Major Festivals 2026
The celebrations that draw visitors from around the world
Día de los Muertos
San Miguel's Day of the Dead is legendary. La Catrina parade, elaborate altar displays, cemetery visits with marigolds and candles. A profound and beautiful celebration of life and death.
La Alborada
San Miguel's biggest celebration honoring patron saint San Miguel Arcángel. 10 days of fireworks starting at 4am, parades, music, and pure Mexican joy. The city doesn't sleep.
Convite de Locos
The "Parade of the Crazies" - locals dress in wild costumes and dance through the streets throwing candy. Pure, unfiltered Mexican celebration.
2026 Festival Calendar
January
- Jan 1-6: Three Kings Day celebrations
- Jan 17: Blessing of the Animals (San Antonio Abad)
February
- Feb 2: Día de la Candelaria - tamales and processions
- Late Feb: Carnival (before Lent)
March/April
- Semana Santa: Holy Week processions - the most elaborate in Mexico
- Good Friday: Silent procession through Centro
May
- May 3: Day of the Holy Cross - construction workers celebrate
- May 15: San Isidro Labrador - blessing of seeds and animals
June
- Corpus Christi: Convite de Locos parade
- June 24: San Juan Bautista - water celebrations
July
- Mid-July: Sanmiguelada - running of the bulls (controversial)
August
- Aug 15: Assumption of Mary - processions
- Late Aug: Chamber Music Festival
September
- Sep 15-16: Mexican Independence Day - Grito at midnight
- Sep 29: La Alborada begins - 10 days of celebration
October
- Early Oct: La Alborada continues
- Oct 31: Día de los Muertos begins
November
- Nov 1-2: Día de los Muertos - main celebrations
- Nov 20: Revolution Day
December
- Dec 12: Virgin of Guadalupe - major celebration
- Dec 16-24: Posadas - nightly processions
- Dec 31: New Year's Eve in the Jardín
🎃 Día de los Muertos
San Miguel's Day of the Dead celebration is one of the most authentic and beautiful in Mexico. Unlike the tourist-heavy celebrations in Oaxaca or Michoacán, San Miguel offers an intimate experience where you can truly connect with this profound tradition.
What to Expect
- La Catrina Parade: Thousands dress as elegant skeletons and parade through Centro
- Altar Displays: Elaborate ofrendas throughout the city honoring the deceased
- Cemetery Visits: Families gather at graves with flowers, food, and music
- Vivos y Muertos: Children's festival with face painting and activities
Insider Tips
- Book accommodation 3+ months in advance - the city fills completely
- Join a local family's celebration if invited - it's a profound honor
- Visit the cemetery at night on Nov 1-2 for the most magical experience
- Bring warm clothes - November nights are cool
🎆 La Alborada
The biggest party of the year. For 10 days surrounding September 29 (the feast of San Miguel Arcángel), the city erupts in celebration. Fireworks start at 4am. Every. Single. Day.
What to Expect
- Fireworks: Castillos (firework towers) and cohetes (rockets) at all hours
- Parades: Daily processions with music, dancing, and mojigangas (giant puppets)
- Concheros: Traditional Aztec dancers in elaborate costumes
- Street Food: Vendors everywhere selling traditional treats
Survival Tips
- Bring earplugs - seriously, the fireworks are LOUD and start at 4am
- Embrace the chaos - fighting it is futile
- Join the locals in the Jardín for the main events
- Book a rooftop dinner for spectacular firework views
Festival Tips
📅 Book Early
Major festivals fill hotels months in advance. For Día de los Muertos and La Alborada, book 3+ months ahead.
💰 Expect Higher Prices
Hotels and Airbnbs charge premium rates during festivals. Budget 50-100% more than normal.
🎭 Participate
Don't just watch - join in! Dress up for Día de los Muertos, dance in the streets during La Alborada.
📱 Stay Flexible
Festival schedules are fluid. Events start late, routes change. Go with the flow.