16 Best Yearly Events & Festivals In Mexico City

Our round-up of the 17 best festivals in Mexico City will help you plan your perfect trip to the Mexican capital. 

As part-time Mexico City residents, we are always eager to take part in events in Mexico City as we want to immerse ourselves in the culture and life of our chosen home city. Plus, festivals in CDMX are always lots of fun and a great opportunity to meet local people. 

There are Mexico City festivals every month of the year, and you should try to catch one if you can. Mexican festivals are joyous, colourful and symbolic occasions. 

These events offer valuable insight into Mexican history, culture and modern life. We guarantee that if you plan your visit to coincide with a festival in Mexico City, you will learn and experience more than if you visit the capitol outside festival time. 

Our Top Picks Of Festivals In Mexico City

FESTIVAL CALENDAR

DATE	NAME OF THE FESTIVAL
JANUARY
FEBRUARY	Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), Carnaval
MARCH	Vive Latino, Festival Ceremonia,
APRIL	Festival Centro Histórico
MAY	Festival Marvin, Corredor Cultural Roma-Condesa, Cinco De Mayo
JUNE	Feria De Las Culturas Amigas
JULY
AUGUST	TagCDMX
SEPTEMBER	Independence Day
OCTOBER	MUTEK Mexico
NOVEMBER	Corona Capital, Dia De Los Muertos, Feria De Las Calacas, Día De La Revolución
DECEMBER

Best Music Festivals In Mexico City

Music is closely intertwined with Mexican culture, so it’s no surprise that there are lots of music festivals in Mexico City to choose from. 

These are some of the festivals that we have attended and are happy to recommend to our readers. 

#1 Vive Latino

What is it?: Vive Latino is one of the premier Spanish-speaking rock festivals in the world. It has been running for over 20 years, and today, its extensive lineup covers more genres than just rock music. 

The two-day event is one of the biggest music events in Mexico City and attracts visitors from all over the world. 

It is the most varied music festival Mexico City has to offer, so whether you like rock music or not, you will enjoy this festival. 

#2 Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) Mexico (EDM)

What is it?: One of the most colourful music festivals in Mexico City, the Electric Daisy Carnival is a riot of light and colour. The festival is in its tenth year and celebrates ‘life, love, art, and music’ with a mix of live music and dance acts, art installations and pyrotechnics.

It features six main stages and has an extensive lineup to keep you entertained for three full days. 

#3 Corona Capital

What is it?: This annual three-day rock and alternative music festival has been running since 2010. 

Of all the music festivals in Mexico City, Corona Capital is the only one that does not allow Spanish-speaking bands to perform. Previous headliners have included The Foo Fighters, Alanis Morrisette and Green Day. For this reason, it is said to be Mexico’s version of Coachella. 

It is one of the more popular Mexico City events, attracting visitors from all over the country. 

#4 Festival Ceremonia

What is it?: Ceremonia is a vibrant two-day music festival that encompasses all genres using both local and international performers. 

It is known for its social awareness and inclusivity and boasts a lineup that is 50% female. Festival organisers work closely with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals Fund with the aim of becoming an eco-friendly event.

If you want to attend Mexico City festivals that reflect the diverse nature of the capital’s population, Festival Ceremonia is a good option. Headliners include acts such as Kendrick Lamar and Álvaro Díaz.

#5 Festival Marvin

What is it?: This three-day alternative music festival brings together musicians, comedians, guest speakers and workshops. It is one of the more eclectic music festivals in Mexico City. 

#6 MUTEK Mexico

What is it?: Mutek is one of the more unusual events in Mexico City. It focuses on innovation in digital creativity alongside futuristic music and avant-garde performances. 

You can expect a blend of incredible audiovisuals and cutting-edge technology at this 20-year-old music and arts festival. You will see experimental performances which aim for audience immersion. 

The festival promotes both local and international artists, and local performers have included Aliv and the AntiMatter Sound Ensemble. 

If you want the best immersive and out-of-the-ordinary music festival Mexico City has to offer, check out MUTEK. 

#7 TagCDMX

What is it?: The two-day festival is a celebration of technology and creativity and is the largest festival on this theme in Latin America. 

It includes music concerts, guest speakers, workshops, film screenings and exhibitions. Previous headliners have included Spike Lee and Moby. 

It is one of those hidden gem festivals in Mexico City where you can stumble across a big name in a small venue. 

Best Cultural Events In Mexico City

We always advise visitors to time their visit to one of the many cultural festivals in Mexico City. 

Mexican festivals are renowned throughout the world, so don’t miss your chance to join one of these memorable events. 

#8 Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

What is it?: The Day of the Dead is the best-known of all the Mexican festivals. It has been featured in James Bond movies and Disney films.

Of all the festivals in Mexico City, this is one of our favourites. It is an explosion of colour, music and food and attending it is joyous despite its sombre theme. 

Rooted in Aztec culture, the two-day festival marks the cycle of life and death. Families build altars (ofrendas) in their homes using Marigold flowers and have candlelit picnics at their loved ones’ graves. Gifts and food such as sugar skulls are given to family and friends. 

Mexico City events include large-scale ofrendas in the Zócalo and at city museums plus the vibrant El Gran Desfile de Día de Muertos, or Day of The Dead parade in the city center. The 2023 parade featured over 3,000 participants. 

Mexico City festivals don’t get much bigger or better than Dia de los Muertos. 

#9 Feria de las Calacas

What is it?: If you’re looking for family-friendly cultural events in Mexico City, don’t miss the Feria de las Calacas. Organized by CENART (Centro Nacional de las Artes), this activity-filled festival is specifically aimed at children. 

Last year, the festival offered over 350 activities, including storytelling sessions, music and dance performances and handicraft workshops. It’s lots of fun for adults and children alike and best of all, everything is free. 

#10 Corredor Cultural Roma-Condesa

What is it?: This diverse spring festival celebrates fashion, music, food, innovative design and architecture in Condesa (where we live in CDMX) and Roma. Each neighborhood takes a turn to host the festival. 

This is one of the festivals in Mexico City that offers something for everyone. Previous events have included book and clothing sales, art exhibitions, drama performances, pop-up workshops and a Taco festival at Mercado Roma. In recent years, the festival has hosted over 1,000 activities and over 200,000 visitors. 

#11 Feria de las Culturas Amigas

What is it?: The ‘Fair of Friendly Cultures’ gathers together different countries to share food, music, art and traditional handicrafts. It is one of the most wide-ranging cultural events in Mexico City and has mutual respect and inclusion as its underlying theme. 

It began in 2009 with 50 countries but has now grown to over 94 countries. Over 100 events and activities take place in specially constructed venues in Zócalo and Chapultepec Park. 

Cultural Dance Events & Celebrations In Mexico City

Like music, dance is very popular in Mexican society, with young and old joining events in Mexico City. 

Bring your dancing shoes, lose your inhibitions and be prepared to have a fantastic time!

#12 Festival Centro Histórico

What is it?: Festival Centro Histórico is one of the biggest and best-attended of all the festivals in Mexico City. It has been running since 1985 and is promoted as a festival which celebrates the capital’s culture and heritage. 

The two-week-long festival centers around ten venues in Centro Histórico. It features over 200 events ranging from operatic and theatre performances, dance shows, music concerts (of all genres) and art exhibitions. 

Historic venues hosting performances and activities include Teatro de la Ciudad, the Palace of Fine Arts and the Cathedral. 

Proceeds raised from the festival support local children’s charities. 

#13 Carnaval

What is it?: Carnaval is when Mexicans come out to eat, drink and party before the solemnity of Lent begins. The five-day festival starts on the Friday before Ash Wednesday and culminates in Martes de Carnaval, or Fat Tuesday. 

Unfortunately, Mexico City events for Carnaval are not the biggest – or best –  in the country. That accolade goes to Mazatlán . 

However, although there isn’t a city-wide Carnival festival, you will find Carnaval celebrated in individual neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has its own style and customs. 

Our top pick is Iztapalapa de Cuitláhuac, where you can see parades and displays by traditional dancers wearing either charros’ or chinelos’ costumes. In Iztacalco near Centro, they wear different traditional costumes called a catrín.

All costumes and dancers wear masks in keeping with the Carnaval theme. 

Whilst Carnaval is not the biggest of the Mexico City festivals, it is a good opportunity to explore different neighborhoods and to rub shoulders with the locals.  

#14 Cinco de Mayo

What is it?: The yearly celebration marks Mexico’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. However, although schools are closed, it is not a nationwide national holiday. 

Events in Mexico City can include reenactments of the famous battle, special menus in restaurants and parties in bars. For the best Cinco de Mayo celebrations, you will need to head to the city of Puebla, a few hours south of Mexico City. 

#15 Independence Day (Grito de Dolores)

What is it?: This nationwide holiday is one of the most important Mexican festivals. It marks Mexico gaining independence from Spain in 1821. 

However, the chosen date for Independence Day marks the start of the revolt against Spanish rule in 1810 when a catholic priest, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, rang his church bell and issued a rallying cry for Mexicans to take up arms. 

One of the most important events Mexico City hosts is the ‘Cry of Dolores’ (El Grito de Dolores), which kicks off National Independence Day celebrations at midnight on September 15th. 

In Mexico City, thousands of people fill the Zócalo to hear the Mexican president issue the rallying cry at midnight from the balcony of the Palacio Nacional. He rings the same bell that was used by Hidalgo over 100 years ago. Everyone sings the National Anthem which is followed by a fantastic, free, fireworks display. 

Celebrations throughout Mexico City on September 16th include music, dancing and green, white and red-coloured food. There is a parade from the Zócalo along Paseo de la Reforma, which passes the Hidalgo and the Ángel de la Independencia monuments.

Locals wear national costumes or clothes in the colours of the flag.  Festivals in Mexico City don’t get more lively and more emotional than Independence Day.  

#16 Día de la Revolución (Revolution Day)

What is it?: This annual festival marks the start of the 1910 revolution against the dictatorship of General Porfirio Díaz. The national holiday is held on the third Monday of November, although the historically significant date is actually November 20th. 

Cultural events in Mexico City include parades with marching bands and costumed school children, flag honours and sports demonstrations. 

Best Events & Festival In Mexico City: FAQs

What is the most famous Mexican festival?

Undoubtedly, the most famous of all the festivals in CDMX, and indeed the whole of Mexico, is Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Its colourful spectacle and themes of love and loss have made it renowned throughout the world. 

If you want to experience the best Mexico City events, we advise timing your visit for this unique and culturally important festival. 

What is a popular celebration in Mexico City?

Other popular events in Mexico City include Festival Centro Histórico and Vive Latino. 

Festivals In Mexico City: The Wrap-Up

Festivals in Mexico City offer the opportunity to have fun and let your hair down alongside partying locals. Respectful tourists will be welcomed. 

You will learn about Mexican culture and heritage, plus gain a unique glimpse into Mexican life that you otherwise may not have experienced. 

If you want to attend any of the featured events Mexico City has to offer, we recommend booking your accommodation and entry tickets well in advance of your trip. 

CDMX will be busy around festival time and you may experience busier attractions and citywide higher prices. However, you will enjoy a vibrant, joyful atmosphere, learn something new and leave the city with a greater insight into modern Mexican culture.