December Events 2006

Campeche Historical Festival

Location: Campeche
Date: all month

All month the city of Champeche celebrates their Historical Festival, that includes great concerts, popular arts, gastronomical expositions and more.

Chiapas Fair

Location: Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas
Date: December 1 - 15

It is the most important fair of the state, bullfights, horse races, motorcross, cockfigthing, cultural and sports events, crafts, agricultural exposition, cattle raiser and more.

Grand Pacific Marathon 2006 (Gran Maraton Pacifico 2006)

Location: Mazatlan, Sinaloa
Date: December 2 - 3

Runners from the world over participate in this challenging race that takes place at the Pearl of the Pacific and featuring miles and miles of beautiful scenery.

For more information, please visit: www.maraton.org

Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe (Fiesta de la Virgin de Guadalupe)

Location: Nationwid
Date: December 12

Not a public holiday, but probably Mexico's biggest religious event of the year. Millions of pilgrims converge on the Mexico City Basilica of the country's patron saint to pay tribute. The square in front of the Basilica is a stage for singing, dancing and celebration.

Posada and Piñata Fair (Feria de la Posada y Piñata)

Location: Alcoman, Estado de Mexico
Date: December 16 - 23

An annual celebration near Mexico City of the Posadas procession and this children's party staple. Among the piñatas on display are those made from clay, traditional models with seven points that symbolize the seven deadly sins, and those made from cardboard with popular children's designs. Workshops in piñata-making are also offered.

Posadas

Location: Nationwide
Date: December 16 - 24

Posadas re-enact Mary & Joseph's search for an inn, with local communities arranging for one of the local houses to be the inn that accepts while local children travel from door-to-door in traditional costume, holding candles and singing a traditional carol, requesting a place to stay. Eventually they get to the arranged house, and a party ensues therein.

Festival of the Radishes (Festival de los Rabanos)

Location: Oaxaca, Oaxaca State
Date: December 23

Local artisans and sculptors set up stalls around the main square to display their elaborate pieces of art--made entirely from radishes! The local crop is used for creating nativity scenes and famous Mexican figures. Balloons and birds crafted from local flowers add even more color.

Christmas

Location: nationwide
Date: December 12 - January 6

The Christmas period starts around the 12th and continues right through until early in the New Year on January 6th Kings Day. Mexicans love to party and Christmas is a big event here.

New Year's Eve

Location: nationwide
Date: December 31  

Mexico City's Zocalo square (second largest square in the world) becomes as lively at it gets on Independence day. Don't wear your good clothes it is traditional to fill empty egg shells with confetti and colorful liquids that will stain your clothes and may not come out. The liquid is usually a variety of food coloring. Parties are vibrant and go on forever. The mood is of celebration and hope for the new year ahead.