August Events 2006

XXI Annual International 'ROSETE ARANDA' Puppet Festival

Location: Huamantla, Tlaxcala
Date: TBD

A time-honored tradition in Mexico, more than 15 cities in the state of Tlaxcala will be hosting this festival. For two weeks, a multitude of puppeteers and puppets of all colors, shapes and sizes will invade Mexico's smallest state. Performers come from Spain, Colombia, Cuba, Hungary and numerous other states in Mexico.

International Amber Expo (Expo Ambar Internacional)

Location: San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas
Date: TBD

Mexican amber, with its magical colors, brilliant finishes and age-old history, is considered by many the finest in the world. With the goal of developing and integrating the amber artist community of Chiapas and promoting international recognition, this expo highlights the hand-crafted jewels of the region. Forty-eight different tones an be found in Chiapas amber, which is exhibited in a variety of forms at the event from sculptures to articles of jewelry.

For more information, please visit: www.expo-ambar.com.mx

V Mushroom Fair of San Juanito (V Feria del Hongo)

Location: San Juanito, Chihuahua
Date: August 12 - 15

Organized by the Municipality of Bocoyna. Learn more about the various types of mushrooms and their diverse contributions to the culinary world through workshops, demonstrations and taste-testing. This event also features cooking contests and cultural events.

For more information, please visit: www.chihuahua.gob.mx/turismoweb/

Dia de la Asuncion de la Virgen Guadalupe (Ascension Day)

Location: nationwide
Date: August 15

Celebrated nationally, this is one of Mexico's most important religious events. The Virgin Guadalupe is extremely important and revered by Mexican Catholics - her image, almost without exception next to a crucifix, is everywhere in Mexico. Special masses and processions take place nationwide, with a huge mass at the Basilica de Guadalupe (where the original image is hosted) in Mexico City.

December 12, 1531 was the day the Virgin appeared to Juan Diego - a Mexican Indian. The original shrine (Basilica) was finished in 1709 but became dangerous when it started sinking on it foundations. A new round shrine was built from 1974-76 and the image of the Virgin can be seen from anywhere in the church. In the colonial city of Aquascalientes, a monument in honour of the Virgin Guadalupe is decorated and the city hosts a special Mass and processions take place downtown in which all of the city's churches are represented.

Dia de la Asuncion de la Virgen Maria (Ascension Day)

Location: Huamantla, Tlaxcala - nationwide
Date: August 15 - 16 and 20 - 22

Celebrated nationally, but especially big in Huamantla, near Puebla, south of Mexico City. Special masses and processions take place. If you want to experience the events at Huamantla, its best to stay in Puebla and commute to the events there.

Mani Festival (Fiesta de Mani)

Location: Mani, Yucatan
Date: August 20

Mani is known in Mexico as the site of the infamous 'Auto de Fe', where bishop Fray Diego de Landa burned valuable Mayan codices and manuscripts in 1562. Mani is one of the most representative Mayan towns alive. This festival features local dancers, bands, traditional cuisine, live concerts, mechanical attractions, art exhibitions and more. The festival takes place at the center plaza and offers visitors from all over the world a unique cultural experience.

For more information, please visit: www.yucatan.gob.mx

XXIII Paracho Guitar Festival

Location: Paracho, Michoacan
Date: August 6 - 14

Come and join the festival where the most famous guitars are made in Mexico.

Morismas of Bracho (Las Morismas de Bracho)

Location: Zacatecas, Zacatecas State
Date: August 24 - 27

A reenactment of the battles between Moors and Christians, this event involves thousands of actors and has been held annually for more than 300 years.

Chile in Walnut Sauce Festival (Festival del Chile en Nogada)

Location: Puebla, Puebla State
Date: August 26

Mexico's national dish is commemorated every year with several activities, including culinary conferences and samplings, as well as a competition for the largest chile, judged by the Guiness Book of World Records. Inspired by the Mexican flag, the dish contains a poblano chile (green), walnut sauce (white), with pomegranate seeds (red) sprinkled over. A must for lovers of Mexican cuisine!

XXIV International Mexico City Marathon (XXII Maraton Internacional de la Ciudad de Mexico)

Location: Mexico City
Date: August 27

Mexico City's altitude makes this popular 26-mile marathon one of the most challenging in the world. More than 15,000 runners of all ages and from all walks of life compete in five categories. This year, the marathon will start and end at Mexico City's historic central square (the zocalo).

For more information, please visit: www.maraton.df.gob.mx