How Many Reasons for a Party Can One City Have?
Of course I love festivals! I grew up in Louisiana, where celebrating Mardi Gras every year was simply a part of life.
So the first time I experienced the Day of the Dead in Mexico, I was enchanted. It was unlike anything I’d ever seen—so artistic, so meaningful, so joyful, and so fun. I remember thinking, “Everyone should experience this at least once.” (I also vowed to come home and create my own family altar…which is still on my “to do” list.)
But Day of the Dead is just one of many celebrations that fill Mexico City’s calendar. Throughout the year you’ll find art fairs, food festivals, film festivals, flower shows, live music, sporting events, patriotic holidays, and religious celebrations that reflect the city’s remarkable creativity, history, and culture.
The calendar below gives you a quick overview of the major annual events, organized by month. To get more detailed information on the events just click the links below the calendar. These take you to short paragraphs that explain the background, traditions and highlights of each festival.
Mexico City’s Biggest Annual Events at a Glance
January
👑 Día de los Reyes (Three Kings’ Day)
February
🫔 Candelaria Day
🎨 Art Week (Zona MACO & Material Art Fair)
🎵 Electric Daisy Carnival
March
🎭 Festival Centro Histórico
✝️ Holy Week (some years)
April
✝️ Holy Week (some years)
🌺 Festival de Flores y Jardines
👧 Children’s Day
🚣 Festival de la Flor Más Bella del Ejido
May
💐 Mother’s Day
🏙️ Corredor Cultural Roma-Condesa
June
🌿 No major annual festivals.
July
🌸 Feria de las Flores de San Ángel
🎬 Ciudad de México International Film Festival
August
🌶️ Chiles en Nogada Season
September
🥃 Pulque & Mezcal Gastronomic Festival
🎆 Independence Day Celebrations
🏛️ Mextrópoli Architecture Festival
🍲 National Mole Fair
October
🌼 Day of the Dead Season Begins
🎨 Monumental Alebrijes Parade
🏎️ Mexico City Grand Prix
💀 International Day of the Dead Parade (some years)
November
🕯️ Día de los Muertos
🫔 Tamales & Atole Season
🇲🇽 Revolution Day
🎸 Corona Capital
December
⭐ Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
🪅 Las Posadas
🎄 Christmas
🍇 New Year’s Eve
Explore Mexico City’s Festivals & Events in More Detail
These companion guides take a deeper look at the festivals, holidays, and traditions that make each season unique. Learn the history behind each celebration, discover the best places to experience it, and pick up practical tips to help you make the most of your visit.
👉 January & February: Three Kings’ Day, Art Week & Electric Daisy Carnival
👉 March, April & May: Holy Week, Flower Festivals & Children’s Day
👉 June, July, August & September: Summer Showers, Flowers, Chiles En Nogada & Independence Day
👉 October, November & December: Formula 1,Day of the Dead, & Holiday Traditions
Before You Book
Unlike some destinations, Mexico City doesn’t completely shut down on public holidays. Restaurants, hotels, and many tourist attractions remain open, although government offices, banks, and some museums may close or operate on reduced schedules.
The biggest impact for most visitors isn’t closures—it’s crowds. Major celebrations such as Holy Week, Independence Day, Day of the Dead, and Christmas can affect hotel availability, restaurant reservations, and traffic. If you’re planning your trip around one of these festivals, book accommodations well in advance and confirm museum opening hours before you go.
Did I miss one of your favorite Mexico City celebrations? Let me know in the comments. I read every one, and your suggestions may help improve this guide for future visitors.
Continue Planning Your Trip
Now that you know what’s happening throughout the year, these guides will help you decide when to visit, why Mexico City belongs on your travel list, and how to plan your trip.
👉 When Is the Best Time to Visit Mexico City? → Compare weather, crowds, festivals, and seasonal highlights.
👉12 Reasons Mexico City Should Be on Your Travel List → Discover why Mexico City is one of Latin America’s most rewarding destinations.
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