The Most Popular Festival in Mexico, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the festival you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:37
Festivals are a vibrant part of Mexico's cultural landscape, each offering a unique blend of music, dance, and traditional practices that attract both locals and tourists alike. Determining which festival stands out as the most popular can offer valuable insights into cultural trends and regional preferences. Such rankings can also guide festival-goers in making informed choices about which events might suit their interests best.
By participating in the ranking process, users contribute to a broader understanding of what makes certain festivals resonate more than others. This dynamic listing reflects the collective opinions and tastes of a diverse audience, providing a continually updated snapshot of public preference. Thus, each vote not only expresses a personal preference but also shapes the overall cultural narrative that surrounds Mexico's storied festivals.
What Is the Most Popular Festival in Mexico?
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158votesThis is arguably the most popular festival in Mexico. It is a celebration of the dead, where people honor their loved ones who have passed away. It is usually held on November 1 and 2, and it involves altars, parades, and special food.Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a vibrant and colorful festival celebrated annually in Mexico. It is a unique fusion of indigenous Mesoamerican beliefs and Catholic traditions. This multi-day celebration is dedicated to honoring and remembering deceased loved ones, who are believed to visit their families during this time.
- Dates: Celebrated from October 31st to November 2nd
- Altars: Elaborate altars are created in homes, adorned with photos, favorite foods, drinks, and belongings of the deceased
- Offerings: Families offer marigolds, sugar skulls, candles, incense, and their loved ones' favorite food and drinks at the altars and gravesites
- Calacas and Catrinas: Decorative skeletons (calacas) and elegant dressed-up skeletons (catrinas) are iconic symbols of the festival
- Sugar Skulls: Handcrafted sugar skulls are popular and represent individual deceased loved ones
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular holiday in Mexico
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230votes
Francisco P. Miranda · Public domainThis festival commemorates the Mexican army's victory over the French army at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. It is celebrated with parades, food, music, and dancing.Cinco de Mayo or May 5th is a celebration that commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French Empire in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Although it is often mistakenly thought of as Mexico's Independence Day, which is on September 16th, Cinco de Mayo has become a significant cultural holiday in Mexico and is widely celebrated in the United States as well.- Date: May 5th
- Significance: Commemorates the Mexican army's victory over the French Empire in the Battle of Puebla
- Misconception: Often mistaken as Mexico's Independence Day
- Historical Importance: Symbolizes Mexican resistance against foreign intervention
- Location: Celebrated across Mexico and in many cities in the United States
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328votesThis festival is held in Oaxaca and celebrates the diversity of the state's indigenous cultures. It is usually held in July and involves traditional dances, music, and food.The Guelaguetza is one of the most popular festivals in Mexico that celebrates the rich traditions and cultural diversity of the state of Oaxaca. It is a vibrant and colorful event that showcases traditional folk dances, music, cuisine, and art.
- Origin: Originated in the 1930s
- Duration: Eight days
- Location: Held in the city of Oaxaca de Juarez, Oaxaca
- Date: Usually celebrated in late July
- Participants: Representatives from various indigenous communities in the region
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410votes
Oportunidad creativa · CC BY-SA 3.0This festival is held in Aguascalientes and is one of the largest and most important fairs in Mexico. It is usually held in April and May and involves bullfights, rodeos, concerts, and other events.The Feria Nacional de San Marcos (National Fair of San Marcos) is one of the most popular and longest-running festivals in Mexico. It takes place annually in the city of Aguascalientes.- Location: Aguascalientes, Mexico
- Duration: Three weeks
- Year of Establishment: 1828
- Dates: April-May
- Attendees: Millions of visitors each year
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513votesThis festival is celebrated throughout Mexico and involves various religious events, such as processions and reenactments of the crucifixion. It is usually held in March or April.Semana Santa, also known as Holy Week, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Mexico. It is a religious festival that commemorates the last week of Jesus Christ's life, including his crucifixion and resurrection. The festival takes place during the week leading up to Easter Sunday.
- Duration: One week, starting from Palm Sunday and ending on Easter Sunday.
- Religious Significance: Commemorates the last week of Jesus Christ's life.
- Processions: Elaborate religious processions take place in various cities and towns across Mexico.
- Iconic Symbols: Crosses, statues, and images of Jesus, Virgin Mary, and other biblical figures.
- Reenactments: The Passion Play, reenacting the crucifixion of Jesus, is performed in many places.
Semana Santa (Holy Week) in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular holiday in Mexico
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66votesThis festival is held in Guanajuato and involves a parade through the city's narrow streets. Participants wear traditional costumes and play music, and the parade ends with a party.La Callejoneada is a popular street procession and musical event that takes place during festivals in Mexico. It is known for its lively atmosphere, vibrant costumes, and enthusiastic participation of locals and tourists alike. The procession typically moves through the streets, accompanied by music, dance, and traditional folklore performances.
- Location: Various cities and towns throughout Mexico
- Occurrence: During festivals and special occasions
- Duration: Several hours
- Participants: Locals, tourists, musicians, dancers, and performers
- Attire: Colorful costumes, masks, and traditional outfits
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76votes
ProtoplasmaKid · CC BY-SA 4.0This festival is held in Guanajuato and celebrates the works of Miguel de Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote. It is usually held in October and involves theater, music, and other cultural events.The Festival Internacional Cervantino, also known as the International Cervantes Festival, is a major cultural event in Mexico. It is held annually in the city of Guanajuato, celebrating the arts in honor of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, the renowned Spanish writer.- Year of Inception: 1972
- Location: Guanajuato, Mexico
- Duration: Around 3 weeks
- Artistic Disciplines: Music, Theater, Dance, Opera, Visual Arts, Literature, and more
- International Participation: Artists, groups, and companies from numerous countries
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87votes
19Tarrestnom65 · CC BY-SA 4.0This festival is held in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico. It is usually held in December and involves processions, music, and other events.La Virgen de Guadalupe, also known as Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, is one of the most important religious festivals in Mexico. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, specifically to the apparition of the Virgin of Guadalupe to Juan Diego, an indigenous Aztec convert, on December 9 and 12, 1531.- Date: December 9 and 12, annually
- Location: Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City
- Religious Significance: Devotion to the Virgin Mary, symbol of Mexican identity and national unity
- Celebrations: Masses, processions, music, dance, fireworks, and traditional Mexican food
- Pilgrimage: Millions of pilgrims from all over Mexico and beyond visit the Basilica
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91votesThis festival is held in Medellin and celebrates the city's flower industry. It involves parades, concerts, and other events, and it is usually held in August.La Feria de las Flores is one of the most popular festivals in Mexico, showcasing the vibrant beauty of flowers and celebrating the country's rich cultural heritage. The festival takes place annually in the city of Medellin, which is known as the flower capital of Mexico. It features a wide array of floral exhibitions, parades, music, dance performances, and traditional folkloric activities. La Feria de las Flores attracts both locals and tourists alike, offering a colorful and lively experience that celebrates the natural beauty of flowers.
- Economic Benefits: Boosts local economy through increased tourism and flower sales
- Cultural Significance: Preservation and promotion of Medellin's floral traditions
- Location: Medellin, Mexico
- Frequency: Annual
- Duration: Several days
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104votesThis festival is held in honor of Saint Mark and is one of the largest fairs in Mexico. It is usually held in April and May and involves bullfights, rodeos, concerts, and other events.La Feria de San Marcos, also known as the San Marcos National Fair, is the most popular festival in Mexico. It is a month-long event that takes place in the city of Aguascalientes, honoring Saint Mark, the patron saint of the city. The fair is a celebration of Mexican culture, traditions, and entertainment, attracting millions of visitors from all over the country and abroad.
- Duration: Approximately one month
- Year of creation: 1828
- Location: Aguascalientes, Mexico
- Purpose: To honor Saint Mark and celebrate Mexican culture
- Activities: Bullfighting, rodeos, concerts, folkloric dances, amusement park rides, exhibitions, and more
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Ranking factors for popular festival
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Number of attendeesDetermine how many people attend the festival each year. A higher number of attendees would generally indicate greater popularity.
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Cultural significanceAssess the cultural significance and history of the festival in Mexico. A festival with deep cultural roots and traditions may be more popular among locals and tourists.
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Media coverageExamine the level of media coverage and international recognition the festival receives. Popular festivals often receive more press and attract attention from visitors worldwide.
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Economic impactEstimate the economic benefits that the festival brings to the region, including tourism revenue, job creation, and spending by attendees. A festival generating significant economic activity may be more popular for its local impact.
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Duration of the festivalAssess the length of the festival. More extended festivals may attract more significant crowds and generate more attention, contributing to their popularity.
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Diversity and quality of eventsEvaluate the range of activities, performances, and attractions offered during the festival, as well as the quality of the performers and artists. A festival offering various high-quality activities and performances may be more popular.
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Accessibility and locationConsider the festival's location and ease of access, including transportation options and accommodation availability. Festivals in accessible locations with adequate accommodations may attract more attendees.
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Safety and securityExamine the safety measures put in place for festival-goers, including the presence of security personnel and first-aid resources. A festival with a reputation for being safe and well-managed may be more popular.
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Online presence and social media engagementCheck the festival's online presence, including social media profiles and engagement. Festivals with a strong online presence and active engagement with fans and attendees may have a broader reach and popularity.
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Reputation and prestigeConsider the festival's overall reputation and prestige within the Mexican cultural landscape and the opinions of artists, experts, and locals. A festival highly regarded by these groups may be more popular.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular festival in Mexico. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Festival is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1638 views
- 162 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Festival once every 24 hours. The rank of each Festival is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular festival in mexico
Mexico is known for its vibrant culture and diverse festivals that are celebrated throughout the year. The country's rich history and traditions are reflected in these festivals, which offer a unique insight into Mexican culture. One festival that stands out as the most popular in Mexico is Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. This festival is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd each year and is a time for families and friends to come together to remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed away. The festival is characterized by colorful decorations, elaborate altars, and traditional foods such as pan de muerto (bread of the dead). Other popular festivals in Mexico include the Guelaguetza, a celebration of indigenous culture in Oaxaca, and the Feria Nacional de San Marcos, a massive fair in Aguascalientes that features rides, concerts, and bullfighting.
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