, Guanajuato
One of the most important cultural festivals in the world, offering more than 700 activities with over 3,500 artists from nearly 40 countries.
Events include conferences, workshops, readings, dance, a wide variety of concerts featuring different music genres, theater, exhibitions, and more.
Columbus Day
Date: October 12
Location: Nationwide
This day commemorates the discovery of the Americas and has been celebrated in Mexico since 1928, during the presidency of Álvaro Obregón.
The festivities include floral tributes to the monuments of Christopher Columbus.
However, this day also serves as a moment of reflection on the profound changes it brought to the native peoples of the Americas, often inviting people not to celebrate it.
The Pilgrimage of the Virgin of Zapopan
Date: October 12
Location: Zapopan, Jalisco
The "romería" is the annual pilgrimage that takes place in the early morning of this day, from the Cathedral of Guadalajara to the Basilica of Zapopan.
The image of Our Lady of Zapopan visits various churches in the Guadalajara metropolitan area, including Tlaquepaque and San Andrés. On October 12, the image, known affectionately as "La Generala," leaves the Metropolitan Cathedral of Guadalajara and is accompanied by devotees, as well as dancers with masks and feathers, along the eight-kilometer journey between the churches.
Upon arrival at the Basilica of Zapopan, a mass is held, and the following day the celebration continues with dances and music.
Live Out
Date: October 12
Location: Monterrey, Nuevo León
Held at Parque Fundidora, this is a major music event that annually invites some of the best modern music performers.
International Theater Festival of Zacatecas
Date: October 12 to 19
Location: Zacatecas, Zacatecas
With unique performances from national and international theater companies, the streets, plazas, and squares of Zacatecas blend with the magic of theater.
Plays are presented by local, national, and international groups.
The most spectacular venue is the Plaza de Armas, where major productions or shows with extensive technical requirements are staged, allowing hundreds of spectators to enjoy them.
The charm of the event lies in being able to walk through the beautiful city and encounter free performances for all audiences.
Bierfest
Date: October 17-20
Location: Orizaba, Veracruz
This festival features an impressive lineup of bands in a unique atmosphere. The music will make you dance, enjoy, and vibrate to the fullest. Additionally, there is a showcase of craft beers.
Sinaloa Cultural Festival
Date: October 17 to 27
Location: Playas de Tijuana, Tijuana, BC
The festival includes a wide range of cultural activities such as dance, singing, theater, literature, and much more.
It's a great event for all ages and tastes, featuring interesting classical music concerts with renowned national and international artists, as well as film screenings, gastronomic showcases, and puppet shows.
Morelia International Film Festival (FICM)
Date: October 18 to 27
Location: Morelia, Michoacán
The FICM is a unique meeting point in Mexico between Mexican filmmakers, the public of Michoacán, and the international film community. Its mission is to promote new talents in Mexican cinema, expand the cinematic offerings, and contribute to the cultural activities of Michoacán.
The festival organizes competitions for short films, documentaries, and feature films, as well as the Michoacán Short Film Script Contest.
The film selection is diverse, comprising a carefully curated list of national and international films.
After the festival, a cycle is held in Mexico City, where the festival’s winning films are showcased.
Festival venues include Cinépolis Morelia Centro, Cinépolis Las Américas, and various city venues such as theaters, auditoriums, and public squares. Special screenings have been held in Plaza de Armas and Plaza Valladolid.
October Festivities, Xalapa
Date: October 18 to November 3
Location: Xalapa, Veracruz
This has become one of the most anticipated celebrations in Veracruz. It includes music, food, color, and the joy that characterizes its people.
For several days, top-level performances by current artists and groups take place in the city's main venues and the public theater.
Alebrijes Parade
Date: October 19
Location: Mexico City
This event is organized by the Museum of Popular Mexican Art Trust. The parade begins at 12:00 PM in the Zócalo, continues through 5 de Mayo Avenue, Juárez Avenue, and Paseo de la Reforma, ending at the Angel of Independence roundabout.. At the end of the parade, the Monumental Alebrijes will remain on display along the main sidewalks of Avenida Paseo de la Reforma, between the Angel of Independence and the Diana Cazadora roundabouts, from Saturday, October 19 until 8:00 PM on November 3.
Tecate Península
Date: October 19
Location: Playas de Tijuana, Tijuana, BC
This event brings music to life in "the corner of Latin America" with international artists and extraordinary experiences.
The festival takes place at the Monumental Plaza de Toros and is an all-ages event.
International Book Fair
Date: October 19
Location: Zócalo, Mexico City
At the fair, you can find a variety of titles from both national and international publishers. You'll discover children's books, science fiction, specialized books, and even cookbooks. In addition to exhibitors, the International Book Fair at the Zócalo in Mexico City offers a complementary program featuring musical performances, theatrical presentations, and diverse exhibitions.
Chocolate and Pan de Muerto Fair
Date: October 26 to 27
Location: Mexico City
This event takes place in the Jardín Hidalgo in the Historic Center of Coyoacán, featuring 120 booths offering hot chocolate and Pan de Muerto (a traditional Day of the Dead bread). Additionally, there is a Catrina and Catrin Costume Contest, as well as a Legends Tour through various streets of this historic neighborhood.
Visitors can also admire the altars, view a huge sugar skull exhibit, and enjoy a multimedia show on the facade of the San Juan Bautista Church.
Festival of the Skulls
Date: October 26 to November 3
Location: Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes
This is one of the most important festivals in the city, aimed at rescuing and preserving the traditions of the Day of the Dead in a festive setting. The celebration also pays tribute to José Guadalupe Posada, a renowned engraver and illustrator from Aguascalientes.
It takes place at Isla San Marcos and is a blend of magic, fun, and mysticism.
The festivities include a Skulls Parade along Avenida Madero in the Historic Center, featuring floats and groups in traditional costumes. Additionally, there are culinary and craft exhibits, processions, street theater, concerts by the Aguascalientes Symphony Orchestra, film showcases, music festivals, and much more.
Tlaxcala Fair
Date: October 26 - November 17
Location: Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala
This is the largest celebration in Tlaxcala, where tradition, fun, history, and color come together. It features a traditional bullfighting arena and a local theater, showcasing top-tier artists.
The fair offers an attractive and extensive program, including a commercial area, livestock exhibits, bullfights, amusement rides, sports tournaments, popular dances, delicious cuisine, and various family-friendly shows.
The coronation of the queen is a highlight, culminating in a grand dance featuring a renowned artist or band.
San Francisco Fair
Date: September 26 - October 20
Location: Pachuca, Hidalgo
This family-friendly event allows visitors to enjoy the rich gastronomy of the state and its diverse handicrafts. It features circus acts, ice shows, amusement rides, and artistic, cultural, and sporting events. There is also a local theater that can accommodate up to 60,000 people, where various renowned artists perform.
Mexico Grand Prix
Date: October 27
Location: Mexico City
Formula 1 returned to the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez after 23 years, and the Mexico Grand Prix has become a favorite among the International Automobile Federation.
Mega Catrina Procession
Date: October 27
Location: Mexico City
This procession is filled with culture, tradition, and art in the heart of Mexico City. It is a monumental procession where life and death intertwine in a unique celebration. It is one of the events to celebrate the Day of the Dead in Mexico City, featuring a parade of thousands of participants dressed as Catrinas and Catrines, who will traverse the main streets of the capital accompanied by music, floats, and a burst of color and creativity.
The parade starts at the Angel of Independence and progresses along Paseo de la Reforma, Avenida Juárez, 5 de Mayo, and concludes at the Zócalo.
Zacatecas Day of the Dead Festival
Date: October 28 - November 4
Location: Zacatecas, Zacatecas
This celebration embraces the rich tradition of the Day of the Dead. The festivities include a contest for arches and facade decoration, showcasing creativity and devotion to fill the city with color.
A concert is held at the Plaza de Armas, often becoming an emotional and moving musical experience honoring La Catrina.
There are also contests for altars and sawdust carpets that highlight the creativity of local artists.
Hannah Pixan
Date: October 30
Location: Campeche, Campeche
This is an altar contest featuring flowers, food, incense, and mementos of the deceased, set up in the Historic Center of the city, specifically on 8th Street. The festival creates a colorful, mystical, and unique atmosphere.
This event is part of the celebrations for the Day of the Dead, and the municipalities of Tenabo, Calkiní, and Ciudad del Carmen also participate.
Pomuch Day of the Dead Festival
Date: October 31 to November 2
Location: Pomuch, Campeche
This festival originates from a very unique tradition in the town, where they honor their deceased not only with altars but also with a ceremony that involves carefully cleaning the remains of their loved ones.
In recent years, it has become a celebration filled with color, culture, and tradition, transforming the town into a stage for various activities.
The festival includes theater performances, a huge paper lantern (Cantoya balloon), Day of the Dead altars, photo exhibitions, concerts, dances, and a ritual of the Mayan ball game known as "Pok Ta Pok."
All Saints Fair
Date: October 31 - November 17
Location: Colima, Colima
This is one of the most anticipated fairs in the state. The celebration includes amusement rides, culinary and craft showcases, as well as the typical Palenque where renowned artists perform.