How to fully enjoy the 2025 Kings’ Fair in Tizimín, The Queen of Fairs: How to Make the Most of the Kings’ Fair in Tizimín
It is said that the busiest celebration season in México runs from October to the end of December. In Yucatán, we kick things off with Janal Pixan, followed by the Xmatkuil Fair, and then there’s Christmas… The list of festivities seems endless, but in Yucatán, it even extends beyond that, well into January. This is thanks to two major celebrations that, interestingly enough, revolve around the same day and its surrounding dates: the anniversary of Mérida’s founding (and its corresponding MéridaFest), and the Kings’ Fair in Tizimín, both on January 6.
As a native of Mérida, I'm pretty familiar with the first one and have attended multiple times, but the latter was a mystery I had always wanted to unravel. Finally, this year, my friend Lupita, a true Tizimín native, invited me to visit her to experience this grand event. In preparation for my trip, Lupita shared some tips on how to make the most of the fair. Today, I'm sharing them with you.
Plan your trip to the Kings’ Fair in Tizimín
Keep in mind that this is the biggest and most important event for Tizimín! Therefore, the city will be incredibly crowded from December 28 until the second or third week of January. This has implications for both accommodations and transportation.
There are various types of transportation, but the most common are buses and combis. You can catch the buses at the Noreste Bus Station, and the cost is around $200-300 pesos; the combi stop is just around the corner, offering slightly cheaper fares.
Buses generally don’t run as frequently, but as long as the fair is running, they tend to increase the number of units. However, don’t take your ride for granted! The approximate travel time is two to two and a half hours if you travel in first class; if you take a second-class bus, it could take you up to twice as long because those make stops in different nearby towns.
As for your accommodation, check availability in advance; hotel rooms tend to be in high demand and can fill up quickly. You can check some options in our lodging directory.
Decide which activities or events at the Kings’ Fair in Tizimín you'll attend
During this time, Tizimín is the definition of “everything, everywhere, all at once.” During the Three Wise Men’s celebration, traditions and fun never stop: there are events for the whole family and for all tastes and beliefs.
If you're a believer, you can attend religious events, such as the descent and ascent of the images of the Three Kings (the city's patrons) or any of the masses in their honor. You can even go inside the church to learn more about them and buy a little souvenir related to them.
If you're looking for entertainment, you can visit the Expo Feria, where you'll find countless stalls with various products and food, amusement rides, concerts, cultural events, and even dance clubs to party the night away. By the way, the busiest and most vibrant day to enjoy the Kings’ Fair is January 6.
Lastly, if you want to experience the traditions, you can attend the nonas (celebrations that take place before the bullfights), the tablados (a space next to the coso, which is an artisanal bullring where you can find food and drinks), enjoy dances, visit the museum, or even participate in the rosca de reyes (Three Kings' bread) event at the municipal palace.
As you can see, there’s so much to do; choose wisely which events you’d like to attend so you can plan ahead and fully enjoy them. For more dates, times, and details, you can check the official Tizimín City Hall website.
Experience local life in Tizimín during the Kings’ Fair
If you have the opportunity, experience this celebration like a true Tizimileño. What do I mean by that? For starters, it's much easier (and cheaper) to take public transport, like a bus or combi, from the Centro in Tizimín to get to the Expo Feria. The Expo Feria Tizimín venue is a bit far and tends to have heavy traffic to enter the premises. By the way, admission to the fairgrounds is free.
Visit common places where locals have fun, such as the tablados. Here, you’ll find a variety of food and drink stalls. They are located next to the coso (where the bullfights take place). You can savor roasted lamb, a Tizimín specialty, along with kibis and other tasty snacks. Everything is complemented by music and a great atmosphere; they sometimes also have shows.
You can also attend and experience the nonas, celebrations with music and dance that take place before the bullfights (which are a central part of the celebration). Additionally, there’s the vaquería on December 30, which is one of the largest in Yucatán; there you’ll find jarana bands, dances, and the traditional planting of the ceibo tree.
Get ready to experience days full of celebration in Tizimín
During your stay, I can assure you that you'll do plenty of things and visit many places. Try to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as you'll be walking or moving around for hours. Keep an open mind and enjoy; you’ll hear the sound of voladores (flying dancers), joy, and lots of music everywhere. Most importantly, be respectful. This celebration is very significant for the people of Tizimín, and each of the activities or events they hold is done from the heart and often as a promise to the Three Kings.
Believe me when I say I could keep going trying to describe this great event, but if I did, I wouldn't finish this article and we would have to publish an anthology about it. I hope this text helps you see that this is more than just a fair: it is a grand celebration worthy of kings and ranks among the largest and most important in Yucatán. I was so fascinated that as I write these words, I’m already planning my next trip.
Don’t wait any longer and dive in to experience it; you won’t regret it!
Estación de Autobuses Noreste
Calle 67 #529 x 52 y 50, Centro
www.autobusesdelnoreste.com
Paradero de combis Homún - Tizimín
Calle 52 #532A x 65 y 67
Photography by Carlos Guzmán, for its use in Yucatán Today.
First published in Yucatán Today print and digital magazine no. 444, in December 2024.
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