September Festivals and Events in Mexico

In Mexico, September is considered el Mes de la Patria, or the month of the homeland. With Mexican Independence Day celebrated every year on September 16, the whole country lights up with red, white, and green, the colors of the Mexican flag. You'll find decorations adorning nearly every home and public building and vendors selling patriotic items on almost every street corner. Patriotic festivals take place all over the country in the lead up to the big celebration, but there's more going on in September than patriotism. At this time of year, you can also find music and food festivals.

In 2020, many of these events and gatherings may be canceled or postponed, so be sure to check the official websites of the organizers for the latest details.

01 of 10

Reto al Tepozteco

Fiesta time in Tepoztlan, Mexico, with brightly colored streamers and decorations — ChepeNicoli / Getty Images

The town of Tepoztlan, in the state of Morelos not far from Mexico City, celebrates the fusion of indigenous and Spanish colonial culture with this yearly celebration. Reto al Tepozteco is a performance depicting King Tepoztecatl's Catholic baptism. Processions lead toward the mountain-top Tepozteco Pyramid, where people offer food and beverages. The crowd returns to the village for more celebrations including hypnotic traditional chinelo folk dances, fireworks, and a food festival. The event is held every year on September 7 and 8.

02 of 10

Mariachi Festival

Three-piece mariachi band in grey suits performing on stage with string orchestra — Encuentro Internacional Del Mariachi Y La Charrería

In 2020, this festival will take place from September 14 to 20. Many of the events will be transmitted online.

Guadalajara's most important cultural event of the year, the Mariachi Festival, captures the essence of the city and both its traditional and innovative mariachi culture. Musicians come from around the world to audition and compete. Performances take place on the streets and in various venues throughout the city during the last couple of weeks of August and the first days of September.

03 of 10

Feria Nacional Zacatecas

This event has been officially postponed, but new dates have not been announced.

The UNESCO-recognized colonial city of Zacatecas celebrates its national fair for three weeks every September. The Feria Nacional Zacatecas festival includes musical performances by big-name performers, mechanical rides and other entertainment for children, livestock exhibits, theater performances, and other cultural and sporting events.

04 of 10

Mexican Independence Day

Crowds gather in town squares across Mexico on September 15 at 11 p.m. for the Grito de la Independencia, which commemorates Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla's call for independence of September 1810, encouraging the Mexican people to rise against the Spanish colonial forces. The mayor shouts a replica of Hidalgo's cry, and the crowd cheers "¡Viva México!" Fireworks and general merriment ensues. On the following day, September 16, there are civic ceremonies and parades.

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05 of 10

Fiestas del Sol

Amusement park rides including a Ferris wheel and a carousel — Fiestas del Sol

In 2020, this event has been postponed to October.

The border town and capital of Baja California state, Mexicali, celebrates its founding every year with the Fiesta del Sol. Concerts, parades, and mechanical rides are all part of the festivities. The concert line-up always includes big names in the Mexican music industry: in past years there have been performances by Molotov, Banda el Recodo, Yuri, and Belinda.

06 of 10

Fiesta de San Miguel

San Miguel Arcangel Cathedral — Brigitte MERLE / Getty Images

This is an annual festival in honor of the San Miguel de Allende's patron, Saint Michael Archangel. The official feast day on the church calendar is September 29, but the fiesta is usually held on the nearest weekend. The festivities are sometimes referred to as La Alborada or just the Fiesta de San Miguel. The event involves parades, dances, concerts, and fireworks. Previously an important part of this festival was the running with the bulls similar to the yearly event in Pamplona, Spain, but this was discontinued in 2007.

07 of 10

Mariachi & Folklórico Festival

Large mariachi band of many musicians, Mariachi Nueva Tecalitlan — Mariachi Tecalitlan

This event has not been rescheduled for 2020.

This annual festival in Rosarito Beach, Baja California, includes student musical workshops as well as shows and competitions. All events are held at the iconic Rosarito Beach Hotel and proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Rosarito. The festival typically ends with the Extravaganza Concert, which features performances by prominent mariachi groups such as Mariachi Nueva Tecalitlan, Mariachi Divas, and more.

08 of 10

Feria Tijuana

People walking down the a boardwalk, some carrying balloons — Feria Tijuana

This event does not appear to have been rescheduled for 2020.

The city of Tijuana celebrates its annual fair starting the last week of August and running through mid-September. This is the most popular family event in the city and presents an impressive artistic billboard year after year in both the Palenque and the Teatro del Pueblo. There are also mechanical games, exhibitors, a children's area, rides, games, and food stalls where you can sample local fairground foods.

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09 of 10

Festival Internacional de Santa Lucia

Santa Lucia Festival stage in Monterrey — Festival Internacional de Santa Lucia

This event has not been rescheduled for 2020.

This festival held yearly in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, aims to boost local talent, as well as present artistic and cultural expressions from other countries. The Santa Lucia festival gathers international artists of all ages to perform in front of national spectators in the streets of Monterrey, marking each autumn with a creative celebration.

10 of 10

Oaxaca Flavors

Oaxacan Salsa in a molcajete — El Saber del Sabor

This event has not been rescheduled for 2020.

Oaxaca's gastronomy is showcased in this food festival that takes place over three days at the end of September in the Oaxaca Convention Center and at restaurants throughout the city. Some 70 Oaxacan chefs along with 20 local artists create a memorable experience for all attendees. The festival offers a chance to sample Oaxaca's traditional foods, as well as first-class gourmet products such as artisanal cheeses, hams, bread, preserves, craft beers, distillates, and mezcal.