September Events 2006

13th International Mariachi and Charro Festival (13° Encuentro Internacional del Mariachi y la Charreria)

Location: Guadalajara, Jalisco
Date: September 6

Annual celebration of mariachi music in the mariachi capital of the world, gathering musicians from Mexico and around the world.

For more information, please visit: www.mariachi-jalisco.com.mx

Zacatecas National Fair 2006

Location: Zacatecas, Zacatecas
Date: September 1 - 14 (first 2 weeks of September)

Colonial jewel Zacatecas, celebrates its rich cultural history with a two week-long fair with musical performances, amusement ride for the children, theater performances, and an assortment of regional cuisine.

Tepozteco Challenge (Reto al Tepozteco)

Location: Tepoztlan, Morelos
Date: September 8

Performance depicting King Tepoztecatl's conversion to the Catholic religion. Procession leads to the Tepozteco Pyramid, where offerings are made. This event includes a food festival, chinelo dances dating back to prehispanic times, and fireworks.

Fall Equinox at Kulkulcan (Equinoccio de Kulkulcan)

Location: Chichen Itza, Yucatan
Date: September 19 - 21

Thousands of people from around the world gather at this Mayan ruin on the Yucatan Peninsula to witness the afternoon shadow of the snake-god Kukulcan slowly 'crawl down' the country's largest Mayan pyramid, El Castillo.

Dia de la Independencia (Independence Day)

Location: nationwide
Date: September 16

Indisputably Mexico's most important and most revered National Holiday is Independence Day - Dia de la Patria. During this time, Fiestas Patrias take place nationwide. From the evening of September 15th, parties begin. At 11pm, the President of the Republic shouts the Cry (El Grito) of 'Viva Mexico' from the balcony of the National Palace - an event televised and broadcast on radio to every corner of the nation, as Mexicans cry back with 'Viva'! in an emotion-packed traditional annual ritual.

The Zocalo in Mexico City brims and buzzes with unabated excitement. Celebrations are particularly lively at the revolutionary Colonial centers, especially Queretaro and San miguel de Allende - important and significant places before, during and after the war of Independence from Spain. This is a great time to be in Mexico if you like celebrations, parties and a buzzing atmosphere!

Running of the Bulls at San Miguel (Sanmiguelada)

Location: San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
Date: September 16

Also known as the Pamplonada because it is Mexico's imitation of Spain's 'running of the bulls', the Sanmiguelada is an annual festival usually taking place the third Saturday of September in honor of Saint Michael the Archangel.

The event involves dances, concerts, fireworks and bulls running through town. Daring participants meet at high noon.

For more information, please visit: www.sanmiguelguide.com/tour-pamplonada.htm

National Antique Festival (Muestra Nacional de Antigüedades)

Location: Saltillo, Coahuila
Date: September 24 - 30

Now in its tenth year, this festival gathers together top antique dealers from all over Mexico and features exhibitions of international treasures, accompanied by a musical and educational program.

For more information, please visit: www.muestraantiguedades.com