Those traveling to Mexico City will find symphony orchestras, a national ballet company, a national opera company and numerous theaters (where a knowledge of Spanish will help). Museums are both plentiful and impressive, and most offer free entry on Sunday and are closed on Monday. We recommend Ballet Folklorico's performances of traditional Mexican dance at the Palacio de Bellas Artes. But perhaps the most colorful attractions are the traditional religious festivals occurring throughout the year.
For detailed information about upcoming events in the Mexico City area, contact the Secretariat of Tourism. Phone 5286-9077 or 5533-9162. http://www.mexicocity.gob.mx. Alternatively, call Infotour at 5250-0123. For more information, contact the Mexico Ministry of Tourism. Phone 55-3002-6300, or toll-free 800-446-3942. http://www.visitmexico.com.
The weekly Spanish-language Tiempo Libre publication is a good source of information concerning special exhibits, concerts and events (available from most newsstands on Thursday).
To call any of the phone numbers listed in this calendar from outside Mexico, you must first dial your country's international access code, followed by Mexico's country code, 52.
Information in this calendar is subject to change and should be confirmed.
July, 2008
16 Jul—Feast of Our Lady of Carmen. A fair and flower show are held in the San Angel section of Mexico City.
Early July—Opera. Opera Nacional de Mexico performs regularly at Palacio de Bellas Artes, Avenida Juarez and Lazaro Cardenas. For information, call 5572-2593 or 5529-9320. http://mexico.udg.mx/arte/palacioba. Concludes early July
Throughout July—Concert. The National Symphony Orchestra performs frequently at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Avenida Juarez and Lazaro Cardenas. For information, call 5529-9320. http://mexico.udg.mx/arte/palacioba. Concludes late July
Throughout July—Professional Baseball. The Diablos Rojos and Tigres de Mexico play home games at Foro Sol at Viaducto Piedad and Rio Churubsco. Tickets are available at the stadium before the game or through Ticketmaster at 5325-9000. For information, call the Diablos Rojos at 5639-8722, and the Tigres at 5584-0216. http://www.diablos.com.mx. http://www.tigresdemexico.com.mx. Continues through late August
Throughout July—Dance. The internationally acclaimed Ballet Folklorico troupe performs Sunday morning at 9:30 and Sunday and Tuesday or Wednesday evenings at 8:30. Palacio de Bellas Artes, Avenida Juarez and Lazaro Cardenas. For information, call 5529-9320. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 5325-9000. http://www.balletamalia.com. Continues through late April 2009
August, 2008
2 Aug-Cuauhtemoc Day. The last Aztec emperor is honored with dances and ceremonies at Cuauhtemoc Circle on Paseo de la Reforma.
15 Aug-Feast of the Assumption. Religious holiday. Services are held nationwide. Ancient dances are performed in the southeastern suburb of Milpa Alta.
Throughout August—Dance. The internationally acclaimed Ballet Folklorico troupe performs Sunday morning at 9:30 and Sunday and Tuesday or Wednesday evenings at 8:30. Palacio de Bellas Artes, Avenida Juarez and Lazaro Cardenas. For information, call 5529-9320. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 5325-9000. http://www.balletamalia.com. Continues through late April 2009
Throughout August—Professional Baseball. The Diablos Rojos and Tigres de Mexico play home games at Foro Sol at Viaducto Piedad and Rio Churubsco. Tickets are available at the stadium before the game or through Ticketmaster at 5325-9000. For information, call the Diablos Rojos at 5639-8722, and the Tigres at 5584-0216. http://www.diablos.com.mx. http://www.tigresdemexico.com.mx. Concludes late August
September, 2008
1 Sep-President's State of the Nation Address. Public holiday. Government offices and banks are closed.
15 Sep-Prelude to Independence Day. Around 11 pm, the Zocalo fills with throngs of people waiting to hear the Mexican president re-enact Father Hidalgo's 1810 grito, the call for independence from Spain. The crowd responds "Viva Mexico!" and the fireworks, mariachi music and all-night partying begin. Wear old clothes: Throwing flour and eggs at people is a tradition. Most businesses are closed.
16 Sep-Independence Day. Public holiday. A three-hour military parade begins at the Zocalo and ends at the angel monument on Paseo de la Reforma. Most businesses are closed.
Early-Late September—Soccer. Five teams call Mexico City their home—Cruz Azul, U.N.A.M., Necaxa, Atlante and America. For information about the season and tickets, call the Federacion Mexicana de Futbol at 5241-0100. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 5325-9000. http://www.femexfut.org.mx. Season continues through late April 2009
Early-Late September—Concert. The Mexico City Philharmonic Orchestra performs weekly in Sala Silvestre Revueltas, Centro Cultural Ollin Yoliztli, Periferico Sur 5141. For information, call 5606-0016 or 5606-8558. Continues through late June 2009
Early-Late September—Concert. The National Symphony Orchestra performs frequently at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Avenida Juarez and Lazaro Cardenas. For information, call 5529-9320. http://mexico.udg.mx/arte/palacioba. Continues through late July 2009
Early-Late September—Opera. Opera Nacional de Mexico performs regularly at Palacio de Bellas Artes, Avenida Juarez and Lazaro Cardenas. For information, call 5572-2593 or 5529-9320. http://mexico.udg.mx/arte/palacioba. Continues through late December
Throughout September—Dance. The internationally acclaimed Ballet Folklorico troupe performs Sunday morning at 9:30 and Sunday and Tuesday or Wednesday evenings at 8:30. Palacio de Bellas Artes, Avenida Juarez and Lazaro Cardenas. For information, call 5529-9320. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 5325-9000. http://www.balletamalia.com. Continues through late April 2009
October, 2008
12 Oct-Dia de la Raza. Public holiday that marks the mixing of Mexico's indigenous and European races.
Throughout October—Concert. The Mexico City Philharmonic Orchestra performs weekly in Sala Silvestre Revueltas, Centro Cultural Ollin Yoliztli, Periferico Sur 5141. For information, call 5606-0016 or 5606-8558. Continues through late June 2009
Throughout October—Soccer. Five teams call Mexico City their home—Cruz Azul, U.N.A.M., Necaxa, Atlante and America. For information about the season and tickets, call the Federacion Mexicana de Futbol at 5241-0100. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 5325-9000. http://www.femexfut.org.mx. Season continues through late April 2009
Throughout October—Opera. Opera Nacional de Mexico performs regularly at Palacio de Bellas Artes, Avenida Juarez and Lazaro Cardenas. For information, call 5572-2593 or 5529-9320. http://mexico.udg.mx/arte/palacioba. Continues through late December
Throughout October—Concert. The National Symphony Orchestra performs frequently at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Avenida Juarez and Lazaro Cardenas. For information, call 5529-9320. http://mexico.udg.mx/arte/palacioba. Continues through late July 2009
Throughout October—Dance. The internationally acclaimed Ballet Folklorico troupe performs Sunday morning at 9:30 and Sunday and Tuesday or Wednesday evenings at 8:30. Palacio de Bellas Artes, Avenida Juarez and Lazaro Cardenas. For information, call 5529-9320. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 5325-9000. http://www.balletamalia.com. Continues through late April 2009
November, 2008
1 Nov-Dia de Todos los Santos. All Saints' Day, a public and religious holiday. Most offices and businesses are closed. Families honor their departed loved ones with elaborate altars in their homes.
2 Nov—Dia de los Muertos. All Souls' Day, or Day of the Dead, is a public and religious holiday. Most offices and businesses are closed. Skeleton-shaped sweets and breads, wire and clay skeletons, and masses of flowers fill the markets. At night, candlelight processions make their way to cemeteries, where picnics and music pay tribute to the deceased. A particularly well-known celebration takes place in Mixquic, 30 mi/50 km southwest of Mexico City.
20 Nov-Revolution Day. Public holiday. Parades, including one that traditionally begins at 10 am at the Zocalo, commemorate the beginning of the Revolution of 1910-20.
Early-Late November—Bullfights. Thousands of fans cheer for their favorite toreros as the bullfighters take on aggravated bulls. Monumental Plaza de Toros Mexico, Augusto Rodin 241. For information, call 5611-4413. http://www.lamexico.com. Continues through late April 2009
Throughout November—Concert. The National Symphony Orchestra performs frequently at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Avenida Juarez and Lazaro Cardenas. For information, call 5529-9320. http://mexico.udg.mx/arte/palacioba. Continues through late July 2009
Throughout November—Opera. Opera Nacional de Mexico performs regularly at Palacio de Bellas Artes, Avenida Juarez and Lazaro Cardenas. For information, call 5572-2593 or 5529-9320. http://mexico.udg.mx/arte/palacioba. Continues through late December
Throughout November—Soccer. Five teams call Mexico City their home—Cruz Azul, U.N.A.M., Necaxa, Atlante and America. For information about the season and tickets, call the Federacion Mexicana de Futbol at 5241-0100. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 5325-9000. http://www.femexfut.org.mx. Season continues through late April 2009
Throughout November—Concert. The Mexico City Philharmonic Orchestra performs weekly in Sala Silvestre Revueltas, Centro Cultural Ollin Yoliztli, Periferico Sur 5141. For information, call 5606-0016 or 5606-8558. Continues through late June 2009
Throughout November—Dance. The internationally acclaimed Ballet Folklorico troupe performs Sunday morning at 9:30 and Sunday and Tuesday or Wednesday evenings at 8:30. Palacio de Bellas Artes, Avenida Juarez and Lazaro Cardenas. For information, call 5529-9320. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 5325-9000. http://www.balletamalia.com. Continues through late April 2009
December, 2008
12 Dec-Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Public holiday. Millions make the pilgrimage to the huge Basilica of Guadalupe, shrine of Mexico's patron saint. Within the basilica, musicians and dancers perform as the pious approach, many on their knees. La Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe, Tepeyec Hill, northern edge of Mexico City.
25 Dec-Dia de Navidad. Public holiday. Families usually celebrate Christmas at home.
Throughout December—Dance. The internationally acclaimed Ballet Folklorico troupe performs Sunday morning at 9:30 and Sunday and Tuesday or Wednesday evenings at 8:30. Palacio de Bellas Artes, Avenida Juarez and Lazaro Cardenas. For information, call 5529-9320. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 5325-9000. http://www.balletamalia.com. Continues through late April 2009
Throughout December—Opera. Opera Nacional de Mexico performs regularly at Palacio de Bellas Artes, Avenida Juarez and Lazaro Cardenas. For information, call 5572-2593 or 5529-9320. http://mexico.udg.mx/arte/palacioba. Concludes late December
Throughout December—Concert. The National Symphony Orchestra performs frequently at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Avenida Juarez and Lazaro Cardenas. For information, call 5529-9320. http://mexico.udg.mx/arte/palacioba. Continues through late July 2009
Throughout December—Bullfights. Thousands of fans cheer for their favorite toreros as the bullfighters take on aggravated bulls. Monumental Plaza de Toros Mexico, Augusto Rodin 241. For information, call 5611-4413. http://www.lamexico.com. Continues through late April 2009
Throughout December—Concert. The Mexico City Philharmonic Orchestra performs weekly in Sala Silvestre Revueltas, Centro Cultural Ollin Yoliztli, Periferico Sur 5141. For information, call 5606-0016 or 5606-8558. Continues through late June 2009
Throughout December—Soccer. Five teams call Mexico City their home—Cruz Azul, U.N.A.M., Necaxa, Atlante and America. For information about the season and tickets, call the Federacion Mexicana de Futbol at 5241-0100. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 5325-9000. http://www.femexfut.org.mx. Season continues through late April 2009
January, 2009
1 Jan—New Year's Day. Public holiday.
6 Jan—Dia de los Reyes Magos. Also known as Epiphany, a public and religious holiday. Children place their shoes where the Three Kings can find them and then fill them with treats. A special ring-shaped bread, rosca, is served with a small plastic figure of Baby Jesus baked into it. Whoever gets the figure is obliged to host a party for all present on Candlemas Day, 2 February.
Throughout January—Dance. The internationally acclaimed Ballet Folklorico troupe performs Sunday morning at 9:30 and Sunday and Tuesday or Wednesday evenings at 8:30. Palacio de Bellas Artes, Avenida Juarez and Lazaro Cardenas. For information, call 5529-9320. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 5325-9000. http://www.balletamalia.com. Continues through late April
Throughout January—Concert. The National Symphony Orchestra performs frequently at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Avenida Juarez and Lazaro Cardenas. For information, call 5529-9320. http://mexico.udg.mx/arte/palacioba. Continues through late July
Throughout January—Bullfights. Thousands of fans cheer for their favorite toreros as the bullfighters take on aggravated bulls. Monumental Plaza de Toros Mexico, Augusto Rodin 241. For information, call 5611-4413. http://www.lamexico.com. Continues through late April
Throughout January—Soccer. Five teams call Mexico City their home—Cruz Azul, U.N.A.M., Necaxa, Atlante and America. For information about the season and tickets, call the Federacion Mexicana de Futbol at 5241-0100. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 5325-9000. http://www.femexfut.org.mx. Season continues through late April
Throughout January—Concert. The Mexico City Philharmonic Orchestra performs weekly in Sala Silvestre Revueltas, Centro Cultural Ollin Yoliztli, Periferico Sur 5141. For information, call 5606-0016 or 5606-8558. Continues through late June
February, 2009
2 Feb—Candlemas Day. Special Masses, processions, bullfights and fiestas mark the day that Mary took Jesus to the temple. Takes place 40 days after Christmas.
5 Feb—Constitution Day. Public holiday commemorating the constitutions of 1857 and 1917, which still guide the governing of Mexico.
Early-Late February—Dance. The Mexican Dance Company gives special performances of Swan Lake at the amphitheater at the Palacio de Bellas Artes Tuesday-Saturday at 8 pm. Tickets may be purchased at the Palacio de Bellas Artes daily 11 am-7 pm. Avenida Juarez and Lazaro Cardenas. For information, call 5529-9320. http://mexico.udg.mx/arte/palacioba. Continues through mid April
Throughout February—Bullfights. Thousands of fans cheer for their favorite toreros as the bullfighters take on aggravated bulls. Monumental Plaza de Toros Mexico, Augusto Rodin 241. For information, call 5611-4413. http://www.lamexico.com. Continues through late April
Throughout February—Concert. The Mexico City Philharmonic Orchestra performs weekly in Sala Silvestre Revueltas, Centro Cultural Ollin Yoliztli, Periferico Sur 5141. For information, call 5606-0016 or 5606-8558. Continues through late June
Throughout February—Soccer. Five teams call Mexico City their home—Cruz Azul, U.N.A.M., Necaxa, Atlante and America. For information about the season and tickets, call the Federacion Mexicana de Futbol at 5241-0100. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 5325-9000. http://www.femexfut.org.mx. Season continues through late April
Throughout February—Concert. The National Symphony Orchestra performs frequently at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Avenida Juarez and Lazaro Cardenas. For information, call 5529-9320. http://mexico.udg.mx/arte/palacioba. Continues through late July
Throughout February—Dance. The internationally acclaimed Ballet Folklorico troupe performs Sunday morning at 9:30 and Sunday and Tuesday or Wednesday evenings at 8:30. Palacio de Bellas Artes, Avenida Juarez and Lazaro Cardenas. For information, call 5529-9320. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 5325-9000. http://www.balletamalia.com. Continues through late April
March, 2009
21 Mar—Birthday of Benito Juarez. Public holiday honoring the leader of the Mexican Revolution.
Early-Late March—Opera. Opera Nacional de Mexico performs regularly at Palacio de Bellas Artes, Avenida Juarez and Lazaro Cardenas. For information, call 5572-2593 or 5529-9320. http://mexico.udg.mx/arte/palacioba. Continues through early July
Mid March—Xochimilco Festival. Four-day event held two weeks before Easter. This festival dates to precolonial times, when Mexicans honored the goddess of flowers (Xochipilli) and the goddess of dance (Maculxochitl) to ensure good harvests. A girl is crowned La Flor Mas Bella del Ejido (the most beautiful flower of Ejido) and presides over the lead barge of a parade floating up and down the canals. There are also competitions in canoeing, horticulture and carnival cars. Xochimilco, known for its canals and floating gardens, is 12 mi/19 km south of Mexico City. For information, call 5676-0810 or 5676-8879. http://www.xochimilco.df.gob.mx.
Throughout March—Concert. The National Symphony Orchestra performs frequently at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Avenida Juarez and Lazaro Cardenas. For information, call 5529-9320. http://mexico.udg.mx/arte/palacioba. Continues through late July
Throughout March—Bullfights. Thousands of fans cheer for their favorite toreros as the bullfighters take on aggravated bulls. Monumental Plaza de Toros Mexico, Augusto Rodin 241. For information, call 5611-4413. http://www.lamexico.com. Continues through late April
Throughout March—Soccer. Five teams call Mexico City their home—Cruz Azul, U.N.A.M., Necaxa, Atlante and America. For information about the season and tickets, call the Federacion Mexicana de Futbol at 5241-0100. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 5325-9000. http://www.femexfut.org.mx. Season continues through late April
Throughout March—Concert. The Mexico City Philharmonic Orchestra performs weekly in Sala Silvestre Revueltas, Centro Cultural Ollin Yoliztli, Periferico Sur 5141. For information, call 5606-0016 or 5606-8558. Continues through late June
Throughout March—Dance. The internationally acclaimed Ballet Folklorico troupe performs Sunday morning at 9:30 and Sunday and Tuesday or Wednesday evenings at 8:30. Palacio de Bellas Artes, Avenida Juarez and Lazaro Cardenas. For information, call 5529-9320. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 5325-9000. http://www.balletamalia.com. Continues through late April
Throughout March—Dance. The Mexican Dance Company gives special performances of Swan Lake at the amphitheater at the Palacio de Bellas Artes Tuesday-Saturday at 8 pm. Tickets may be purchased at the Palacio de Bellas Artes daily 11 am-7 pm. Avenida Juarez and Lazaro Cardenas. For information, call 5529-9320. http://mexico.udg.mx/arte/palacioba. Continues through mid April
April, 2009
6-11 Apr—Feria de la Nieve. The town of Tulyehualco celebrates Holy Week by serving up a blizzard of sherbet treats. They come in a variety of flavors you wouldn't expect—soursop, tequila, prickly pear, cucumber, avocado, mole and carnitas. Also religious celebrations, carnival rides, folk dancing and craft shows. Approximately 12 mi/19 km southeast of Mexico City, in the Xochimilco District. For information, call 5676-0810 or 5676-8879. http://www.xochimilco.df.gob.mx.
6-11 Apr—Semana Santa (Holy Week). Most businesses are closed from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday, but some companies and stores close the entire week before Easter. On Good Friday, a pageant depicting the crucifixion of Christ is presented on Cerro de la Estrella (Hill of the Star), in a section of the city called Ixtapalapa.
Early-Mid April—Dance. The Mexican Dance Company gives special performances of Swan Lake at the amphitheater at the Palacio de Bellas Artes Tuesday-Saturday at 8 pm. Tickets may be purchased at the Palacio de Bellas Artes daily 11 am-7 pm. Avenida Juarez and Lazaro Cardenas. For information, call 5529-9320. http://mexico.udg.mx/arte/palacioba. Concludes mid April
Throughout April—Dance. The internationally acclaimed Ballet Folklorico troupe performs Sunday morning at 9:30 and Sunday and Tuesday or Wednesday evenings at 8:30. Palacio de Bellas Artes, Avenida Juarez and Lazaro Cardenas. For information, call 5529-9320. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 5325-9000. http://www.balletamalia.com. Concludes late April
Throughout April—Bullfights. Thousands of fans cheer for their favorite toreros as the bullfighters take on aggravated bulls. Monumental Plaza de Toros Mexico, Augusto Rodin 241. For information, call 5611-4413. http://www.lamexico.com. Concludes late April
Throughout April—Concert. The Mexico City Philharmonic Orchestra performs weekly in Sala Silvestre Revueltas, Centro Cultural Ollin Yoliztli, Periferico Sur 5141. For information, call 5606-0016 or 5606-8558. Continues through late June
Throughout April—Soccer. Five teams call Mexico City their home—Cruz Azul, U.N.A.M., Necaxa, Atlante and America. For information about the season and tickets, call the Federacion Mexicana de Futbol at 5241-0100. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 5325-9000. http://www.femexfut.org.mx. Season concludes late April
Throughout April—Concert. The National Symphony Orchestra performs frequently at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Avenida Juarez and Lazaro Cardenas. For information, call 5529-9320. http://mexico.udg.mx/arte/palacioba. Continues through late July
Throughout April—Opera. Opera Nacional de Mexico performs regularly at Palacio de Bellas Artes, Avenida Juarez and Lazaro Cardenas. For information, call 5572-2593 or 5529-9320. http://mexico.udg.mx/arte/palacioba. Continues through early July
May, 2009
3 May-Dia de la Santa Cruz. Construction workers place decorated crosses against unfinished structures. Picnics and fireworks follow.
5 May—Cinco de Mayo. This national holiday celebrates the defeat of the French army at Puebla in 1862, with dances, parties, fireworks and food. Festivities are especially colorful in Puebla, 81 mi/130 km southeast of Mexico City (about two hours by bus).
10 May—Dia de la Madre. Mother's Day is an important holiday, with many businesses closed for all or part of the day. Travelers should be aware that roads and restaurants will be crowded because Mexican families traditionally take their moms out for a meal.
Throughout May—Concert. The Mexico City Philharmonic Orchestra performs weekly in Sala Silvestre Revueltas, Centro Cultural Ollin Yoliztli, Periferico Sur 5141. For information, call 5606-0016 or 5606-8558. Continues through late June
Throughout May—Opera. Opera Nacional de Mexico performs regularly at Palacio de Bellas Artes, Avenida Juarez and Lazaro Cardenas. For information, call 5572-2593 or 5529-9320. http://mexico.udg.mx/arte/palacioba. Continues through early July
Throughout May—Concert. The National Symphony Orchestra performs frequently at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Avenida Juarez and Lazaro Cardenas. For information, call 5529-9320. http://mexico.udg.mx/arte/palacioba. Continues through late July
June, 2009
1 Jun—Labor Day. Public holiday. In the morning, a huge workers parade starts at the Zocalo. The evening is reserved for more observances that include dancing and fireworks. Almost all shops, restaurants and businesses are closed.
24 Jun-St. John the Baptist Day. Fairs and religious festivities. Revelers dunk each other as a practical joke.
29 Jun-St. Peter and St. Paul Day. Local fiestas, particularly in San Pedro Atocpan (on the southern edge of Mexico City), pay homage to the two saints.
29 Jun-Dia de Santa Maria. This feast day is celebrated in the southeastern suburb of Milpa Alta with Aztec dances and staged battles between the Moors and Christians.
Throughout June—Concert. The National Symphony Orchestra performs frequently at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Avenida Juarez and Lazaro Cardenas. For information, call 5529-9320. http://mexico.udg.mx/arte/palacioba. Continues through late July
Throughout June—Opera. Opera Nacional de Mexico performs regularly at Palacio de Bellas Artes, Avenida Juarez and Lazaro Cardenas. For information, call 5572-2593 or 5529-9320. http://mexico.udg.mx/arte/palacioba. Continues through early July
Throughout June—Concert. The Mexico City Philharmonic Orchestra performs weekly in Sala Silvestre Revueltas, Centro Cultural Ollin Yoliztli, Periferico Sur 5141. For information, call 5606-0016 or 5606-8558. Concludes late June