There is truly never a dull moment in Mexico City! With over 5,000 traditional festivals and events celebrated yearly, Mexican culture offers countless opportunities for celebration and immersion. Planning your visit around these events ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry of Mexico City.
To have an even more unforgettable experience, consider using Two Travel’s corporate concierge service. can assist with every detail, from festival planning and ticket arrangements to transportation and insider tips. Let us handle the logistics so you can focus on enjoying the events and unforgettable memories in the vibrant city.
Best Music Festivals In Mexico City
Music is at the heart of Mexican culture, and Mexico City hosts a variety of events that celebrate diverse sounds and genres. Here are some standout music festivals we highly recommend for an unforgettable experience in Mexico City.
Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) Mexico (EDM)
- When: February
- Location: Granjas Mexico (Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez)
Known for its dazzling displays of light and color, Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) Mexico is one of Mexico City’s most colorful music festivals. The festival is in its tenth anniversary, and it brings together fans for three days of non-stop music, dance, art installations, and pyrotechnic shows, all in the spirit of “life, love, art, and music.”
With six main stages and an impressive lineup of EDM artists, this festival is a must for electronic music lovers.
Vive Latino Festival
- When: March
- Location: Granjas Mexico (Foro Sol)
Vive Latino stands as one of the world’s top festivals for Spanish-speaking rock, with a legacy spanning over 20 years. Though originally centered on rock, this festival now features an eclectic lineup across multiple genres, making it one of Mexico City’s largest and most diverse music events.
This two-day event attracts a global audience and offers something for everyone; whether you are a rock fan or simply there for the vibrant festival atmosphere.
Festival Ceremonia
- When: March
- Location: Colonia Merced Gomez
Festival Ceremonia is a dynamic two-day music festival showcasing a diverse range of genres with a lineup featuring both international and local performers. Known for its commitment to social awareness and inclusivity, Ceremonia proudly maintains a 50% female lineup.
The festival also partners with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals Fund, aiming to lead as an eco-friendly event. Past headliners include artists like Álvaro Díaz and Kendrick Lamar.
For a festival experience that reflects the diverse nature of the city’s population, Ceremonia is an excellent choice.
MUTEK Mexico
- When: October
- Location: The festival is held at different neighborhoods in the city, like Centro Historico and Chapultepec Park
MUTEK is a unique festival in Mexico City that combines innovations in digital creativity with avant-garde performances, immersive art, and futuristic music. Celebrating over 20 years, MUTEK offers an extraordinary blend of cutting-edge technology, experimental performances, and incredible audiovisual experiences.
Known for promoting innovation, the festival features both international and local talents like Aliv and the AntiMatter Sound Ensemble.
For those seeking an immersive, unconventional music festival, MUTEK is a must-attend event in Mexico City.
Corona Capital
- When: November
- Location: Granjas Mexico (Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez)
Corona Capital is a prominent three-day festival in Mexico City that highlights international rock and alternative music. It is the only music festival in Mexico City that hat does not allow Spanish-speaking bands to perform. Being one of the city’s most popular festivals, Corona Capital draws fans from across Mexico and beyond for an unforgettable weekend of music and atmosphere.
Since its inception in 2010, it has hosted iconic acts like The Foo Fighters, Green Day, and Alanis Morissette, earning it the nickname “Mexico’s Coachella.”
If you plan a trip to Medellin and wish to include one of these music festivals on your trip, contact us today for a tailor-made Mexico City itinerary.
Best Cultural Festivals In Mexico City
For an unforgettable experience in Mexico City, we highly recommend timing your visit to coincide with one of the capital’s many celebrated cultural festivals. Known worldwide for their vibrancy and significance, these festivals offer a unique glimpse into Mexican heritage and traditions. So, don’t miss the chance to be part of one of these memorable events!
Festival Centro Histórico
- When: March or April
- Location: Various locations in Centro Histórico.
The Festival Centro Histórico is one of Mexico City’s most prominent and well-attended cultural events, celebrating the capital’s rich culture and heritage since 1985. This two-week-long festival brings together more than 200 events across ten venues in the heart of the historic center. For instance, attendees can experience a variety of performances, including art exhibitions, music concerts (of all genres), dance shows, and operatic and theatre performances.
Historic sites like the Cathedral, the Palace of Fine Arts, and Teatro de la Ciudad serve as stunning backdrops for the festival’s activities.
Additionally, proceeds from the festival support local children’s charities. This makes Festival Centro Histórico not only a cultural event but also a cause-driven celebration.
Corredor Cultural Roma-Condesa
- When: May
- Location: Roma and Condesa
The Corredor Cultural Roma-Condesa is a vibrant spring festival that celebrates the rich diversity of architecture, innovative design, food, music, fashion, and in the Condesa and Roma neighborhoods. Each neighborhood takes turns hosting this dynamic event, ensuring a fresh experience each year.
In recent years, the Corredor Cultural Roma-Condesa has attracted more than 200,000 visitors and boasted over 1,000 activities, making it a significant highlight on the cultural calendar in Mexico City.
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
- When: November
- Location: Celebrations occur throughout the city
Día de los Muertos is the most famous of all Mexican festivals, celebrated for its vibrant blend of color, music, and food. This joyous occasion, despite its somber theme, has even made appearances in Disney movies and James Bond films. Rooted in Aztec traditions, this two-day cultural event honors the cycle of life and death. Families create altars (ofrendas) adorned with marigold flowers and hold candlelit picnics at the graves of their loved ones, offering gifts and food, such as sugar skulls.
The celebrations include large-scale ofrendas in the Zócalo and at various museums in the city. It also features the lively Day of The Dead parade (El Gran Desfile de Día de Muertos) in the city center. The 2024 parade showcased over 3,000 participants, making it one of the most significant cultural events in the city.
When it comes to festivals in Mexico City, none gets much better or bigger than Dia de los Muertos.
Feria de las Calacas
- When: November
- Location: Cenart, on the border between Prado Churubusco and Portales Sur
For a family-friendly cultural experience in Mexico City, the Feria de las Calacas is a must-attend event. Organized by the Centro Nacional de las Artes (CENART), this festival is designed specifically for children, and includes a wide range of engaging activities.
Last year, attendees enjoyed over 350 activities, including handicraft workshops, dance and music performances, and storytelling sessions. Feria de las Calacas is a delightful cultural event for both kids and adults, and the best part is that all activities are free, ensuring a fun and accessible experience for everyone.
Do you wish to come to one of these music festivals in Mexico City? Please contact us to create a tailor-made itinerary for you based on the number of days you want to spend at the event and any other places you would want to visit.
Best Seasonal Mexico City Events
Here are the best seasonal events that you can enjoy during your visit to Mexico City:
Carnaval
- When: February
- Location: Iztacalco and Iztapalapa
Carnaval in Mexico is a lively, five-day seasonal celebration filled with food, drink, and parties leading up to Lent. You may want to check our blog on Mexico City food tours.
While Mexico City’s Carnaval is smaller compared to major celebrations in places like Mazatlán, the city’s neighborhoods each bring their unique style and customs to the event.
One of the top spots is Iztapalapa de Cuitláhuac, where parades feature traditional dancers in charro or chinelo costumes. Dancers in Iztacalco (which is near the city center) put on catrín costumes. All costumes are completed with masks, adding to the festive spirit.
Though not the largest seasonal celebration, Carnaval in Mexico City is a wonderful opportunity to explore different neighborhoods and connect with the local community.
Cinco de Mayo
- When: May
- Location: Various parts of the city
Cinco de Mayo is an annual celebration honoring Mexico’s triumph over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. While it isn’t recognized as a nationwide public holiday, schools close, and Mexico City observes the day with activities like reenactments, themed menus in local restaurants, and festive gatherings in bars.
For the most spirited Cinco de Mayo festivities, a trip to Puebla—the site of the historic battle—is recommended. Here, visitors can enjoy grand parades, extensive reenactments, and a deeper immersion into the holiday’s historical significance.
Independence Day (Grito de Dolores)
- When: September
- Location: Centro Historico
Independence Day is one of Mexico’s most significant national holidays, commemorating the country’s liberation from Spanish rule in 1821. The date specifically marks the beginning of the revolt against Spain, which started in 1810 when Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang his church bell, urging Mexicans to rise against oppression.
The celebration kicks off with the “Cry of Dolores” (El Grito de Dolores) at midnight on September 15th. Here, thousands gather in the Zócalo to hear the Mexican president reenact Hidalgo’s rallying cry from the balcony of the Palacio Nacional. He rings the same bell used by Hidalgo over a century ago, followed by the singing of the National Anthem and a spectacular fireworks display.
On September 16th, festivities continue throughout Mexico City with music, dancing, and food adorned in the national colors of green, white, and red. A grand parade travels from the Zócalo along Paseo de la Reforma, passing iconic monuments like Hidalgo and the Ángel de la Independencia. Many locals don traditional costumes or clothing reflecting the flag’s colors.
Día de la Revolución (Revolution Day)
- When: Third Monday in November
- Location: Zócalo and Campe Marte military field
Revolution Day is an annual celebration that commemorates the beginning of the 1910 revolution against the dictatorship of General Porfirio Díaz. This seasonal event is officially observed on the third Monday of November. However, November 20th. Is the historically significant date.
In Mexico City, the festivities feature vibrant parades filled with marching bands and school children in traditional costumes. The event also includes various sports demonstrations and flag ceremonies, highlighting the spirit of national pride and cultural heritage.
Fancy coming to Mexico City for one of these seasonal festivals? We are happy to plan your itinerary exactly how you want it. Contact us today!
The Mexico City Events Wrap-Up
Mexico City’s events and festivals provide a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Mexican culture, partying alongside locals and taking in the city’s vibrant traditions. If you are planning to attend any of these best events in Mexico City, it is wise to book accommodations and event tickets well in advance. This is because the city tends to get busier, with attractions and prices reflecting the demand.
If you need assistance with planning, Two Travel can do everything for you: VIP tickets for the events, accommodations, transportation,, and reservations in the best nightclubs.