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Events in Mexico: December
Christmas celebrations, begining with Posadas (party processions) on december 16 take center stage throughout Mexico in December; and there's plenty more going on regionally including the Annual Tequila Festival, the World Billfish Tournament, The city of San Cristobal's largest featival and of course.... New Year's Eve parties!
Details of some of the events listed are supplied by Mexico's States via the Mexico Tourism Board.
Dates of some of the events are subject to change. Please check website links (where available) for details and/or check locally for any schedule alterations.
Choose Event Start Dates of Interest
DEC 1-4: 4th Annual Air Balloon Festival -- Leon, Guanajuato
Largest festival in Latin America with more than 60 balloons and pilots from all over the globe participating.
DEC 3-8: Fly All-Release Sailfish Challenge -- Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo, Guerrero
Sailfish take center stage during this first international fishing tournament that focuses on the preservation of the species.
DEC 6-11: Annual International Tequila Festival -- Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Count on the streets of Puerto Vallarta to be full of "spirit" this winter as the First Annual International Tequila Festival kicks off on December 6. Tequila aficionados from all walks of life are expected to attend this week-long event, but don't let the name "Tequila Festival" fool you! This exposition of prestigious beverages will extend to such spirits as champagne, cognac, sake and bourbon, among others. Not only will attendees be able to savor the tastes of these fine drinks, but they'll also enjoy a variety of musical, theatrical and cultural performances hosted by this Pacific coast city.
DEC 7-11: World WBS Billfish Tournament -- Mazatlan, Sinaloa
Bluewater anglers will congregate in Mazatlan for this annual world billfish tournament. Prizes include Mercedes automobiles, a magnificent Marlin bronze trophy designed by the artist Geoffrey Smith and a gold championship ring.
DEC 12: Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe (Fiesta de la Virgin de Guadalupe) -- Nationwide
Not a public holiday, but probably Mexico's biggest religious event of the year. The day is marked by Mass and celebrations in honor of Guadalupe, Mexico's Patron Saint.
DEC 12 - 21: Festival of San Cristobal de las Casas -- San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas
This two-week festival in Chiapas includes a procession by the Tzotzil and Tzetzal Indians, marimba music and a parade of horses.
DEC 16 - 24: Posadas de Navidad -- Nationwide
Nine days leading up to Christmas Day. Posadas are parties that take place throughout the nine days before Christmas Day. 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.
DEC 16 - 24: Posada and Piñata Fair (Feria de la Posada y Piñata) -- Alcoman, Estado de Mexico
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.
DEC 23: Festival of the Radishes (Festival de los Rabanos) -- Oaxaca, Oaxaca State
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.
DEC 24: Las Calendas -- Oaxaca, Oaxaca State
The districts of Oaxaca City prepare floats and costumes for processions held throughout the city. The parades feature marmotas (translucent paper spheres lit from within and carried aloft on poles) and giant paper mache people whose arms flop around as the person hidden inside dances.
DEC 25: Christmas in Mexico
The Christmas period starts around the 12th and continues right through until early in the New Year on January 6th - Kings Day. Hotels, resorts, and key attractions become totally booked up (so do busses, flights and trains). Parties, celebrations and processions evident everywhere you go. Mexicans love to party and Christmas is a big event here. If you want to spend a Christmas at one of Mexico's tourist areas - Reserve well in advancne
DEC 31: Liberation of the Turtles -- Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo, Guerrero
Most hotels in the region participate in a special marine animal protection program which includes collecting and protecting turtle eggs until they hatch and are ready for release. The releasing event symbolizes the beginning of a new year full of hope for these marvelous animals.
DEC 31: New Year's Eve
Mexico City's Zocalo square (second largest square in the world after Red Square in Moscow) 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. Colonial Centers are particularly atmospheric at this time and are great places to go if you're looking for an alternative to the normal big town / big city new year's scene.