October Festivals and Events in Mexico

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October is an excellent month to visit Mexico. The Festival Internacional Cervantino is one of the biggest cultural festivals of the year, and Day of the Dead kicks off at the end of the month. Weather-wise it's a great time to visit: it's the end of the rainy season and temperatures are milder than other times of the year. Here's a run-down of the most important festivals and events taking place in Mexico this October.

Fiestas del Sol - Festival of the Sun
Mexicali, Baja California, September 30 to October 16
Concerts, parades, and mechanical rides in celebration of the founding of Mexicali. This year's artist lineup includes Alejandra Guzman, Moderatto, Molotov, and Intocable.
Web Site: Fiestas del Sol

Riviera Maya Underground Film Festival
Playa del Carmen, October 6 to 9
Now in its fourth year, this film festival is a competition and a show of edgy and compelling independent short films and documentaries from filmmakers around the world. Films screened belong to one of four categories: Documentary, Animation, Experimental and Fiction. Throughout the festival, there are also workshops and conferences on cinematography and film making offered. All activities are free.
Website: RMUFF
Riviera Maya Destination Guide
More film festivals in Mexico

Fiestas de Octubre - Octoberfest
Guadalajara, Jalisco, October 7 to November 7
A month-long event with concerts, dances, cultural exhibits and food, attracting visitors and performers from all over the world. This year's theme is Carnavales del Mundo, "Carnivals of the World." The inaugural parade will take place on October 7, and concerts by Paquita La Del Barrio, Alicia Villareal and Julieta Venegas are on the program.
Website: Fiestas de Octubre
Guadalajara City Guide

Puerto Los Cabos World Cup
Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, October 11 to 15
This weeklong series of events will take place at the new Puerto Los Cabos development in San Jose del Cabo. Events include a celebrity Pro-Am golf tournament and a 3-day International Game Fishing tournament, with an awards banquet and open-air concert bringing the festivities to a close.
Website: Puerto Los Cabos World Cup

Dia de la Raza - "Day of the Race"
October 12
Celebrated as "Columbus Day" in the United States, this day commemorates Columbus' arrival in the Americas.
Background on Día de la Raza

Expo Tequila
Tijuana, Baja California, October 12 to 16
This is Mexico's largest tequila festival and offers Mexican cuisine and a family atmosphere, with over 300 brands of Mexico's best tequilas available at special prices. Collections of tequilas are raffled among attendees every day. The Expo Tequila takes place in Tijuana on 7th Avenue between Calle Revolution and 8th, in front of the Jai Alai Palace.
Website: expo-tequila.com

Festival Internacional Cervantino
Guanajuato, October 12 to 30
One of Mexico's main annual cultural events, the Cervantino Festival draws performers and spectators from around the world and features opera, classical and contemporary music concerts, dance and theater performances, and visual arts exhibits.
Website: FIC

Tulum Sea Turtle Festival
Tulum, Quintana Roo, October 13 to 16
Held annually in Tulum, the Sea Turtle Festival is a free event which encourages participants to learn about sea turtles and familiarize themselves with the various organizations that are trying to protect them. Artistic, environmental and cultural activities are also a part of the festival.
Website: Festival Tortuga Marina
Find out more about getting involved with sea turtle conservation in Mexico.

Festival Internacional de Cine de Morelia - Morelia International Film Festival
Morelia, Michoacan, October 15 to 23
This film festival's goal is to promote the talents of Mexican cinema and provide a forum for international exhibition. There are both theater and open-air screenings of films and the public is invited to attend conferences, round tables and exhibits where they can meet film industry personalities.
Website: FICM
Morelia City Guide
More film festivals in Mexico

Festival de las Calaveras - Festival of the Skulls
Aguascalientes, October 28 to November 6
Skulls of different sizes and materials will be on display as well as stands with traditional food and seasonal fruit. Altars in honor of the dead, diverse artistic and cultural shows and a skeleton parade and "living altar" are all part of the events planned.
Website: Festival de las Calaveras

Día de muertos - Days of the Dead
Celebrated throughout Mexico, October 31st, November 1st and 2nd
Deceased relatives are remembered and honored in cemeteries and family homes in this unique cultural celebration. Festivities take place throughout the country, but celebrations are most colorful in Patzcuaro, Oaxaca, Chiapas and San Andres Mixquic (D.F.).
More info: Day of the Dead in Mexico
Where to celebrate Day of the Dead
Day of the Dead Photos

Daylight Saving Time Ends
Last Sunday of October
In Mexico, Daylight Saving Time (horario de verano in Spanish) is observed from the first Sunday of April until the last Sunday in October. Clocks are set back one hour at 2 am on the last Sunday in October.
Read more: Daylight Saving Time in Mexico

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Mexico Calendar of Festivals and Events