September Events | November Events
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. If you have any doubts about visiting Mexico this month, read this: 5 Reasons to Visit Mexico this Fall. Here's a run-down of the most important festivals and events taking place in Mexico in October.
Fiestas del Sol - Festival of the Sun
Mexicali, Baja California, October 2 to 18
Concerts, parades, and mechanical rides in celebration of the founding of Mexicali. This year's artist lineup includes Moderatto, Cafe Tacvba, El Tri and Jaguares.
Web Site:Fiestas del Sol
Festival Internacional de Cine de Morelia - Morelia International Film Festival
Morelia, Michoacan, October 3 to 11
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. Quentin Tarantino will attend the festival's showing of his film Inglourious Basterds on October 4.
Website: FICM
Morelia City Guide
More film festivals in Mexico
Festival Internacional Tamaulipas
Tamaulipas, October 9 to 18
The entire state of Tamaulipas is in fiesta during this festival featuring a variety of cultural and artistic events including exhibits, plays, concerts and cinema.
Website: FIT
Fiestas de Octubre - Octoberfest
Guadalajara, Jalisco, October 9 to November 9
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 11, and concerts by Paquita La Del Barrio, Gloria Trevi and Los Tigres del Norte are on the program.
Website: Fiestas de Octubre
Guadalajara City Guide
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
Festival Internacional Cervantino
Guanajuato, October 14 to November 1
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
Riviera Maya Underground Film Festival
Playa del Carmen, October 14 to 18
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
Festival de las Calaveras - Festival of the Skulls
Aguascalientes, October 28 to November 2
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
