Yucatán is definitely the land of fairs, festivals, and fiestas. We can’t help it! It’s in our DNA. It doesn’t matter which month you come to visit, there will most likely be a festival somewhere. Did you know that many of the festivals have religious origins? They are known as the “Patron Saint Festivals. I encourage you to read about them and check out what is going to be happening while you are here—or maybe even plan another visit to make sure you catch them!
January 2027
What to do in Yucatán in January?
Mérida Fest, Mérida
January 5 - 24, 2027
Every January, the city sets out to celebrate the founding of Mérida—January 6, 1542—with a month of festivities. During Mérida Fest you will find many dance performances, visual arts showings, and gallery openings, of which the majority are free. Festivities open with the Alborada, a march between Santa Lucía Park and Plaza Grande. This takes place on January 5 in the evening and ends at midnight with the Mañanitas: the traditional Mexican birthday song.
Mérida Marathon
January 10, 2027
The Mérida City Marathon is one of the most anticipated and iconic sports events of the new year in the peninsula! Every January, thousands of local and international runners take to the streets of the Yucatecan capital to tackle a flat, fascinating route that fuses history, colonial architecture, and urban innovation. From the imposing architecture of Paseo de Montejo and the warmth of its traditional neighborhoods to the lush greenery of Gran Parque La Plancha, this race offers distances for all fitness levels (marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 3K recreational walk). Beyond being an unmatched physical challenge, participating is the perfect excuse to immerse yourself in the city's vibrant cultural life, savor its world-heritage gastronomy, and soak up the incomparable hospitality of its people.
https://www.merida.gob.mx/marathon/
WAY - Week of Art Yucatán
January 26 - 31, 2027
From January 26 to 31, 2027, the state will transform into a vibrant cultural epicenter with the return of WAY (Week of Art Yucatán), the contemporary art week celebrating local and international creativity. For six days, Mérida and its surroundings come alive through a robust network of galleries, open workshops, artist studios, art fairs, and culinary experiences that connect emerging and established creators with the community. It is an unmissable opportunity for both collectors and culture enthusiasts looking to explore the peninsula through a fresh, diverse, and constantly evolving artistic lens.
IG: WAY
Traditional Fairs in January
In Yucatán, traditional fiestas blend elements from Catholicism with pre-Hispanic beliefs. These festivities usually begin with the "bajada" of the saint—that is, moving its image from its usual place in the church to make it accessible for the faithful to view. Days later, the fiesta officially kicks off with the vaquería, a traditional celebration where people dance jarana to the live music of an orchestra.
Dancers from all over the Península attend the vaquerías to show off their moves, elegantly dressed in their traditional attire. On the days that follow the vaquería, there are often popular dances. Throughout the celebration, you'll also find carnival rides for children, food stalls, and various attractions, along with processions, bullfighting activities, fireworks, and lots of noise. The following list includes the period in which celebrations take place, when it has been confirmed as we go to print; otherwise, the patron saint’s festivity is listed. Check our website for the dates of vaquerías and popular dances.
Sahcabá (Hocabá)
Through January 4
(Saint John the Evangelist)
Temax
January 22 – 28
(Virgin of the Immaculate Conception)
Timucuy
January 6
(The Three Wise Men)
Tizimín
January 6
(The Three Wise Men)
February 2027
What to do in Yucatán in February?
Carnival
January 30 - February 10, 2027
Fun, food, music, dance, floats, beer, and lots of color await you every year during the Carnaval de Mérida, held at Xmatkuil. This is our Mardi Gras. Beware! The date changes yearly and is based on Easter Sunday.
More info: www.merida.gob.mx/carnaval
MEL Artist Studio Tour 2027
February 19 - 21, 2027
This self-guided adventure allows you to explore Mérida's art scene while supporting the Mérida English Library. During the tour, local and international artists open their private studios to the public for the only time of the year. Meet painters, sculptors, photographers, and ceramicists, see where they create, and discover their stories. The MEL Artist Studio Tour brings together art, community, and imagination! Tickets will be available for purchase online and at the library starting February 2, 2027.
https://meridaenglishlibrary.com/ast
Traditional celebrations in February
- Chicxulub Pueblo
Until February 10 (Virgin of Candelaria/Candlemas) - Xaya (Tekax)
Until February 3 (Virgin of Candelaria/Candlemas) - Motul
Until February 3 (Saint John Bosco) - San Felipe
February 1-5 (The town's patron saint) - Hunucmá February 2 (Arrival of the Virgin of the Assumption)
- Valladolid February 2 (Virgin of Candelaria/Candlemas)
- Mexico (National Holiday)
February 5 is the official date of Constitution Day, and in 2025 it will be observed on Monday, February 3. On this day, there is no work or school, and banks are closed. - Chichimilá
February 10-18 (The town's patron saint) - Mexico (National Celebration)
February 14 (Valentine's Day/Day of Love and Friendship) - Mexico (National Celebration)
February 24 (Flag Day) - Yucatán (State-wide Celebration)
February 25 to March 14 (Virgin of Bethlehem)
March 2027
What to do in Yucatán in March?
FILEY 2027
March 13 - 21, 2027
FILEY 2027 will establish itself as the cultural epicenter of southeastern Mexico, blending Maya literary heritage with new digital trends. This gathering in Mérida promises to be a vibrant space for intercultural dialogue and inclusion, reaffirming the power of books as a driving force for critical thinking and creativity across all generations. https://filey.org/
Equinox: Maya Archaeoastronomical Phenomena
March 20 - 21, 2027
Twice a year, in March and September, several Maya archaeological sites "celebrate" the equinox through their architecture. The most famous are Chichén Itzá and Dzibilchaltún, although Oxkintok also features a observable phenomenon.
Holy Week (Semana Santa)
March 21 - 29, 2027
The week leading up to Easter Sunday, known as Holy Week, is celebrated with processions, masses, and other events marking Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem, His trial, the Stations of the Cross, and the crucifixion. In Mérida and many towns like Acanceh or Tixkokob, locals recreate the Via Crucis and its 14 stations featuring actors in period attire.
Yucatán Food Fest 2027
TBA (To Be Announced)
Get ready to experience the most anticipated culinary event of the year at Yucatán Food Fest 2027! This unmissable gathering brings together renowned chefs, traditional cooks (cocineras tradicionales), and local producers for a celebration filled with rich aromas, guided tastings, live workshops, and culinary showcases ranging from ancestral recados (spice pastes) to cutting-edge haute cuisine. If you are a food lover, save a spot on your calendar to enjoy the true essence of Yucatecan gastronomy. https://clubsibarita.mx/
Traditional Fairs and Fiestas en Yucatán
- Cuauhtémoc (Izamal)
March 16 (Our Lady of Candelaria) - Holcá
March 19 (Saint Joseph) - Opichén
March 14-17 and 29-31 (Saint Bartholomew the Apostle) - Tahdzibichén (Yaxcabá)
March 7-10 (Holy Cross of Ebony) - Tixmehuac
March 23 (Holy Christ of Love)
April 2027
What to do in Yucatán in April?
Mérida Beer Fest 2027
April 16 & 17, 2027
Mérida Beer Fest 2027 promises to be the ultimate gathering spot for craft beer and food lovers in the peninsula! This event will bring together the finest local, national, and international craft breweries, offering an impressive variety of styles ranging from refreshing lagers to complex stouts with regional twists. Attendees will not only taste exclusive labels and learn about the brewing process through expert-led pairing sessions, but they will also enjoy a lively, family-friendly atmosphere packed with live music, diverse culinary offerings, and cultural activities. It’s the perfect excuse to explore Yucatán's thriving craft beer scene in a celebration full of flavor, camaraderie, and fun. https://www.meridabeerfest.com/
Traditional Fairs and Fiestas in Yucatán
- Kancab (Tekax)
April 24 - 29 (Holy Christ of the Blisters) - Kinil (Tekax)
April 3 - 9 (Holy Christ of Love) - Hocabá
April 24 - 27 (Christ of Mercy) - Oxkutzcab
April 24 - 29 (The Holy Cross) - Sanahcat
April 3 - 7 (Holy Christ) - Sierra Papacal
April 25 - 30 (Saint Anthony of Padua and the Virgin of the Rosary) - Subincancab (Timucuy)
April 4 - 8 (Jesus of Nazareth)
May 2027
Mother's Day
May 10
Given the deep importance of motherhood in Mexican culture, this day holds a truly special significance. While it is not an official public holiday, it is common for people to take time off work and for celebrations to take place across all settings. Be patient and plan ahead, as restaurants fill up to capacity on this day and securing a table can be difficult.
La Noche Blanca (The White Night)
TBA (To Be Announced)
La Noche Blanca transforms Mérida's Historic Center into a vibrant open-air museum, offering a magical evening where galleries, theaters, and parks come alive with art, music, and dance until the early hours of the morning. Held twice a year, this event invites locals and visitors alike to rediscover the city under the moonlight, enjoying a free cultural program that celebrates creativity and community on every corner. merida.gob.mx/nocheblanca
Traditional Fairs and Fiestas in Yucatán
- Bokobá
May 3 - 5 (Virgin of the Assumption) - Chicxulub Pueblo
May 3 - 5 (The Three Crosses) - Chumayel
Through May 5 (Holy Christ of the Transfiguration) - Euan (Tixkokob)
April 3 - 9 (Virgin of the Immaculate Conception) - Komchén (Mérida)
May 4 - 25 (San Isidro Labrador) - Libre Unión
May 1 - 11 (The Holy Cross) - Mayapán
May 13 - 14 (Holy Christ of Love) - Teabo
Through May 5 (Holy Christ of the Transfiguration)
June 2027
What to do in Yucatán in June?
The First Spark of the Mexican Revolution
June 3
Every year on June 3, the Pueblo Mágico of Valladolid reenacts one of the region's most key historical moments: the so-called "First Spark of the Mexican Revolution," also known as the Dzelkoop Plan. This uprising, which took place on June 4, 1910, was led by Maximiliano R. Bonilla and other members of the Anti-Reelectionist Front against the regime of Porfirio Díaz. The reenactment is a eagerly anticipated local tradition. Residents and authorities enthusiastically participate to revive the beginning of the revolutionary movement in Yucatán. If you are in Valladolid, seeing history come alive in its streets is well worth your time.
Progreso Navy Marathon (Maratón de la Marina)
Sunday, June 6, 2027
If you enjoy running (or want to set a new goal), the 2027 Navy Marathon takes place on June 6, featuring a course that connects Mérida to the coast and brings together runners of all fitness levels each year. The route starts on Paseo de Montejo and finishes right by the ocean on Progreso's International Pier (Malecón Internacional). There are three distances: the full marathon (42 km) starts very early—wheelchair athletes set off at 4:00 AM, followed by individual runners and relays at 4:32 AM from downtown Mérida. The half marathon (21 km) begins at 5:30 AM from the Komchén bridge. The 5 km race departs from the Meteorite Museum (Museo del Meteorito). All routes finish on the coast, so the ocean and salty air await you at the finish line. FB: Maraton Marina Yucatan
Traditional Fairs and Fiestas in Yucatán
- Chacsinkín
June 21 – 30 (Saints Peter and Paul) - Chichí Suárez (Mérida)
June 7 – 8 and 14 – 16 (Saint Anthony of Padua) - Pencuyut (Tekax)
June 11 (Saint Barnabas the Apostle) - Uci (Motul)
June 6 – 22 (Saint Anthony of Padua) - Tekit
June 8 – 15 (Saint Anthony of Padua) - Yotholín (Tekax)
June 20 – 24 (Saint John the Baptist)
July 2027
What to do in Yucatán in July?
Tekit Guayabera Fair (Feria de la Guayabera)
TBA (To Be Announced)
Welcome to the Capital of the Guayabera, where you'll find the very best of this iconic garment! The best part? The fair takes place twice a year (in July/August and December), just 50 minutes from Mérida.
(In 2026: July 17 to August 3). The municipality of Tekit rolls out the red carpet to celebrate the Guayabera Fair. During these two weeks, the "Capital of the Guayabera" opens its workshops and stands to offer exclusive designs at factory-direct prices, ranging from classic linen cuts to modern designer styles. Complete with fashion shows, traditional vaquerías, and cultural events, this fair is the ideal opportunity to discover why the skilled hands of Tekit dress presidents and celebrities while keeping a tradition alive that is pure Yucatecan pride.
FB: Feria de la Guayabera Tekit
Tunich Fair 2027 (Feria Tunich)
July 23 to August 1, 2027
The 2027 Tunich Craft Fair will take place from July 23 to August 1 in the village of Dzityá, just 15 minutes from Mérida. This annual event brings together the region's finest stone and wood carving masters, offering a unique window into local craftsmanship alongside Yucatecan gastronomy and free transportation from the historic center. It is the summer’s must-visit event for anyone looking to take home a piece of Yucatán's soul. www.merida.gob.mx/tunich
Traditional Fairs in Yucatán in July
Cheumán (Mérida)
July 17 (Our Lady of Mount Carmel)
Colonia Yucatán (Tizimín)
July 7 - 19 (Our Lady of Mount Carmel)
Homún
July 15 (Saint Bonaventure)
Huhí
July 3 – 5 (Saints Peter and Paul)
Motul
July 3–26 (Our Lady of Mount Carmel)
San Pedro Chimay
Through July 6 (Saints Peter and Paul)
Sinanché
Through July 20 (Saint Bonaventure)
Oxkutzcab
July 31 – August 5 (Our Lady of the Assumption)
FB: Mi Lindo Oxkutzcab
August 2026
What to do in Yucatán in August?
![Festival El Cholo]()
Héctor Herrera "Cholo" Festival 2026
Héctor Herrera "Cholo" Festival 2026August 4 - 30, 2026
Yucatecan regional theater is celebrating! Throughout the month, the 2026 Héctor Herrera "Cholo" Festival pays tribute to one of the greatest legends of the local stage, celebrating the wit, humor, and cultural richness that define our region.
This edition features an unmissable lineup bringing together prominent theater companies, comedic actors, and new generations of talent keeping the tradition of mestizo comedy alive through plays, jarana dances, talks, and special tributes. Bring the whole family and join this great celebration honoring the memory and legacy of the unforgettable "Cholo."
Where: Various venues and theaters across Mérida, Yucatán
More info: Full schedule on FB: Secretaría de la Cultura y las Artes
3rd Salbut Festival in Seyé (Festival del Salbut)
August 15, 2026
A celebration where our traditions, our gastronomy, and the talent of our people come together for an unforgettable experience. Tradition you can taste!
August 15
5:00 PM
Main Plaza of Seyé
![XX Summer Waves (1)]()
XX Summer Waves
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XX Summer WavesAugust 15, 2026
If you love electronic music, the ocean, and festival vibes, don't miss XX Summer Waves in Progreso this August 15.
Get ready for a day by the sea featuring performances by national and international DJs, along with interactive activities combining music, the beach, and the festive atmosphere of the Yucatecan coast.
Venue: Marymar Beach Club Progreso.
Tickets start at $550 MXN and can be purchased at www.tusboletos.mx
Heladiza Fest August
15 & 16, 2026
This August 15 and 16, Gran Parque de la Plancha comes alive with flavor for the fifth edition of the most refreshing festival of the year. Enjoy artisanal ice creams, popsicles, gelatos, frappés, milkshakes, cold brews, chamoyadas, desserts, local snacks, and much more. You can also support local talent by shopping from Yucatecan entrepreneurs and brands featured during the event. There will be live music and family-friendly activities, so bring whoever you like… and treat yourself!
August 15: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
August 16: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
FB: Heladizafest
Kibi Sandwich Festival (Festival de la Torta de Kibi)
August 16, 2026
This Sunday, August 16, Progreso's Traditional Pier (Malecón Tradicional) rolls out the red carpet to celebrate the first Kibi Sandwich Festival 2026! A true culinary icon of the Yucatecan coast takes center stage by the sea: crispy kibis packed with your favorite fillings (ranging from cochinita pibil and queso de bola to castacán) at super affordable prices, from $20 to $50 MXN.
Starting at 9:00 AM right next to the Meteorite Museum (Museo del Meteorito), bring the whole family, support local business, and discover why authentic kibi sandwiches are best enjoyed with a sea breeze. Don't miss it!
International Chinese Paper Lantern Festival (Festival Internacional del Globo de Papel de China)
August 22 & 23, 2026
On August 22 and 23, Tahmek will fill the sky with color during its International Chinese Paper Lantern Festival.
Monumental paper lanterns, music, gastronomy, handicrafts, and representatives from six countries will be part of this celebration keeping one of the municipality's most iconic traditions alive.
Activities start at 4:00 PM, and admission is free.
Bring the entire family!
Edam Cheese Fair 2026 (Feria del Queso de Bola)
August 29 & 30, 2026
Yucatán's favorite flavor takes center stage at Gran Parque de la Plancha! Join us for a delicious weekend dedicated to celebrating the iconic queso de bola (Edam cheese) in all its varieties, featuring culinary creations, local entrepreneurs, and activities for the whole family.
Come taste the tradition!
• Saturday, August 29: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Sunday, August 30: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Location: Gran Parque de la Plancha
Procession of the Black Christ in Sisal (Cristo Negro de Sisal)
August 30, 2026
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Don't miss the maritime pilgrimage of the Black Christ of Sisal, a unique Yucatecan tradition blending faith with vibrant local culture. This annual celebration honoring the patron saint of fishermen begins in early August with festivities that culminate in a spectacular sea procession.
On Sunday, August 30, 2026, join hundreds of devotees and decorated boats as they escort the Black Christ across the water—an experience that unites the community and immerses you in the magic of Yucatán's traditions. If you're looking for an authentic connection to the state's true essence, this pilgrimage is a must-see.
FB: Capilla San José Sisal Yucatán
Traditional Fairs in Yucatán in August
- Maní
August 20 (Our Lady of the Assumption) - Sanahcat
August 16 (Our Lady of the Assumption) - Tetiz
August 15 (Our Lady of the Assumption) - Xcuyún (Conkal)
August 1 - 12 (Saint Dominic) - Yunkú
July 5–20 (Saint Dominic)
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