In Mexico, September is the 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 5
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
Festival Internacional Chihuahua - Chihuahua International Festival
Chihuahua, September 4 to October 1
This year marks the fifth edition of the Chihuahua International Festival which will include 450 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. Sarah Brightman will perform in the closing concert in the Estadio Olímpico Benito Juarez.
Web Site: Festival Internacional Chihuahua
Feria Nacional Zacatecas - National Fair
Zacatecas, September 4 - 21
A fair lasting two weeks with musical performances, amusement rides for children, theater performances, and an assortment of regional cuisine.
Web Site: Feria Nacional Zacatecas
Taste of Playa Food Festival
Playa del Carmen, September 5
Celebrating the creativity and cultural influences of chefs throughout the Riviera Maya, this event will promote 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
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.
Morelos Tourism Information
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
Fiesta de San Miguel
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, September 29
This is an annual festival in honor of the city's patron, Saint Michael Archangel. 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
Fall Equinox
September 22, Kulkulcan - Chichen Itza
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
