Events & Festivals in Mexico City

Celebrates the arrival of the Three Wise Men. Families share a 'Rosca de Reyes' sweet bread, with a small figurine hidden inside. The finder must host a party on Día de la Candelaria. Expect bakeries overflowing with roscas and festive gatherings in homes across the city.

The Mexico City E-Prix, part of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. All-electric race cars speed through a street circuit laid out around the iconic Chapultepec Park. A festival of sustainable technology and high-speed racing.

Latin America's most important contemporary art fair. Features galleries from around the world showcasing established and emerging artists. A key event for collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts, with satellite events, talks, and parties across the city.

A massive multi-disciplinary festival transforming the historic center. Features free concerts, dance performances, theater, art installations, and guided tours in iconic venues like the Zócalo, Bellas Artes, and ancient churches. Celebrates both national and international artists.

The most important Ibero-American rock and alternative music festival in the region. Showcases a massive lineup of Spanish and Portuguese-speaking rock, pop, indie, and folk artists from Latin America and Spain across multiple stages.

Thousands dress in white and climb the Pyramid of the Sun at the ancient city of Teotihuacán to 'receive energy' from the sun on the spring equinox. A meeting point of New Age spirituality, tourism, and connection to Mexico's pre-Hispanic past.

A beloved local fair in the municipality of Tultepec, famous for its artisanal ice creams (nieves) in an astounding array of traditional and exotic flavors like cheese, avocado, corn, rose petal, and tequila. A fun and tasty day trip.

A colorful celebration of Xochimilco's floral heritage, famous for its floating gardens (chinampas). Features flower exhibitions, competitions, traditional dance, music, and the crowning of a Flower Queen. Colorful trajinera boats are decorated with flowers.

A major international film festival showcasing independent, auteur, and documentary cinema from Mexico and around the world. Features premieres, retrospectives, and competitions, with many filmmakers and actors in attendance for Q&A sessions.

A leading alternative and electronic music festival in Mexico. Known for its cutting-edge, often international lineup spanning indie rock, electronic, hip-hop, and experimental genres. Has a strong emphasis on visual production and art.

A celebration of Mexico City's iconic street food and the craft beer revolution. Dozens of top taqueros and cervecerías set up stalls, offering creative taco pairings and unique beer flavors. Includes live music and cooking demonstrations.

A bi-annual event (often also in January) where the city's top restaurants offer special prix-fixe menus at reduced prices. An excellent opportunity to dine at acclaimed, often expensive, establishments spanning Mexican, international, and avant-garde cuisine.

A celebration of Oaxacan culture transplanted to the capital. Features spectacular dance performances from the eight regions of Oaxaca, with dancers in beautiful traditional dress. Includes Oaxacan food markets, mezcal tastings, and live music.

A major international marathon with a fast, high-altitude course. The route passes iconic landmarks like the Zócalo, Monumento a la Revolución, and Chapultepec Park. Draws thousands of runners from across the globe and features lively crowd support.

Mexico's most important national holiday. The celebration begins on the 15th with the President's 'Grito de Dolores' (Cry of Independence) from the National Palace balcony overlooking the Zócalo. The square is packed with people celebrating with flags, confetti, and cries of '¡Viva México!'

A massive free book fair held in the heart of the city. Features hundreds of publishers, book presentations, readings by renowned authors, poetry slams, concerts, and cultural activities. Focuses on accessibility and promoting reading.

A profound and colorful celebration honoring the deceased. The city is adorned with marigolds, altars (ofrendas), and calavera (skull) imagery. Key events include the massive Ofrenda Monumental in the Zócalo, the colorful parade on Paseo de la Reforma, and celebrations in Mixquic.

A traditional, sprawling market in San Andrés Mixquic in the lead-up to Day of the Dead. Sells everything needed for ofrendas (altars): cempasúchil flowers, sugar skulls, pan de muerto, candles, and papel picado. An immersive cultural experience.

A magical nighttime parade of giant, fantastical, brightly painted papier-mâché sculptures called 'alebrijes.' These mythical creature sculptures, some several meters tall, are carried or wheeled down Paseo de la Reforma in a dazzling, family-friendly spectacle.

One of Mexico's premier rock and alternative music festivals. Attracts top international and national indie, rock, and electronic acts. Held over a weekend with multiple stages, food vendors, and art installations in the city's largest park.

A spectacular weekend event held just outside the city proper, but a major draw for CDMX residents. Dozens of colorful hot air balloons take flight at sunrise, creating a magical scene. Includes night glows, concerts, and family activities.

A charming seasonal market dedicated to the traditional piñata and Christmas decorations. Dozens of artisans from across Mexico sell handcrafted piñatas, nativity scene figures, ornaments, and traditional sweets. Workshops on making piñatas are often available.

The culmination of the most important religious festival in Mexico. Millions of pilgrims converge on the Basilica of Guadalupe to honor the patron saint of Mexico. The atmosphere is a mix of deep devotion and festive celebration, with traditional dancers, music, and offerings.