The Best Festivals and Events in Mexico in November

In Mexico, the month of November starts off with Day of the Dead celebrations in full swing, and for that, November 2nd is a public holiday (in some states). This is also the month in which the Mexican Revolution is commemorated. The official holiday for the revolution is always held on the third Monday in November (in 2018, that's November 21), so banks, post offices, and government offices are closed that day. Here are some of the important events you can look forward to in Mexico in November.

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Festival Internacional del Globo (International Hot Air Balloon Festival)

Balloon Festival in Leon Guanajuato — Getty Images / Jim Bushelle

The skies above the Metropolitan Park in Leon, Guanajuato is filled with at least 80 hot air balloons during this festival in mid-November, one of the largest festivals of its kind in the world, and meanwhile, there are concerts, contests and exhibitions for all ages to enjoy.

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Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

Celebrated throughout Mexico from October 31st to November 2nd, this unique cultural celebration honors deceased relatives and loved ones. Festivities take place throughout the country, but are most colorful in a few particular Day of the Dead destinations such as Patzcuaro, Oaxaca, Chiapas and San Andres Mixquic (a borough of Mexico City)..

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Festival de las Calaveras (Festival of the Skulls)

Celebrated in Aguascalientes (the birthplace of artist José Guadalupe Posadas who invented the Calavera Catrina skeleton), this annual celebration that takes place from October 28 to November 6 overlaps Day of the Dead. Skulls of different sizes and materials will be on display as well as stands with traditional food and seasonal fruit. Altars in honor of the dead, diverse artistic and cultural shows, and a skeleton parade and "living altar" are all part of the events planned.

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Festival del Camarón (San Felipe Shrimp Festival)

If you love shrimp, head to San Felipe, Baja California, during the first week of November for the Festival del Camaron which celebrates the tasty crustacean. This festival focuses on the culinary aspects of shrimp season with chefs competing to see who can make the best shrimp meal. Food sampling activities are combined with local cultural events, wine tastings, tequila samplings, and performances by local and regional folk artists.

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Mayakoba Golf Classic

The only PGA tournament in Mexico is held annually in early November at the Mayakoba resort in the Riviera Maya and features a one-day Pro-Am competition followed by a four-round professional tournament contested on the Greg Norman-designed El Camaleόn golf course at Mayakoba.

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Los Cabos International Film Festival

Los Cabos Film Festival Party — Courtesy Los Cabos Film Festival

Held in the premier resort destination of Los Cabos, this film festival draws attendees and filmmakers from across Mexico, the United States, and around the world. It offers a platform for people around the world to come together and discuss the industry as a whole as well as discuss and learn firsthand about the North American film industry.

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Rocky Point Rally

Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, also known as Rocky Point, hosts a motorcycle gathering every year in November. The event raises money for various charities. This year's festivities will include a poker run, various biker competitions, stunt shows, and parties.

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Maestros del Arte Folk Art Festival

A Huichol artisan at work beading — Suzanne Barbezat

Mexico's most important folk art festival is held in Chapala, Jalisco during the first half of November. Master artists travel from all over the country to bring buyers and collectors a great variety of folk art, ranging from ceramics and woodcarving to rugweaving and silver jewelry at this festival held at the Chapala Yacht Club, about forty miles south of Guadalajara.

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Festival Internacional Gourmet (International Gourmet Festival)

Puerto Vallarta's finest restaurants participate in this gourmet festival which has been running for more than 20 years. The festival attracts some of the top names in global gastronomy. Participants can attend cooking classes, learn about wine pairing (while indulging in some great wine, of course). taste the newest and best in tequila, and dine at some of the area's finest restaurants.

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El Festival de Música de Morelia (Morelia's International Music Festival)

This annual festival in honor of composer Miguel Bernal Jimenez features performances by musicians from all over the world and takes place in beautiful settings throughout the lovely city of Morelia, Michoacan. The primary objectives of the festival are to enjoy the richness and diversity of the highest quality concert music.

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Score Baja 1000 - Off-Road Desert Race

Baja 500 Off-Road Racing — Getty Images / IStock Editorial

Nearly 200,000 spectators turn out to this annual race, the most prestigious event in off-road desert racing. Its grueling course runs along the rugged terrain of the barren desert and through villages along the Baja California peninsula.

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Festival Internacional de Jazz & Blues (International Festival of Jazz & Blues)

San Miguel de Allende's International Jazz and Blues Festival offers concerts held in some of San Miguel de Allende's most iconic venues, including the historic Angela Peralta Theater, San Miguel de Allende's Jardin Central (the main square), and the Cultural Center Rancho Los Labradors. Besides concerts, there are various free activities, including a jazz workshop, film presentations, and more.

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Día de la Revolucion (Revolution Day)

November 20th marks the anniversary of the outbreak of the Mexican Revolution of 1910. Parades and celebrations take place throughout the country. The official holiday (when schools and government offices are closed) is observed on the 3rd Monday of the month, but some civic ceremonies may be held on the 20th.

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Toh, Festival de Aves (Yucatan Bird Festival)

Birders unite in the Yucatan Peninsula every year for field trips, exhibits, conferences, and a "birdathon." Objectives of this festival include promoting the rich diversity of bird species found in the Yucatan and developing a conservationist culture among tourists and tour providers.