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1st and 2nd Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
This holiday is a perfect example of the complex heritage of the
Mexican people. The beliefs of today's Mexicans are based on the
complicated blend of cultures of their ancestors: the “ofrendas”
practices to the dead and the gods by the Aztec and Maya which are
layered with Catholicism. November 1 is set aside for remembrance
of all Saints, the deceased infants and children, often referred
to as angelitos (little angels). Those who have died as adults are
honored on November 2. Their relatives gather at cemeteries throughout
Mexico, bringing skeletons and other macabre toys, colourful tissue
paper, elaborate wreaths and crosses decorated with paper or silk
flowers; candles and votive lights; and fresh seasonal flowers.
Among the edible goodies offered are skulls and coffins made from
sugar, chocolate or amaranth seeds and special baked goods, like
the “pan de muerto”, the main “ofrenda de muertos”
(offering to the dead). At home members of the family build an altar
in honour of deceased relatives, decorating it with coloured paper
and fabric, candles, flowers, photographs of the departed, and a
selection of his or her favourite food and drinks. These rituals
are set for inviting the spirits of the dead to return home for
sharing laughter, tears and memories. There is mourning and rejoicing;
sadness and silliness, but the general atmosphere is lively and
passionate. The Day of the Dead ritual is echoed in cities and villages
throughout Mexico. Each region offers distinctive traditions and
a unique, fascinating flavour; Oaxaca and Patzcuaro have particularly
colourful celebrations.
20th Day of the Revolution (Dia de la Revolucion)
On November 20, Mexico celebrates the anniversary of its Revolution.
On this date in 1910 Mexico’s ten-year civil war to overthrow
the dictator Porfirio Díaz began. The celebrations include
parades, speeches, fiestas, fireworks, and rodeos. A big parade
is organised in Mexico City's Zocalo.
(2008 dates TBA) Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo - Riviera
Maya Jazz Festival
For four days, Playa del Carmen becomes the host of the major national
and international jazz musicians. The festival has maintained a
constant growth that allows to carry out an event of high level
quality exceeding every year its own expectations.
The program includes Screaming Headless Torso and Aguamala on the
22nd, Mind Condition and Wet Paint on the 23rd, Kool and the Gang
and Tom Coster on the 24th, and it will end with a Tribute to Beatles
on the 25th. Visit the
Riviera Maya Jazz Festival official site
10th to end of the Month Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco - Fiesta
del Mar
This is Puerto Vallarta's biggest party event: a month-long calendar
of activities including art and food festivals, and sports events.
The Fiesta offers four parallel events: the traditional billfish
tournament; the Mexico Boat Show (a unique exhibit of the recreational
marine industry that attracts boating enthusiasts from all over
Mexico); the Arts Festival organized by City Hall’s Department
of Culture, and the Gourmet Festival, where some of the best restaurants
in the city participate inviting prestigious chefs from all the
world to cook in their kitchens. Celebrations end with spectacular
fireworks on the 30th.
End of the month Taxco, Guerrero - The National Silver Fair (Feria
Nacional de La Plata)
Silver has always played an important role in Taxco's history, as
far back as the early 1500's and the silver mines have been worked
since the time of Cortes. Each November, during the last week of
the month, Taxco honours its source of wealth and fame with the
world famous Silver Fair, when Mexico’s best silversmiths
compete for prizes against some of the world’s finest artisans.
Over 16,000 silver shops line the tiny Plaza Borda, and the surrounding
streets, all bustling with a hub of activity day and night. The
fair also crowns a local senorita with the title of "Queen
of the Silver Fair" and features exhibits, concerts, dances
and fireworks.
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JANUARY