January is one of the most popular months to visit Mexico. This is the peak season, as people from cooler climates seek out the warm weather and sun that is south of the border. However, travelers seeking warmth should be aware that Mexico’s climate is not uniformly warm, and this also tends to be one of the coldest months of the year in Mexico. Besides the holidays, there are many cultural events that take place in the month of January. Read on to learn about the most prominent celebrations taking place in Mexico this month.
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New Year’s Day
January 1 is a national holiday and, in general, it is usually a quiet day in Mexico. Most shops and businesses are closed as people recover from the New Year’s Eve party. However, museums, archaeological sites, and most tourist attractions are open on their regular hours, so you won’t have a hard time finding something to do.
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Kings Day
January 6 is Epiphany in the Christian church calendar, and this day commemorates when the three kings (also known as the Magi) visited Jesus bearing gifts. Traditionally, this is the day that Mexican children receive gifts, which are brought by the three kings instead of being delivered by Santa. On this day, it is also common for friends, family or colleagues and co-workers to get together and eat Rosca de Reyes , a sweet bread that represents the crown of King Herod with figures of the child Jesus hidden inside.
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Merida International Art Festival
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Merida, Yucatan, MexicoGet directions
Mérida, the capital of the state of Yucatán, is a city with a bustling cultural scene throughout the year, but never more so than during the annual arts festival, when the city is packed with cultural events, concerts, theater performances, food tastings. , and art exhibitions. The festival begins with a procession with hundreds of Trova singers serenading the “loyal and noble” city of Mérida. This annual festival coincides with the anniversary of the founding of the city on January 6, 1542, on the remains of the ancient Mayan city of T’Ho.
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Big Festival of Chiapa de Corzo
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Chiapa de Corzo, Chis. , MexicoGet directions
Also known as the January Festival or “January Party”, this is a folkloric and religious festival with processions and dances in the streets of Chiapa de Corzo in the state of Chiapas by people wearing colorful masks and costumes. Along with cultural events, there is a three-day religious holiday celebration, the Black Christ of Esquipulas on January 8, San Antonio Abad on January 17, and San Sebastián on January 20. The Dance of the Parachicos forms an important part of this festival and has been declared part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
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Feast of San Antonio de Abad (Feast of San Antonio)
On the feast of San Antonio Abad, also known as San Antonio del Desierto, patron saint of the animal kingdom, animals are taken to churches to be blessed, some decorated with flowers and ribbons for the special occasion. In rural areas, you can see farm animals brought to church for a blessing, while in the city they are more commonly domestic animals, in addition to cats and dogs, there are also caged birds, turtles, and even fish.
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Fiesta de Santa Prisca (Fiesta de Santa Prisca)
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Taxco, Guerrero, MexicoGet directions
The city of Taxco in the state of Guerrero comes to life with dances, fireworks and celebrations during this annual fair that commemorates the city’s patron saint, Santa Prisca. The official day is January 18, but the festivities last for a few days, incorporating the blessing of the animals on the 17th (go to Plaza Borda to see the animals dressed for the occasion), and in the following days, there are concerts, shows, folk dances and fireworks at night.
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Leon State Fair (Leon State Fair)
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Leon, Guanajuato, MexicoGet directions
León, the capital of the state of Guanajuato, hosts the annual state fair every year in January. Concerts and shows, exhibitions and rides are part of the fun as León celebrates the anniversary of its founding on January 20, 1576. The anniversary is celebrated with a grand parade along Boulevard Hidalgo to the fairgrounds. Previous editions of the festival have included concerts by big names in the Mexican music industry, such as Alejandra Guzmán, Ana Gabriel and Jesse & Joy.
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Alamos Cultural Festival
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Alamos, Sonora, MexicoGet directions
This annual cultural festival in the city of Alamos, Sonora, is given in honor of Alfonso Ortiz Tirado, Alamos physician, singer, and philanthropist. The festival program emphasizes operatic singing and chamber music, but popular music and other art forms are also featured. The festival has grown annually and is now one of the most important cultural events in northern Mexico, attracting more than 100,000 people from many different countries.
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Punta Mita Gourmet & Golf Classic
Direction
Punta Mita, Nayarit, MexicoGet directions
This four-day event in Punta Mita, in the state of Nayarit, marries the sophisticated worlds of culinary excellence and championship golf. The event features gourmet meals and cooking classes taught by distinguished chefs, a series of wine and tequila tastings, festive gatherings at the luxurious St. Regis Punta Mita Resort and Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, sunset sailing adventures, and “The Punta Mita Cup ». «, A two-day golf tournament at the two exclusive Jack Nicklaus courses, Punta Mita Bahía and Pacífico.
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Migratory Bird Festival
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San Blas, Nayarit, MexicoGet directions
The community of San Blas, Nayarit, welcomes bird enthusiasts from all over Mexico and beyond to celebrate migratory and endemic birds each year in late January and early February. Festival events include lectures, seminars, and bird watching tours offered every morning to places like Isla Isabel and La Tovara National Park. Birds you are likely to see include boat-billed herons, northern jacanas, purple hens, spotted owls, and white ibis. There are also cultural festivities in the central square, such as traditional dance performances, singing and other special events.
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Festival Sayulita
Direction
Sayulita, Nayarit, MexicoGet directions
The Sayulita Festival is a film festival that takes place at the end of January in the bohemian surf town of Sayulita, in the Riviera Nayarit. This festival attracts lovers of Mexico, cinema, music, food, tequila and surfing. Some of the events include tequila and food pairings, master tastings, beachfront and private movie screenings, lecture series, and live music. Proceeds from festival events go to support a local community center known as El Centro.
