While hot sun and stunning beaches are probably one of the biggest priorities when booking a trip to Mexico to escape the polar vortex this winter, you should consider experiencing some of the incredible festivals and cultural traditions available in many regions throughout the country.
We’ve summarized some of the most popular festivals and most historical traditions that occur in early 2015.
Merida Monday Vaquerias – January 2015
Hot on the tail of the City of Merida Festival (Festival de la Ciudad de Merida) is a 10-day festival which celebrates the city’s founding more than 461 years ago. The Merida International Arts Festival features live concerts, opera, dance, theatre, poetry readings, art and photography exhibitions as well as films from all over the world. During the festival, the city is bursting with cultural events, concerts and art exhibits, with more than a hundred free activities, so you can’t help but participate in the local traditions and culture.
Fiesta Grande de Enero – Early January 2015
In January, taste the local specialties and join in on the fascinating traditions of the lively Fiesta Grande de Enero (Great January Festival) in the impressive colonial Chiapa de Corzo. Colourful costumed dancers called parachicos take to the streets during the festival, which is one of the most important cultural events in the state of Chiapas and has been declared an intangible heritage of humanity by UNESCO.
Festival Sayulita – January 14 to 18, 2015
For lovers of Mexico, music, tequila, food and film, experience the Festival Sayulita in Sayulita, Mexico. This year’s unique gathering will also host the biggest surf competition in Latin America. There are a range of ticket packages available depending on your interests, starting as low as $100 CAD for the music festival and surf competition tickets, to $4000 CAD for the VIP platinum package which includes access to the music artist lounge, preferred seating at all film showings, a private dinner with the headlining band, and access to multiple dinners and VIP clubs throughout the week.
BPM Festival – January 9 to 18, 2015
Just because it’s winter in North America, doesn’t mean that the music festivals are in hibernation. The BPM Festival in Playa del Carmen, Mexico is a 10-day festival from January 9 -18, 2015, which provides a unique experience where attendees can enjoy the Yucatan’s Peninsula beach setting, while dancing around the clock. Celebrating its 8th anniversary, the electronic music festival will feature over 200 acts, providing a mix of new and veteran talent from international record labels. Phase one of the participating artists has already been announced, but the recently redesigned website, will continue to add updates leading up to the festival.
Mazatlan Carnival 2015 – February 12 to 17, 2015
The Mazatlàn Carnival was inaugurated in 1898 and is a multi-day Mardi Gras celebration featuring parades, fireworks, live music, delicious food and great street entertainment set on the picturesque Mazatlan Malecon oceanfront within the Centro Historico. The modern Mazatlan Carnival is the third largest carnival celebration in the world. This year’s theme is Los Suenos de Momo (The Dreams of Momo) celebrating the mythical figure, a king of Carnivals in many Latin American countries.
To view the schedule of events during the Mazatlan Carnival click here.
Callejoneadas – February 2015
If you’re planning a Valentines Day getaway, consider visiting Guanajuato, Mexico in February. The city is steeped in legends and myths, many dating as far back as the 16th century. The sharing of local legends – like the La Llorona (the weeping woman) and the Callejon del Beso (Alley of the Kiss) is part of the tradition of the callejoneada, a type of “walking serenade”, during which local musicians dress up and weave their way through cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways of colonial Guanajuato while playing music, singing popular folk songs and telling stories.
For more details on upcoming cultural attractions in Mexico, visit www.visitmexico.com.