There’s no doubt about it, Mexico and festivals go hand in hand. From wild and euphoric carnivals to the intriguing (and sometimes bizarre) ancient traditions of Mexico’s deep rooted past, there really never is a dull moment in the Mexican calendar.
But forget drunken revelry in mud soaked fields, think brightly coloured cultural events that take control of your senses. Here’s a quick run down of some of our must-do’s.
Day of the Dead Festival
day of the dead
We know what you’re thinking, ‘Day of the Dead’? Sounds like a tacky festival put together by horror film fanatics. Well luckily, its not.
Celebrated throughout the night of November 1st (all Saints day) and the day of the 2nd (all souls day) Day of the Dead is a spectacular and moving festival that’s celebrated throughout Mexico.
Though mixing death with festivities might seem a little odd to us folk in the Western world, for most Mexicans the two things are completely intertwined with a strong belief system of life, death and re-birth.
The festivals traditions stem back to the ancient and indigenous people of Mexico and originates from the belief that the souls of the dead return to visit living relatives each year to eat, drink and celebrate your ancestry. Brightly coloured flowers, candles and skulls (a symbol of life, not death in pre-columbian Mexico) are laid in grave yards to help guide the souls out and streets become lined with locals wearing painted masks and elaborate costumes – a true assault on the senses.
Night of the Witches
Ever feel like you need to rid yourself of all the past years negative energy? Hmm…maybe, maybe not.
night of the witches
But if you did feel like some serious cleansing is in order head down to the town of Catemaco for The Noche De Brujas (night of the witches).
On the first Friday in March wizards, witches, shamans and healers from across the country descend on the town of Catemaco to perform a mass cleansing ritual designed to rid them of all negative energy from the year passed.
A bizarre mix of other worldly indulgence, ancient indigenous beliefs and stunning dance performances it’s the perfect place for a dabble into the dark arts and an insight into the countries mysterious old world traditions.
Day of our Lady of Guadalupe
Every year from the 1st to the 12th of December the streets of Puerto Vallarta come alive with religious fever, festivities and processions, all building up to the final day which culminates in the celebration of the festival of Our lady of Guadalupe.
lady of guadalupe
Our Lady of Guadalupe (or the Virgin Mary) is Mexico’s patron saint and over the centuries is thought to have created all manner of miracles, the most famous being in 1531 when she appeared four times to an indigenous Christian convert, Juan Diego, on Cerro del Tepeyac.
The celebration see’s tens of thousands of pilgrims make their way to the Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe (some even making the latter part of the journey on their knees) to witness the site of her appearances.
Don’t worry though, if you don’t fancy trekking on all fours you can wonder through the street fares where there’s a host of amazing food, local crafts and traditional dance performances.
Mondays on the Hill, Oaxaca,
Celebrated in the last two Mondays of July (hence the nick name ‘Mondays of the hill’) the Guelaguetza festival is a traditional and long running folk lore festival held to appease the gods for plentiful rain and a fruitful harvest.
guelaguetza festival
Dating back to colonial times the Guelaguetza Festival brings together the wonderfully diverse communities of the Oaxaca region (the state is home to 16 different ethno-linguistic groups) where they gather on the ancient Cerro del Fortin hill to perform to the gods. (And the crowds)
Wearing traditional dress, groups perform unique folk dances representing their own unique culture and heritage before offering (the literal meaning of Guelaguetza) local gifts and home grown products to the crowd. It’s a stunning and powerful display of diversity, tradition and the strong links Mexican’s have with their unique heritage.
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