The Sweetest Event: Orange Fair in Oxkutzcab

02 december 2024

3 min. de lectura

Oxkutzcab, also known as the “state’s orchard,” is a city located in the south part of Yucatán that offers one of the most interesting annual fairs in our state. Can you imagine a parade with floats, stands, and even decorative figures made out of oranges, mandarins, grapefruits, limes, and tropical fruits grown in the region? During the fair you will be able to see trains, castles, arches, church replicas, and other figures.

Main Attractions for 2024

In 2024, the fair will be held from December 5 to 15, and the main attractions are the figures and representations made from oranges and citrus fruits, such as: huge arches, replicas of buildings and archeological sites, and many other imaginary figures, due to the creativity and ability of the Oxkutzcab farmers.

All of this is possible thanks to the donation of approximately 10 thousand various fruits from farmers who collaborate to proudly show the fruits they have cultivated.

Why an orange fair?

Why an orange fair? The answer is simple, most of the oranges (and tropical fruits) that are produced in the more than 100 farms around Oxkutzcab supply the supermarkets and stores all over the Yucatán península, and they are even exported to other countries!

The Orange Fair 2024 in Oxkutzcab will take place from Thursday, December 5 to Sunday, December 15.

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This fair takes place every year with settings in the main park, the Palacio Municipal hallways, and the “Teatro del Pueblo.” This will be the 34th edition of the fair! The first edition took place in 1985 as a way to promote the regional farming sector, and it has been held every year since. In recent years, it has become a popular attraction that draws visitors from all over the country. It features over 90 booths divided into sections for agricultural production, restaurants, crafts, and livestock displays. You can purchase tropical fruits and, of course, citrus fruits.

Ruta-Conventos-Oxkutzcab-2018-Feria-de-la-Naranja-by-Andrea-Mier-y-Teran-IMG_0173-1 Some family activities have become part of the event, such as the coronation of the queen of the fair, musical concerts, “Vaquería” dances, sport races, comic shows, magicians, dances, as well as mechanical games, both free and with entry fees.

One of the most anticipated events of the entire fair is the sweetest orange contest, a unique award given to the regional producer whose fruit has the highest Brix level, a measure of sugar content in the orange, which is crucial for maintaining its flavor and freshness. Interestingly, in 2015, the winning orange had 16 Brix degrees.

What are you waiting for? Visit Oxkutzcab and enjoy the sweetest flavors in Yucatán!