Monday January 23, 2012
Carnival is celebrated the week preceding Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. The date of Ash Wednesday, like the date of Easter, varies from year to year. In 2012 Ash Wednesday falls on February 22. Carnival takes place in the week or so before that date, although customs may vary in different destinations. Some Mexican cities like to stretch out their carnival celebrations: in Mazatlan carnival celebrations begin on February 9th which allows them to celebrate over nearly two weeks, and in Veracruz celebrations begin on February 14th. Check the official website of the carnival destination you're planning to attend for details of when and where parades and other events are being held.
More about Carnival in Mexico:
Creative Commons photo by cable369
Thursday January 19, 2012
I'm pleased to announce that nominations are now open in this year's About.com Reader's Choice Awards. There are eight categories for consideration within Mexico Travel. You can nominate your favorite destinations, hotels and resorts, and there's also a category for your favorite Mexico blog. Nominations end on February 15. We'll publish a list of finalists on February 22, and you'll have from then to March 21 to vote for your favorites. Readers' Choice Awards winners will be announced on March 30, 2012. So nominate your favorites now! The complete list of categories and links to nomination pages is here: Mexico Travel Readers' Choice Awards 2012.
To stay up to date as the nominations and voting progresses, follow me on Twitter and Facebook.
Tuesday January 10, 2012
Many travelers flying into Mexico have connecting flights in Mexico City. The majority of them are anxious to get on another plane to their final destination as quickly as possible, and never see more of Mexico City than the Benito Juarez International Airport and what they can glimpse out of the plane window.
Admittedly, everything in Mexico City is on a grand scale. With its 680 years of history; urban sprawl that covers over 1500 square miles; and population hovering around 20 million, the city can be intimidating, but those who do venture into the nation's capital may be pleasantly surprised by all the city has to offer.
If you'll be flying into Mexico City, consider spending a few days before continuing on to your final destination. Some time spent exploring this city can be a great complement to your trip. This list of the Mexico City sights you shouldn't miss will help you make the most of your time.
More about Mexico City:
Tuesday January 3, 2012
Your Christmas and New Year's celebrations may be over and done, but the Christmas season in Mexico isn't finished yet! January 6th is the Día de los Santos Reyes, "Kings Day" and the Christmas season doesn't truly come to an end until 40 days after Christmas, on February 2nd, Día de la Candelaria (Candlemas). There are other festivals and events taking place during this time as well, such as Merida's International Arts Festival, the Fiesta Grande in Chiapas, and the fiesta of Santa Prisca in Taxco. Read about these festivals and more in our list of January Festivals and Events in Mexico.
