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All Festivals in Mérida, Mexico in 2025
The great festivals in Mérida
In Mexico, people like to celebrate a lot and and Mérida is known for its great festivals. The city offers widely known festivals, which attract tens of thousands of visitors and make the city vibrate. Here you will find an overview of which festivals take place in which month.
Further tips
The Tourism Department of Mérida lists festivals in Mérida on the website VisitMeridaMx. In our overview of all weekly events in Mérida you will find all events sorted by day. If you're looking for excursions beyond the city limits, check out the amazing Day Trips on the Yucatán Peninsula.
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January Festivals in Mérida
Mérida Fest (currently running)
Opt for a January trip to experience Mérida Fest in Mérida, a huge annual celebration that honors the founding of Mérida (in 2025 already marking the 483rd anniversary) and extends over several weeks.
Mérida Fest is a vibrant celebration filled with countless cultural events and captivating artistic performances, complemented by an incredible variety of gastronomic delights. The city comes alive as events unfold across museums, parks, and universities, along the iconic Paseo de Montejo, in the city hall (Palacio Municipal), and countless other exciting venues, creating an atmosphere of joy and creativity everywhere you go!
It has already begun with a serenade on January 5, when hundreds of troubadour folk singers sang the traditional alborada at dawn to wake up the town with trova music. The festivities end on January 26, 2025. There are a range of activities including dance, theater, literature, visual arts, music, and children’s events.
Jarana Dance at the Plaza Grande
Image Source: © Спасимир, flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
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Palacio Municipal de Mérida (at Plaza Grande)
February Festivals in Mérida
Carnival in Mérida
The Mérida Carnival is one of the most spectacular carnivals in México and one of the most anticipated festivals of the city. It takes place in February and March, mainly on the Xmatkuil exhibition grounds a little outside in the south of Mérida. There are free shuttle buses that will take you there from the city center in around 30 minutes.
Carnival in Mérida 2025 kicks off on February 26 with the iconic "Burning of the Bad Mood", setting the stage for an unforgettable celebration (from 8:00 pm at Palacio Municipal). But the festive energy will fill the city even earlier, with exciting events like the coronation of the carnival rulers, ensuring the party spirit takes over well before the official start.
On Thursday, September 27, the parades kick off, starting with the traditional children's parade, the only one held in the streets of the city center (set to begin at 4:00 pm). From Friday, February 28, to March 4, the festivities shift to the Xmatkuil fairgrounds. If you’re in the city, make sure to plan at least one day there, it’s absolutely worth it.
Carnival Tuesday, or the "Battle of the Flowers", is the most anticipated day. It falls on March 4, 2025. This is the highlight of the carnival, also known as Mardi Gras, and traditionally marks the final day of celebrations before Ash Wednesday, which begins on March 5, 2025.
On Wednesday, March 5, at 8:00 pm, the festivities will conclude with the "Burial of Juan Carnaval" and the award ceremony for the comparsas competition. Once again, this will take place on the ground floor of the Palacio Municipal at Plaza Grande.
Among other attractions like comparsas and parades, shows, musicals or pyrotechnics there are many different music stages with salsa or merengue, but also electronic music. It is believed that the carnivals in Mérida began to be celebrated in 1578 and it have grown at a good pace over the years. Also have a look at City Council of Mérida.
Carnaval in Mérida
Image Source: © Rubén Naíl, flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
Carneval in Mérida
April Festivals in Mérida
The Holy Week
During Holy Week in April, one week before Easter, Mérida comes alive with the vibrant culture of Semana Santa processions, a deeply spiritual and cultural experience that brings centuries-old traditions to life. As the most important week in the church calendar, it’s a time of reflection, devotion, and community, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the heart of Mérida’s rich heritage.
Holy Week (Semana Santa) in Mérida begins in 2025 on Sunday, April 13, with Palm Sunday (Domingo de Ramos). This special week includes significant days such as Maundy Thursday (Jueves Santo) on April 17, Good Friday (Viernes Santo) on April 18, and Holy Saturday (Sábado Santo) on April 19. The celebrations culminate with Easter (Pascua) on Sunday, April 20, 2025.
On Good Friday, the traditional church service does not take place, the bells fall silent and the church commemorates the suffering and death of Jesus. During these days, the church remembers why and how the Son of God died. If you visit the Cathedral of Mérida on Good Friday, you can watch the procession with the Stations of the Cross, which are acted out in traditional clothing.
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Catedral de Mérida
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Inside the Catedral de Mérida
May Festivals in Mérida
Noche Blanca
Noche Blance (the White Night) is usually celebrated twice a year (around May and November). In 2025, however, the festival will unfortunately only take place once in November.
Food Stalls at Paseo de Montejo
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Teatro José Peón Contreras
July Festivals in Mérida
Feria Artesanal Tunich
The Feria Artesanal Tunich (Tunich Arts and Crafts Fair) has been in existence since 2001, usually beginning at the end of July and lasting 10 days. The exact dates for 2025 have not yet been announced but it takes place in Dzityá, a sub-municipality of Mérida. It's the largest arts and crafts fair in southeastern Mexico and includes vendors from other regions on the Yucatan Peninsula.
Each year, guest states from Mexico are also invited, as well as another guest country. It includes about 150 artisans and a food court. There are also many daily events. On average, about 100,000 visitors come during the 10 days of the fair. Admission to the fair, which is usually open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, is free.
There is a free shuttle service from Plaza Grande (Monday through Saturday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm). More information is available on the official website or VisitMerida.
Wood craftsman
...at work
August Festivals in Mérida
Feria Artesanal Tunich
The Feria Artesanal Tunich continues (please see July section for more information).
September Festivals in Mérida
Mexico’s Independence Day
On Mexico's Independence Day on September 15 and the day after, festive events are held throughout the city. In the evening on September 15, the Governor will reenact the "Cry of Dolores" speech of Miguel de Hildago first made on Sept 16th 1810. Thousands of Yucatecans will once again fill Plaza Grande in 2025 to celebrate this national holiday.
On the morning of September 16, the celebrations continue with a civic-military parade through the streets of Mérida's historic center. The event features students, military personnel, and various civic organizations, showcasing the nation's unity and honoring the heroes of independence. And if you get up early enough, you can witness the raising of the national flag on September 16th at 7:00 am by the Mayor of Mérida at Plaza Grande.
Throughout the month, Mérida's streets, parks, and cultural centers are adorned with vibrant decorations and host numerous events, including traditional music performances, dance exhibitions, and culinary fairs. The city becomes a hub of activity, offering residents and visitors alike a chance to immerse themselves in Mexican culture and heritage.
Mexico's Independence Day
Mexico's Independence Day (Mexico Flag)
October Festivals in Mérida
Hanal Pixan Festival
In Yucatan, Dia de los Muertos (Day of the dead) is known by it's Maya name, Hanal Pixan. It means "food for the souls" in the Mayan language. Traditionally, the deceased are commemorated. It is November 1st and 2nd but the Mayans celebrate it from October 31st to November 2nd.
The festivities in Mérida in 2025 kick off with vibrant energy in the week leading up to November 1. The main event is Paseo de las Ánimas (Walk of the Souls), a parade that goes from the General Cemetery to Parque de San Juan.
The participants dress in traditional costumes and paint their faces as skulls to commemorate the deceased. The event usually takes place from October 26 to November 3. The exact dates will be announced by the City Council of Mérida.
Hanal Pixan Festival (Walk of the Souls)
Image Source: © I. A. Huerta Reyna, wiki, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Hanal Pixan Festival (Walk of the Souls)
November Festivals in Mérida
Hanal Pixan Festival
The Hanal Pixan Festival continuies until Nov. 2 (see October section for more information).
Noche Blanca
Noche Blance (the White Night) is usually celebrated twice a year (around May and November). In 2025, however, the festival will only take place once on November 30, 2025. The event kicks off with "La Víspera" on November 29, serving as an exciting prelude to the main celebration. Best of all, the events are completely free.
Both La Víspera and Noche Blanca come alive with an incredible array of 250-300 cultural events, ranging from theater performances, live music, and dancing to visual art exhibitions, street food vendors, and so much more. These two nights transform Mérida into a vibrant hub of celebration and historic downtown turns into a giant street party.
During this event, the streets of the historic center of Mérida are illuminated with a special brightness and the main theaters, museums and venues of the city open their doors throughout the night for free. Calle 60, in front of the entrance, will be closed to traffic to create a block party atmosphere.
Feria de Xmatkuil
Feria de Xmatkuil, a state fair, is one of the most anticipated events in southeastern México and takes place early November for a full month. There is a wide offer from the traditional cattle auction, concerts, mechanical rides and food stalls. Incidentally, the trade fair will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025.
The fair has also become an important distribution point for merchants from across the country. There are usually well over 1,000 exhibitors represented and usually around 2,000,000 visitors are expected. The entrance fee is about 30 pesos and parking costs about 40 pesos.
The guest of honor at the 2025 fair will be Chiapas, showcasing its rich culture and traditions in a dedicated pavilion. Adding to the excitement, special events such as the selection of the fair’s ambassador, wedding ceremonies, and sports competitions are also planned.
Hanal Pixan Festival
Image Source: © I. A. H. Reyna, wiki, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Feria de Xmalkuil
December Festivals in Mérida
Christmas Season
The Christmas season, which lasts until January 2026, is a great time to head to Mérida. The main avenues and city parks are decorated in colorful festive holiday lights, the weather is nigh on perfect and there’s always plenty going on.
From December 16, the traditional Mexican Posadas are celebrated, which recreate the search for shelter by Mary and Joseph. Families and communities go from house to house singing, culminating in festive gatherings with music, dancing and typical dishes.
But also don’t miss the monumental Nativity scene at the Plaza Grande, the one at the Municipal Palace and at the Government Palace. Beyond these central installations, neighborhoods such as Las Américas, La Mejorada, Colonia Alemán, or La Ermita also embrace the holiday spirit with their own festive decorations, creating a city-wide celebration that enchants all who wander through its illuminated streets.
Also the lighting of the Christmas tree near Gran Museo Del Mundo Maya is a highly anticipated event. Traditionally held around December 1, this celebration features a towering tree adorned with thousands of sparkling lights, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that draws large crowds. The event is often accompanied by a Christmas fair, complete with various attractions and activities for all ages.
Christmas Decoration Downtown
Piñata at Christmas