In Mexico, September is el mes de la patria (month of the homeland), and sometimes it seems as though the whole country is painted in red, white and green (the colors of the Mexican flag). Colorful and patriotic festivities celebrating the events that led up to Mexico's Independence from Spain are held throughout the country, culminating on the 15th and 16th. Here is a list of the major festivals and events taking place in Mexico this month:
Mariachi Festival
Guadalajara, Jalisco August 29 to September 9
Guadalajara's most important cultural event of the year, this annual festival captures the essence of the city. Musicians come from around the world to listen, audition, and compete. Performances take place on the streets and in various venues throughout the city.
Web Site: Encuentro Internacional del Mariachi y de la Charrería
Guadalajara City Guide
Mexican Mariachi Music
El Saber del Sabor - Oaxacan Culinary Festival
Oaxaca, Oaxaca, August 30 to September 9
A celebration of the rich and diverse gastronomic traditions of Oaxaca, Mexico beyond the myth of the seven moles.
Website: El Saber del Sabor
Read about Oaxacan Food.
Festival Internacional Chihuahua - Chihuahua International Festival
Chihuahua, September 4 to October 12
This year marks the eighth edition of the Chihuahua International Festival which will include 500 cultural events, with guest performers from throughout Mexico and 21 other countries. Events will be held in Ciudad Juarez as well as in Chihuahua city. Performances by Lila Downs, Juan Luis Guerra and Celso Piña will be highlights of this year's festival.
Web Site: Festival Internacional Chihuahua
ATMEX Feria de Aventura y Naturaleza - Adventure Travel Fair
Boca del Rio, Veracruz, September 5 to 9
The first specialized event in adventure and nature tourism in Mexico, with national exhibitors and national and international buyers. The event's goal is to promote and market Mexico's amazing diversity of options for adventure travelers.
Website: ATMEX
Feria Nacional Zacatecas - National Fair
Zacatecas, September 6 to 24
A fair lasting two weeks with musical performances by big name performers, amusement rides for children, theater performances, and an assortment of regional cuisine.
Web Site: Feria Nacional Zacatecas
Reto al Tepozteco - Tepozteco Challenge
Tepoztlan, Morelos, September 8
Performance depicting King Tepoztecatl's conversion to the Catholic religion. Procession leads toward the Tepozteco Pyramid, where people offer food and beverages. This event includes hypnotic chinelo dances, fireworks, and a food festival.
More info: Reto al Tepozteco (in Spanish)
Independence Day - Día de la Independencia
Celebrated throughout Mexico on September 15th and 16th
Crowds gather in town squares on September 15th at 11 pm for the Grito de la Independencia, which commemorates Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla's call for independence of September 1810, shouting "Viva Mexico!" On the 16th there are civic ceremonies and parades.
More information: Mexican Independence Day
Photo Gallery of Independence Day celebrations in Puebla
Feria Internacional de Turismo de las Americas - International Tourism Fair of the Americas (FITA)
Mexico City, D.F., September 20 to 23, 2012
Held in the ExpoBancomer in the modern Santa Fe area of Mexico City, the International Tourism Fair of the Americas brings together exhibitors and buyers from more than 60 countries. This fair offers two days of gathering for industry professionals, and two days which are open to the general public.
Website: FITA
Fall Equinox
Chichen Itza, September 22
On the fall equinox, just like on the spring equinox, the angle of the setting sun makes a serpent appear on the steps of the Pyramid in Chichen Itza.
Chichen Itza Visitor's Guide
Chichen Itza Photo Gallery
Festival Internacional Tamaulipas
Tamaulipas, September 24 to October 3
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
Fiesta de San Miguel
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, September 26 to October 4
This is an annual festival in honor of the city's patron, Saint Michael Archangel (feast day September 29). The event involves parades, dances, concerts and fireworks. Previously an important part of this festival was a running with the bulls similar to the yearly event in Pamplona, Spain, but since 2007 this activity has been discontinued.
San Miguel de Allende Tourism Information
San Miguel Travel Guide
August Events | Mexico Calendar | October Events
Mexico Calendar of Festivals and Events
| Mexico Events by Month | |||
| January | February | March | April |
| May | June | July | August |
| September | October | November | December |
