6 of Mexico's best festivals
Day of the Dead may be Mexico's most famous festival, but it's just one of 5,000 that take place in the country each year. These celebrations blend the culture of pre-Hispanic Mesoamerica with rituals brought by their Catholic colonisers: some are devoted to God, others to the devil; some celebrate life, others death. Processions form to mark everything from saints to particular professions, and no event is too small — even a girl's quinceañera, or 15th birthday party, might turn a town on its head. Here's our pick of the festivals worth travelling for.
1. Día de los Muertos, Oaxaca de Juárez
For weeks leading up to Day of the Dead, traditionally celebrated on 1 and 2 November, the walls of Oaxaca are flushed bright orange with freshly cut marigolds — fixed to doors, hung in garlands or, in some cases, cloaking entire buildings. According to legend, the flowers act as guides to souls revisiting the land of the living, where they're greeted by raucous street parties, decorated ofrenda (altars), painted faces and skeletal puppet parades. Join in by adding a picture of a lost loved one to a communal ofrenda and, typically, a sweet treat or drink they can enjoy on their journey home. Half an hour south of the state capital, you'll find the candlelit cemeteries of Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán — one of several surrounding settlements that hosts its own festivities.
2. Fiesta de la Virgen de Guadalupe, Morelia
Celebrations of the Virgin of Guadalupe, Mexico's patron saint — as she appeared to Juan Diego, the first Indigenous person of the Americas to be canonised — begin on 12 December. Across the country, crowds carry flower-wrapped representations of the Holy Virgin and worshippers don colourful headdresses to perform the Dance of the Matachines in her honour, with live music and fireworks to follow. Morelia, the capital of the central state of Michoacán, has the most fervent festivities — each year, around 150,000 pilgrims take part in a procession towards the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, its interior gleaming with gold.
The Guelaguetza celebrations in Oaxaca include offerings to the Zapotec goddess of agriculture.
Photograph by Gabriel Perez, Getty Images
3. Guelaguetza, Oaxaca de Juárez
Guelaguetza (meaning 'offering') is a 3,000-year-old festival that traditionally honoured the Zapotec goddess of agriculture but now serves as a celebration of the state's dazzlingly diverse Indigenous culture. Oaxaca's 16 Indigenous groups are represented, with dancers, musicians and costumed carousers from each group travelling to the state capital for the last two Mondays of July. Their processions mainly take place in an open-air amphitheatre built into the Cerro del Fortín hilltop, for which tickets are required — but the festive spirit tends to spill over into city streets.
4. Fiesta Grande de Chiapa, Chiapa de Corzo
This annual festival, held in January, is inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List and is the chief claim to fame of this Chiapas highlands town. Honouring three Catholic saints (Saint Anthony Abbot, Our Lord of Esquipulas and Saint Sebastian), it sees parachico dancers wearing painted masks spinning amid crowds donned in folkloric costumes. Participants wear designs specific to their place of origin, with men parading in neon-woven serapes (traditional shawls) and women in meticulously embroidered pluming skirts. Soundtracked by beating drums and children's chattering maracas, the procession makes its way towards the grand doors of the Cathedral of Santo Domingo de Guzmán for a dedicated mass.
Lighting a candle in honour of the Catholic Saints is a fundamental activity during festivities.
Photograph by Gabriel Perez, Getty Images
5. Carnaval, Mazatlán
This Pacific Coast city's multi-day Carnaval celebrations, held in the lead-up to Lent, has the same roots as its famous counterparts in Brazil and the Caribbean — but today, Mazatlán's iteration is mostly an excuse for a city-wide party. Neon lights shine from the sides of grand parade floats and dancers wearing bedazzled bikinis and feathered headdresses twirl to pounding tunes late into the night. The daytime procession tends to be calmer and more family-friendly, with fairground rides and the coronation of the Carnaval King and Queen.
6. Festival Internacional Cervantino, Guanajuato
Among the few festivals tagged neither to pre-Hispanic ritual nor the Catholic calendar, this celebration of Spanish-language arts takes place in the central Mexican city of Guanajuato each autumn. Named after the Spaniard Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote, its packed programme of live events includes performances of traditional Mexican folkloric ballet in the central hub Plaza de la Paz, music in repurposed baroque churches and pop-up nightclubs in subterranean catacombs.
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Kyoto, like many of Japan's cities, offers an impressive range of accommodations, but for our discerning traveler, the goal is a seamless blend of Japanese elegance and modern comfort. The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto: Perfectly positioned by the Kamo River, this hotel offers understated elegance, exceptional dining options and serene spa for a true urban oasis. It's got that perfect blend of refined service and contemporary Japanese aesthetics that makes it a the perfect jumping-off-point. Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel: If you prefer a more serene, almost resort-like escape, this hotel in scenic Arashiyama is simply stunning. It offers onsen-style baths, private gardens, and an atmosphere of tranquility, allowing you to truly unwind after exploring the bamboo groves and temples nearby. Hotel Kanra Kyoto: This hotel perfectly blends contemporary Japanese design with classic touches. Think inviting tatami rooms, deep soaking tubs that truly soothe, and a quiet ambiance. It offers a stylish, comfortable base without feeling ostentatious. Kyoto Granbell Hotel: Located conveniently near Gion, this hotel offers stylish rooms and often a relaxing public bath. It's a great option for those who want a bit of Japanese sensibility in a very accessible, well-designed setting. Gion Hatanaka: This ryokan offers an authentic experience with beautiful kaiseki meals and, importantly, regular opportunities for private geisha performances. It's truly special, right in the heart of Gion. Ryokan Yachiyo (Kyoto Nanzenji Ryokan Yachiyo): Nestled near Nanzen-ji, this is a truly peaceful garden ryokan. Many rooms offer private soaking tubs, and the serene surroundings make it a perfect place to unwind and experience traditional Japanese hospitality. Kyoto's food scene is a destination in itself. Prepare your palate for delights that range from comforting street snacks to the highest echelons of Japanese gastronomy. Matcha Everything: Uji matcha! You've had it in L.A., but you're simply not prepared for the depth and breadth of the offerings in Kyoto. Try it all, in its myriad forms. Parfaits, lattes, and soft-serve ice cream are widely available and incredibly delicious. It's a daily ritual here. Kaiseki: This traditional multi-course meal is an art form. It's meticulously prepared, beautifully presented and always seasonal. For truly unforgettable experiences, book ahead at renowned establishments like Gion Karyo (known for its refined dishes in Gion) or the Three-Michelin-Star(!) Kikunoi for the ultimate indulgence. It's more than a meal - it's a performance. Yatsuhashi: Kyoto's signature sweet. You'll find many variations, but seek out the soft, cinnamon-flavored version. It's a delightful, unique treat. Obanzai Cuisine: This is Kyoto's home-style cooking. Think small, seasonal dishes that highlight local ingredients. It's comforting, healthy and offers a wonderful glimpse into the city's everyday tastes. Timing truly enhances your Kyoto experience. Luckily, no matter when you go, there are unique events, weather patterns and ways to enjoy the city and its surroundings. Spring: This is cherry blossom season. It's undeniably beautiful, but also incredibly popular. Book everything far in advance! Autumn: Temple gardens burst with fiery foliage, the weather is crisp, and while still popular, it feels more breathable than spring. Winter: Often overlooked, but truly peaceful. Fewer crowds mean more intimate temple visits. It's perfect for hot springs, cozy ryokan stays, and the occasional snow-dusted temple creates a truly magical scene. Summer: It's humid, no getting around that. But it's also packed with vibrant festivals like the Gion Matsuri (July). If you go, embrace the festivals and plan sightseeing for early mornings or late afternoons when the heat of the day isn't upon you. Kyoto is a city that rewards thoughtful navigation, luckily, like much of Japan, it's easy to get around! IC Card (ICOCA/Pasmo/Suica): Get this! It will be your best friend. Similar to L.A.'s TAP card for Metro, you can pick it up any major station and use it for seamless fares on local buses and trains. Bus: They cover most major tourist sites, which is convenient. However, they can get quite slow and crowded, especially during rush hour, so plan accordingly. Trains and subways: Japan is, of course, well-known for its rail transit, and Kyoto's trains are no exception. These are your go-to for longer distances and zipping efficiently across the city. They're clean, punctual and incredibly easy to use. Walking and biking: For areas like Arashiyama, Gion, and the Philosopher's Path, simply walking or renting a bicycle is ideal. You'll discover so much more at a leisurely pace!
