Clown, Circus, and Sand Cultural Festival
Puerto Vallarta
May 2008

Various venues throughout Puerto Vallarta are host to this festival that features numerous dance and theatrical performances accompanied by clowns and circus acts. Enjoy the entertaining shows and attend the theatre and mime workshops to brush up on your circus performing skills.

May Cultural Festival
Guadalajara
May – June 2008

Each year Guadalajara is the epicenter of entertainment and parties. The city puts on a huge celebration attracting thousands of visitors as they come to watch the numerous classical music concerts and theatre performances. This cultural affair also features various exhibitions, workshops, and conferences along with mouth-watering gastronomic events.

Ixtenco Corn Festival
Ixtenco
June 2008

Carpets made of corn, seeds, and flowers are laid to commemorate Ixtenco's patron saint, San Juan Bautista during this festival each year. The celebration features food, music, and dancing. The highlight of the event is the parade of the Otomi Indians in traditional dress as they march through the streets carrying a statue of San Juan.

Actopan Barbecue Fair
Actopan
8 July 2008

The Feria de la Barbacoa is held annual in Actopan to commemorate the founding of the city which dates back to the 16th century. Locals from around Hidalgo come to fight for the title of Best Barbecuer on this day, awarded to the chef who cooks the tastiest and most difficult selection of meats. In addition to the many different food stalls, this fair also features bullfighting and authentic Mexican rodeos.

San Ángel Flower Festival
Mexico City
July 2008

This century old festival is celebrated in several locations in Mexico City's south-eastern area. Participants in the festival will still pay respects to the god-king of flowers, Xiuhtecuitl to ensure a good fruit and flower harvest. In addition to the many flowers on display, you will find art exhibitions, theater performances, and plenty of local cuisine to sample.

La Guelaguetza
Oaxaca
July 2008

Immerse yourself in Mexican culture in one of the most important events that incorporates the seven regions of the fifth largest state in Mexico, Oaxaca. This fair is a combination of the Festival of the Virgin del Carmen Alto and Mondays on the Hill and displays ancient ceremonial dances and pageantry of each festival.

Harvest Festival in Ensenada
Ensenada
31 July - 17 August 2008

The wine region of Baja hosts an annual festival in honor of the season's harvest of grapes for wine. Activities revolve around wine; from conferences, to vineyard luncheons, to gala dinners and wine auctions. Traditional music fills the festival air and dance performance can be found throughout Ensenada.

Cake Festival
Mexico City
August 2008

The cake bakers of Mexico City come together to exhibit their masterpieces in the borough of Venustiano Carranza. The festival intends to keep traditional Mexican baking alive with the looming threat of imported foreign ingredients and methods. Live music and art exhibitions add to the wonderful ambiance of the fair, but naturally cake tasting will occupy most visitors.

International Mariachi and Charrería Festival
Guadalajara, Jalisco
September 2008

Mariachi bands from around Mexico and the world come to Guadalajara for this annual festival showcasing their craft. This area of Mexico is considered to be the cultural capital for mariachi music. Catholic mass accompanied by mariachi bands is held in the Guadalajara. Parades and competitions demonstrate the skills of the participating mariachi bands, and plenty of food and drink is made available for visitors.

Independence Day in Cancún
Cancún
15 September 2008

The night kicks off with the traditional "El Grito," or The Shout, which commemorates the call for independence by Mexico's liberator Miguel Hidalgo. Cancún's streets are filled with revelers enjoying countless varieties of local cuisine and of course tequila, while the air is filled with traditional cumbia music.

The Day of the Dead
Mexico
1 November - 2 November 2008

This holiday can be traced back to the indigenous people of Mexico over thousands of years of history. On each day, the people of Mexico celebrate the dead in a very festive and joyous way with food and drink. Candy skulls and other death themed crafts are sold by locals, while altars and offerings are left in cemeteries and in the homes of the recently departed. The main celebrations are held on the second day with street festivals and music.

Maestros Del Arte Fair
Chapala
7 November - 9 November 2008

Mexican folk art is preserved at this fair, held annually at the Chapala Yacht Club. Here, the artists do not pay to exhibit their art and are supported by the town with housing and food during the fair. This tradition brings the artists and surrounding community together and contributes to the survival of Mexican folk art.

Revolution Day
Mexico City
20 November 2008

Mexico celebrates the end of a terrible dictatorship with a national holiday filled with joyous celebration and parades. Celebrations can be found in Mexico's capital as well as around the country with cries of freedom ringing out in the streets.

National Silver Fair
Taxco
November - December 2008

The heart of Mexico's early silver industry, Taxco, plays host to the annual National Silver Fair. Though silver is no longer actively mined, this town is now famous for silversmithing. During this fair, you will find countless silver shops and workshops displaying the smith's wares while they compete for the National Silversmith award. The fair culminates with the crowning of the Silver Queen.

Mazatlán Cultural Festival
Mazatlán
October - December 2008

Enjoy a variety of cultural performances around Mazatlán ranging from theater and classical music to contemporary dance and musicals. This festival is a wonderful opportunity to see the diverse cultures of Mexico as they have evolved through the years.