Plan Your Visit to the Yucatán Xmatkuil State Fair 2024
There are many important fairs and traditional festivals in Yucatán. For example, there’s the Tizimín Fair dedicated to the Three Wise Men and the Orange Fair in Oxkutzcab, but none can bring together characters like a reggaeton-dancing “nun” and a lizard woman in the same place.
This is just one reason why the Yucatán Xmatkuil State Fair is so iconic for Yucatecos. Intrigued? If you’re from Yucatán, you know exactly what I’m talking about; if not, let me fill you in.
The Yucatán Xmatkuil Fair takes place every year starting in early November and ends in the first days of December. What began 50 years ago as a livestock fair has evolved into one of the most anticipated events for locals, offering a wide array of activities and attractions.
What will you find at the Yucatán Xmatkuil Fair?
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Right as you enter, you’ll enjoy the beautiful view of the iconic, grand Ferris wheel that’s welcomed visitors for several years. Alongside the entrance plaza, you’ll start to see various vendors selling everything from snacks to shoes, clothing, electronics—anything you can imagine (I’m not exaggerating; they truly have it all). These types of shops are spread throughout the fair’s central area.
Food at the Yucatán Xmatkuil State Fair
Keep walking straight ahead, past the arches, and you’ll find the first restaurant section. Xmatkuil has two large dining areas: one at the beginning and another at the end of the complex, but you’ll also find food stalls throughout the fair. And when it comes to food, Xmatkuil doesn’t disappoint, offering everything from classic American chain restaurants to local specialties, not to mention the endless variety of snacks like the famous nata (cream-filled) gorditas, trays of dressed-up charritos, marquesitas, corn on the cob, and much more.
The fair and rides at the Yucatán Xmatkuil Fair
On the right side of the complex is the rides section. If you're into extreme thrills, this is definitely your area. You’ll find rides that will test your adrenaline levels; even if you’re not into the heart-racing attractions, I still recommend checking it out. It’s always fun to admire the new attractions brought in each year, and hear the screams of adventurous souls taking on the wildest rides. Plus, in this area, you’ll find the famous reggaeton-dancing “nun” that I mentioned earlier.
But it’s not all about the adrenaline. If you're with kids, you’ll likely spend some time in this area too, as it’s also home to traditional fair games like the merry-go-round, marbles, and plenty of others to keep the little ones entertained. Nearby, you’ll also encounter the well-known merolicos (vendors who talk non-stop to promote their products) grabbing your attention with deals on blankets, pillows, and other home goods. Based on experience, there’s a high chance you’ll leave the fair with a complete set of pots and pans.
Livestock exhibition at the Yucatán Xmatkuil Fair
If you decided to go left at the entrance, you’ll find yourself in the original part of the fair, because yes, it’s still a livestock fair at heart. If you don’t mind the smell, you’ll get to admire the impressive bulls (or other livestock) and, to get into the spirit, maybe pick up a cowboy hat from the nearby shops. A bit further down, you’ll come across the show venues where concerts, dances, and cultural performances take place.
Concerts, shows, and musical performances.
One of the most anticipated aspects of the fair is the nightly concerts held on various stages. The lineup changes each year; in 2024, the artists performing at the Yucatán Xmatkuil State Fair are:
- November 8 - Banda Los Recoditos
- November 9 - Alicia Villareal / Panteón Rococó
- November 11 - Fuerza Regida
- November 15 - Fey y La Casetera
- November 16 - Santa Fe Klan
- November 17 - Los Ángeles Azules
- November 22 - Lupillo Rivera / Los Picus
- November 23 - Manuel Turizo
- November 29 - Molotov / El Tri
- November 30 - Maria José
- December 1 - La Arrolladora Banda el Limón
An essential part of your fair visit is entering the Coca-Cola Dream Castle, where every year a musical show inspired by Disney movies or popular series is presented. Tickets can be purchased on-site.
Admission prices for the Yucatán Xmatkuil State Fair 2024
The admission price for the Yucatán Xmatkuil Fair 2024 is $30 pesos per person, and ticket booths are located to the left of the entrance. It’s a good idea to bring change to speed up the ticket purchase process. Discounts are available for people with disabilities, INAPAM cardholders, and students.
Please note that admission fees do not include access to rides, concerts, or other special events.
How to get to Xmatkuil
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By car, take Calle 50 heading south from the city, cross the Periférico limit under the Xmatkuil bridge, and continue straight ahead. The fairgrounds are about a 25-minute drive from Mérida’s Centro.
While the fair offers ample parking, expect long lines to pay for access to the parking area, which costs $40 pesos per vehicle in 2024. If you’re attending with someone who has a disability, parking is free, and there’s an exclusive area close to the entrance for accessible parking. Additionally, for all-women groups, there is a “pink zone,” a special, closely monitored area near the entrance.
For public transportation, while the fair is running, several free bus routes run from Mérida to the fairgrounds. The stops for these buses can be found on the official social media pages of the Yucatán Xmatkuil State Fair.
One important note: if you’re taking public transportation, be sure to check the bus schedule. While the fair stays open until the early morning hours, public transportation may stop running before that. If this happens, taxis are available on the left side of the entrance, but it’s a good idea to confirm the fare in advance, as rates tend to be higher due to the distance and late hours.
Tips for attending the Yucatán Xmatkuil State Fair
- If you go during the day, be sure to bring a hat and sunglasses. If you’re going at night and, like us Yucatecos, aren’t used to the cold, consider bringing a vest or sweater, as heladez or “the chilly season” starts to set in around this time of year.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as the fairgrounds are extensive, and while there are some places to sit, you’ll likely be walking quite a bit.
- Bring only the essentials in your bag or backpack, as food and drinks aren’t allowed. It’s a good idea to carry insect repellent, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper, as bathrooms may not always be stocked.
- If you plan to attend any concerts or night shows, arrive at least an hour early, as both parking and fair entry tend to be busier around those times.
- Make sure to bring enough cash and small bills, as most vendors do not accept card payments.
4 things that will make your visit to the Yucatán Xmatkuil State Fair memorable
- Take a photo with your companions at the keychain stands to capture the memory of your visit—you’ll be amazed at the variety of designs to choose from.
- Buy a snack tray. A trip to Xmatkuil isn’t complete without trying this delicious mix of charritos topped with sauce, cream, and cheese. Plus, you’ll get a snack tray as a keepsake. My personal recommendation: buy it toward the end of your visit so you don’t have to carry it around.
- Visit the Coca-Cola Dream Castle. It’s like Yucatán’s Broadway; the shows are always high quality and well-produced.
- Ride the Ferris wheel at the entrance for an amazing view of almost the entire fairground and to snap a great keepsake photo.
As someone who has attended the Yucatán Xmatkuil State Fair every year of my life, I can assure you that no matter how many times you go, you’ll always find something new to spark your interest or make for an enjoyable time with family or friends.
Photography by Carlos Guzmán and Feria Yucatán Xmatkuil, for its use in Yucatán Today.
First published in Yucatán Today website in November 2024.
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