This is high season in Mexico as folks from colder climes seek the warm weather and sunshine Mexico offers, but those looking for hot weather should keep in mind that Mexico's weather is not uniformly hot, and this is also one of the coldest months of the year south of the border. There are plenty of cultural events that take place in Mexico in January. Read on for information about the most outstanding celebrations being held this month:
New Year's Day
January 1st
This is a national holiday and all-around quiet day. Most stores and businesses are closed as folks recuperate from the revelry of New Year's Eve.
Merida International Arts Festival
Merida, Yucatan, January 5 to 30
Merida is a city which has a bustling cultural scene year-round but during the annual arts festival, the city is bursting with cultural events, concerts and art exhibits.
Web Site: Merida International Arts Festival
Merida City Guide
Día de Reyes - Kings Day
January 6th
Traditionally this is the day Mexican children receive gifts, brought by the three kings (the Magi). Rosca de reyes, a sweet bread, is eaten on this day.
Read more: Kings Day in Mexico
Fiesta Grande / Fiesta de los Parachicos January Festival - Fiesta de Enero
Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas, January 8 to 23
Also known as the January Festival or "Fiesta de Enero," this is a popular and religious festival with processions and dancing in the streets by people wearing masks and colorful outfits. Combined with the popular events is the celebration of three religious feast days, the Black Christ of Esquipulas on January 8, San Antonio Abad on January 17 and San Sebastian on January 20. The Dance of the Parachicos which forms an important part of this festival has been declared part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
More information: Chiapa de Corzo's Fiesta Grande (in Spanish)
Feria Estatal de Leon - Leon State Fair
Leon, Guanajuato, January 13 to February 7
Concerts and shows, exhibits and mechanical rides are all part of the fun as Leon celebrates its anniversary.
Website: Feria Estatal de Leon
Fiesta de San Antonio de Abad - Feast Day of Saint Anthony
January 17
On the feast day of Saint Anthony Abbot, also known as Saint Anthony of the Desert, patron of the animal kingdom, animals are decorated with flowers and ribbons and brought to churches to be blessed.
Fiesta de Santa Prisca - Feast Day of Santa Prisca
Taxco, Guerrero, January 17 and 18
Taxco comes alive with dancing, fireworks, and celebrations during this annual fair commemorating the town's patron saint.
Taxco City Guide
Alamos Cultural Festival - Festival Cultural Dr. Alfonso Ortiz Tirado
Alamos, Sonora, January 20 to 28
This annual festival is given in honor of Alfonso Ortiz Tirado, a doctor, singer and philanthropist from Alamos. The festival's program has an emphasis on operatic singing and chamber music, but popular music and other art forms are also featured. The festival has grown yearly and is now one of northern Mexico's most important culural events, drawing over 100,000 people from many different countries.
Website: Alamos Cultural Festival
Chinese New Year
Mexico City's China Town, January 23, 2012
Ring in the year of the Dragon in Mexico. Chinese New Year celebrations are hosted by Mexico City's China Town, located on Dolores Street in the historical center (near Bellas Artes metro).
Read more about Chinese New Year.
Riviera Maya Tequila Fest
Playa del Carmen, January 26 to 29
This tequila fest will feature demonstrations of how tequila is made, tequila tasting booths and an area to purchase tequila. There will also be regional music and dance, as well as tequila courses offered to hospitality industry workers. The event will be held at The tequila festival will be held on Constituyentes and the beach near the pier, and will be open to the public from 4 pm to 11 pm.
Website: Tequila Fest Riviera Maya
More about tequila.
Playa del Carmen Guide
Migratory Birds Festival
San Blas, Nayarit, January 29 to February 5
Festival events include conferences, seminars, and bird-watching tours, offered every morning to places like Isabel Island and La Tovara National Park. Birds you're likely to see include boat-billed herons, northern jacanas, purple gallinules, mottled owls and white ibises. There will also be festivities in the central plaza including traditional dance performances by Tepic's dance company, singing and special events.
Website: Migratory Birds Festival
December Events | Mexico Calendar | February Events
Mexico Calendar of Festivals and Events
| Mexico Events by Month | |||
| January | February | March | April |
| May | June | July | August |
| September | October | November | December |
