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November Festivals and Events in Mexico

What's on in November

By , About.com Guide

Revolution Day CelebrationPhoto © Ute Hagen
October Events | Mexico Calendar | December Events

In Mexico, the month of November starts off with Day of the Dead celebrations in full swing; November 2nd is a public holiday. This is also the month in which the Mexican Revolution is commemorated. The official holiday for the revolution is always held on the third Monday in November (this year, November 21st); banks, post offices and government offices will be closed that day. Here are some of the important events you can look forward to in Mexico in November:

Dia de muertos - Days of the Dead
Celebrated throughout Mexico from October 31st to November 2nd
Deceased relatives are remembered and honored in this unique cultural celebration. Festivities take place throughout the country, but are most colorful in Patzcuaro, Oaxaca, Chiapas and San Andres Mixquic (D.F.).
More info: Day of the Dead in Mexico
Day of the Dead Destinations
Day of the Dead Photos

San Felipe Shrimp Festival
San Felipe, Baja California, November 4 to 6
Now in its 19th year, this festival focuses on the culinary aspects of the shrimp season combined with local culture events, wine tastings, tequila samplings and presentations by local and regional folk artists.
Website: San Felipe Shrimp Festival

Vallarta Golf Cup
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, November 5
Mexican and foreign professional and amateur golfers will participate in this tournament on the Marina Golf course in Puerto Vallarta, competing for cash prizes and the "Swing Vallarta" trophy.
Website: Vallarta Golf Cup

Rocky Point Rally
Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, November 10 to 13
An annual motorcycle event that raises money for various charities. This year's festivities will include a poker run, various biker competitions, stunt shows, and parties.
Website: Rocky Point Rally
Guide to Visiting Rocky Point from Phoenix

Festival Internacional Gourmet - International Gourmet Festival
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, November 10 to 20
Puerto Vallarta's finest restaurants participate in this gourmet festival. Now in its sixteenth year, the festival has attracted some of the top names in global gastronomy. Participants attend cooking classes, learn about wine pairing, taste the newest and best in wines and tequila, and dine out in fine restaurants offering unique and tantalizing menus.
Read more: Puerto Vallarta Gourmet Festival

Encuentro del Vino Mexicano y Gastronomía - Mexican Wine and Food Fair
Puebla, Puebla, November 12 and 13
This event aims to promote wine culture in the region, as well as exploring the subject of wine pairing with Poblana cuisine. Events will be held in the Puebla convention center.
Website: Encuentro del Vino Mexicano y Gastronomia

Oaxaca International Independent Film and Video Festival
Oaxaca, Oaxaca, November 12 to 19
The purpose of this festival is to provide a platform for the talents of seasoned filmmakers and emerging artists alike to premiere their work. The festival is also devoted to expanding the audience for independent film. The Oaxaca International Literature Contest will be held concurrently.
Website: Oaxaca International Independent Film and Video Festival

Festival Internacional de Musica de Morelia - Morelia's International Music Festival
Morelia, Michoacan, November 12 to 26
This annual festival features performances by musicians from all over the world and takes place in beautiful settings throughout Morelia. The primary objectives of the festival are to enjoy the richness, diversity and the highest quality concert music. Countries participating in this edition are: Austria, Czech Republic, USA, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Uruguay, Germany, Canada, Spain, France and Mexico.
Website: Festival internacional de musica de Morelia
Morelia City Guide

San Miguel de Allende Jazz Festival
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, November 16 to 20
The XVII International Jazz and Blues Festival concerts will be held at venues that include the historic Angela Peralta Theater, San Miguel de Allende's Jardin Central (the main square), and the Cultural Center Rancho Los Labradors. This year's lineup includes the Vudu Chile Blues Band (performing a free concert in the Jardin Central), the Joey Calderazzo Trio, Enrique Neri, and the San Miguel Jazz Cats.
Web Site: San Miguel Jazz

Score Baja 1000 - Off-Road Desert Race
Ensenada, Baja California, November 17 to 20
Nearly 200,000 spectators turn out to this annual race, off-road desert racing's most prestigious event. Its grueling course runs along the rugged terrain of the barren desert and through villages along the peninsula.
Website: Score Baja 1000 

Maestros del Arte Folk Art Festival
Chapala, Jalisco, November 18 to 20
Master artists travel from all over the country to bring buyers and collectors a great variety of folk art, ranging from ceramics and woodcarving to rugweaving and silver jewelry at this festival held at the Chapala Yacht Club.
Website: Maestros del Arte Folk Art Festival

Festival Internacional del Globo - International Hot Air Balloon Festival
Leon, Guanajuato, November 18 to 21
The skies above Leon's Metropolitan Park will be host to at least 80 hot air balloons during this festival and there will be concerts, contests and exhibitions for all ages to enjoy.
Website: Festival Internacional del Globo

Dia de la Revolucion, 20 de noviembre - Revolution Day
Throughout Mexico, November 20th
This day marks the anniversary of the Mexican Revolution of 1910. Parades and celebrations take place throughout the country.
More info: 20 de noviembre - Dia de la Revolucion
The Mexican Revolution

Taste of Playa Food Festival
Playa del Carmen, November 20
Celebrating the creativity and cultural influences of chefs throughout the Riviera Maya, this event promotes the unique culinary perspectives that have contributed to the cosmopolitan reputation of Playa Del Carmen. The event will be held in the Parque Fundadores from 3 to 9 pm. A portion of the proceeds will go towards a non-profit food program in the area.
Web Site: Taste of Playa
Playa del Carmen Guide

Riviera Maya Jazz Festival
Playa del Carmen, November 24 to 26
Playa del Carmen will host major national and international jazz musicians who will perform under the stars, at the Mamitas Beach Club. This year's lineup includes Natalia Lafourcade, Randy Brecker, Stanley Clarke and the Yellowjackets.
Website: Riviera Maya Jazz Festival
Riviera Maya Tourist Information

Toh, Festival de Aves - Yucatan Bird Festival
Yucatan Peninsula, November 25 to 27
Birders will unite in the Yucatan Peninsula for the tenth consecutive year for field trips, exhibits, conferences, and a "birdathon." Objectives of this annual festival include promoting the rich diversity of bird species found in the Yucatan and developing a conservationist culture among tourists and tour providers.
Website: Toh, Festival de Aves

Guadalajara International Book Fair
Guadalajara, Jalisco, November 26 to December 4
Over 1500 editorial houses from 39 countries gather for the largest Spanish-language book festival in the world, now in its 25th year.
Website: Guadalajara International Book Fair
Guadalajara City Guide

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