Navy Day - Día de la Marina
June 1st
Navy Day is celebrated in all ports throughout Mexico to varying degrees. Festivities may include civic ceremonies, parades, fishing tournaments, sailing competitions, parties and fireworks.
Baja 500 Off-road Race
Ensenada, Baja California, June 5 to 7
This international off-road race will cover a total of 420 miles with 4 checkpoints. Starting in downtown Ensenada adjacent to the Riviera Cultural Center, the finish line is at the Campo de Softball Jose Negro Soto stadium, 11th & Espinoza, in the heart of Ensenada.
Web Site: Baja 500
Nights of Ajijic Festival - Noches de Ajijic
Ajijic, Jalisco (near Guadalajara), June 5 to 8, 2009
Four days of activities celebrating music, gastronomy and culture in Ajijic, in the Lake Chapala area. During the festival there will be gastronomical exhibits, conferences and tastings, as well as concerts, an art walk, and arts and crafts exhibits. On the final day of the festival there will be a Prehispanic-themed gala dinner held at the Centro Cultural González Gallo (the old train station).
Web Site: Noches de Ajijic
Feast of Corpus Christi - Feria de Corpus Christi
Papantla, Veracruz, June 11 to 14, 2009
The Catholic feast day of Corpus Christi is celebrated in a special way in Papantla, Veracruz. Prehispanic ceremonies take place that are said to promote fertility and communication with the heavens.
More information: Corpus Christi in Papantla
Fiestas de Mayo San Pedro Tlaquepaque
Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, June 14 to July 11, 2009
The traditions and pastimes of Mexico’s artistic city of Tlaquepaque, on the outskirts of Guadalajara, are celebrated at this annual event, taking place at the Expo Ganadera. Children can enjoy a variety of games and activities, while adults enjoy art and mariachi, while savoring some authentic Mexican cuisine.
Web Site: San Pedro Tlaquepaque
Día de los Locos - "Day of the Crazy People"
San Miguel Allende, Guanajuato, June 14, 2009
In the parade of “locos” or crazy people, folks from different neighborhoods, businesses and families don colorful and elaborate costumes that range from animals and cartoon characters to political figures and cross-dressing men. The revelers throw candy to spectators while live music plays and bystanders are encouraged to join in the celebration. The Día de los Locos is held every year on the Sunday following the feast day of San Antonio Padua (June 13th).
More information: El Día de Locos
Festival Internacional de Marimbistas - International Marimba Festival
Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas, June 18 - 21, 2009
Now in its ninth year, this marimba festival brings together marimba players, builders, researchers and aficionados. Groups from Mexico and several other countries, including Guatemala, Nicaragua and Puerto Rico will share the spotlight. Concerts will be held in the Parque de las Marimbas and in the Teatro de la Ciudad Emilio Rabasa.
Web Site: Festival Internacional de Marimbistas
Gay Pride March - Marcha del Orgullo
Mexico City, June 20, 2009
Mexico City's annual Gay Pride March, which celebrates gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual, transgender and transvestite lifestyles, is now in its 31st year. The march begins at noon at the Ángel de la Independencia on the Paseo de la Reforma and makes its way toward the Mexico City Zocalo.
More info from About.com's Gay & Lesbian Travel site: Gay Pride Mexico City
Web Site: Red Orgullo (in Spanish)
Jalisco en Vivo Concert 2009
Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, June 20th and June 27
Two free mega concerts bringing together big name performers such as Gloria Estefan, Alejandro Fernández, Paulina Rubio and Joan Sebastian will take place to promote tourism to Mexico. The concert in Puerto Vallarta will be held at the Malecón on June 20th and in Guadalajara at the Glorieta de la Minerva on June 27.
Web Site: Jalisco en Vivo
Father's Day - Día del Padre
Nationwide, June 21, 2009
Children had their day on April 30th, moms were celebrated on May 10th, now finally, it's dad's turn! Father's Day is celebrated in Mexico on the third Sunday in June. There is an annual Father's Day 21 km race that takes place in Mexico City's Bosque de Tlalpan. More info about the race here: Carrera del Día del Padre (in Spanish).
Saint John the Baptist - Fiesta de San Juan Bautista
June 24
Celebrated with popular fairs and religious festivities. Since John the Baptist is associated with water, in some places in Mexico this occasion is celebrated with dunking or splashing people with buckets of water or water balloons.
Feria Nacional Durango - Durango National Fair
Durango, June 26 to July 19, 2009
Durango's ranching and agricultural roots are celebrated with equestrian events, charreadas and other cultural events, as well as pop music concerts.
Web Site: Feria Durango
Saint Peter and Saint Paul's Day - Día de San Pedro y San Pablo
June 29
This feast day is celebrated nationwide wherever St. Peter is the patron saint. It's especially festive at San Pedro Tlaquepaque, near Guadalajara, with mariachi bands, folk dancers, and parades, and in other indigenous communities such as San Juan Chamula in Chiapas, Purepero in Michoacan, and Zaachila in Oaxaca.
