All Yearly Festivals in Mérida, Mexico (2026 Guide)
Updated: January 3, 2026
Discover Mérida / Festivals
Author: Tobias
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Festvals in Mérida
2026 Guide
Hi, I’m Tobias – a German travel writer with a home in Mérida and a passion for exploring new places.
For over 20 years, my wife (a local) and I have traveled Mérida, and the Yucatán Peninsula. On this site I share real insights on 200+ places.
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Mérida’s Annual Festivals at a Glance
Key festivals in Mérida, Mexico include Mérida Fest in January, Carnaval in February, La Noche Blanca in May or June, and Hanal Pixán in late October. These events showcase local music, dance, and traditions, and are mostly held in Centro Histórico with many activities free to attend.
First half of 2026:
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January: Mérida Fest (January 5–18, 2026) marks the city’s founding with concerts, exhibitions, and performances across public venues and theaters.
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February: Carnaval (February 11–18, 2026) features parades, concerts, and cultural shows at the Xmatkuil fairgrounds and downtown streets.
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March-April: From Palm Sunday, March 29, to Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, Semana Santa brings the city alive with ancient processions and deep spiritual significance.
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May: Noche Blanca is held in May (or June) and November. 2026 dates are unconfirmed, but the event features late museum hours, art shows, and performances citywide.
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July: The Feria Tunich 2026 will take place from July 24 to August 2, 2026.
Browse Festivals by Month
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January 2026 Festivals
Mérida Fest
Mérida was founded on January 6, 1542, by Francisco de Montejo ‘El Mozo,’ on the former Maya city of T’hó. Every January, the city celebrates Mérida Fest to honor its founding. In 2026, the city will celebrate its 484th anniversary.
Mérida Fest highlights Yucatán’s culture with music, dance, art, theater, literature, and regional food. Events take place across museums, parks, Paseo de Montejo, and the Palacio Municipal. The whole city fills with creative energy.
The festival traditionally opens on January 5 with the Callejoneada and Alborada at Plaza Grande in the evening. In 2026, the program runs through January 18, offering a varied lineup for all ages, including concerts, art exhibits, theater, and children’s activities.
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Key dates: January 5 – 18, 2026
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Location: Across the entire city
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 2026 Festivals
Carnival in Mérida
Mérida’s Carnival is one of the most colorful and exciting carnivals in Mexico. It happens each year in late winter at Xmatkuil fairgrounds, just south of the city. Free shuttle buses run regularly from downtown Mérida – about a 30-minute ride.
Carnival in Mérida 2026 kicks off February 11 at the Palacio Municipal in the historic center. But the festive spirit usually arrives earlier, with events like the coronation of the carnival kings and queens taking place before the official opening.
Carnival in Mérida takes place at Ciudad Carnaval (Xmatkuil fairgrounds). The opening events, including the “Quema del Mal Humor,” and the full parade schedule are announced in the official program.
Carnival Tuesday is the highlight of the week. In 2026, it falls on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, followed by Ash Wednesday on February 18, marking the traditional close of the celebrations.
In addition to vibrant parades, shows, musicals, and fireworks, the carnival features a wide range of music stages – from salsa and merengue to electronic beats. For official updates and full programs, check the City Council of Mérida.
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Key dates: February 11–18, 2026
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Locations: city center and Xmatkuil fairgrounds
Carnaval in Mérida
Image Source: © Rubén Naíl, flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
Carneval in Mérida
March-April 2026 Festivals
The Holy Week (Semana Santa)
During late March in Mérida, Mexico, Semana Santa brings the city alive with ancient processions and deep spiritual meaning. Families, locals, and visitors gather in colonial streets to share in a powerful mix of devotion, history, and culture.
In 2026, Holy Week runs from Palm Sunday on March 29 to Easter Sunday on April 5. In Mérida, many parishes mark the week with Palm Sunday services, Good Friday Vía Crucis processions, and other religious ceremonies, with times and routes announced locally.
Overview:
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Palm Sunday (Domingo de Ramos): March 29, 2026
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Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday): April 2, 2026
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Good Friday: April 3, 2026
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Holy Saturday: April 4, 2026
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Easter Sunday (Domingo de Resurrección): April 5, 2026
On Good Friday (April 3), many churches in Mérida hold Vía Crucis processions and services, often culminating near the Cathedral of Mérida. The atmosphere is solemn and unforgettable.
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Key dates: Palm Sunday March 29 – Easter Sunday April 5, 2026
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Location: Across the entire city
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Catedral de Mérida
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Inside the Catedral de Mérida
May 2026 Festivals
Noche Blanca (White Night)
Noche Blanca (the White Night) is typically celebrated twice a year, usually around May and November. Dates for 2026 have not been officially confirmed yet. In 2025, the May edition was postponed to June, so it’s best to check the official program for the final dates.
Food Stalls at Paseo de Montejo
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Teatro José Peón Contreras
July 2026 Festivals
Feria Artesanal Tunich
The Feria Artesanal Tunich is the largest arts and crafts fair in southeastern Mexico. Since 2001, it has drawn artisans from across the Yucatán Peninsula to Dzityá, a town within Mérida.
The Feria Tunich 2026 will take place from July 24 to August 2, 2026. It is open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, showcasing handmade goods, local traditions, and cultural performances.
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.
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Key dates: July 24 – August 02, 2026
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Entry Fee: Free
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Location: Dzityá, a sub-municipality of Mérida
Wood craftsman
...at work
August 2026 Festivals
Feria Artesanal Tunich
The Feria Artesanal Tunich continues until August 2 (please see July section for more information).
September 2026 Festivals
Mexico’s Independence Day
Mexico’s Independence Day is celebrated in Mérida on September 15 and 16 with parades, public events, and patriotic ceremonies. On the night of September 15, thousands gather in Plaza Grande as the Governor reenacts the historic "Grito de Independencia," marking the start of Mexico’s fight for independence in 1810.
The next morning, September 16, the national flag is raised at around 7:45 am. This is followed by a civic–military parade through the historic center, featuring students, soldiers, and local groups. The event highlights national pride and honors the country’s independence heroes.
Throughout September, Mérida is filled with colorful lights, Mexican flags, and public celebrations. Parks and plazas host traditional music, folkloric dances, and regional food fairs, making it a vibrant time to experience local culture and community spirit.
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Key dates: September 15–16, 2026
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Location: Plaza Grande / city center
Mexico's Independence Day
Mexico's Independence Day (Mexico Flag)
October 2026 Festivals
Hanal Pixan Festival
Hanal Pixan is the Maya version of Dia de los Muertos, meaning “food for the souls.” This festival blends Mayan and Catholic traditions to honor children on October 31, adults on November 1, and all souls on November 2.
In Mérida, the city’s Festival de las Ánimas typically runs longer, often from late October through November 2. For 2026, it’s best to wait for the official program and dates to be confirmed.
The city fills with colorful altars, marigold paths, and public ceremonies. The highlight is the candlelit Paseo de las Ánimas, or “Walk of Souls,” a procession from the General Cemetery to Parque de San Juan.
Altars in homes and public spaces include water, salt, copal incense, flowers, candles, and favorite foods of the departed. During the Walk of Souls, participants paint their faces as skulls and wear traditional dress.
The Feria del Mucbipollo (Pib) in San Sebastián brings neighbors together to share underground-cooked tamales, music, and storytelling.
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Key dates: October 31 – November 2, 2026
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Location: All across Mérida
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Further information: 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 2026 Festivals
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). For 2026, the exact November date has not been officially confirmed yet. 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.
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Key dates: Late November, 2026
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Location: All across Mérida
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Entrance Fee: Free
Feria de Xmatkuil
Feria de Xmatkuil, a state fair, is one of the most anticipated events in southeastern México and usually runs from early November for about three to four weeks. There is a wide offer from the traditional cattle auction, concerts, mechanical rides and food stalls. Incidentally, the trade fair will be celebrating its 52th anniversary in 2026.
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 35 pesos and parking costs about 50 pesos.
The fair typically features a rotating guest of honor with a dedicated pavilion showcasing regional culture and traditions. Additional highlights often include the selection of the fair’s ambassador, wedding ceremonies, and sports competitions, with details announced in the official program.
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Key dates: November 6–26, 2026 (preliminary dates)
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Location: Xmatkuil Fairgrounds, near Mérida
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Entrance Fee: About MXN$35
Hanal Pixan Festival
Image Source: © I. A. H. Reyna, wiki, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Feria de Xmalkuil
December 2026 Festivals
Christmas Season in 2026
The Christmas season, which lasts until January 2027, 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.
Don’t miss the Nativity scenes at Plaza Grande, the Municipal Palace, and the Government Palace. Neighborhoods like Las Américas, La Mejorada, Colonia Alemán, and La Ermita also join in with their own decorations, turning Mérida into a city-wide holiday display.
The Christmas tree lighting near Gran Museo Del Mundo Maya is a popular event, usually held around December 1. A massive tree covered in thousands of lights creates a stunning scene. The celebration often includes a fair with attractions and activities for all ages.
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Key dates: Late November 2026 – early January 2027
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Location: All across Mérida
Christmas Decoration Downtown
Piñata at Christmas
General Tips for Mérida's Festivals
💡 My quick tips for Visiting Festivals:
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Wear light clothes, Mérida is warm.
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Arrive early for best spots.
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Bring cash for food and vendors.
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Stay hydrated at outdoor events.
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Use sunscreen and wear a hat.
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Wear comfortable walking shoes.
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Check closures and parking ahead.
👉 If you haven’t checked them out yet, make sure to browse the 40+ Travel Tips for Mérida and beyond – packed with everything you’ll want to know before exploring the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
🎯 What are the best festivals in Mérida, Mexico in 2026?
Key festivals in Mérida in 2026 included Mérida Fest in January, Carnaval in February, the City Anniversary Parade in mid-January, La Noche Blanca in May, and Hanal Pixán in late October. Each event showcases local culture, art, and heritage.
🎟️ Is there an entrance fee for Mérida Fest events?
Most Mérida Fest events are free. The city offers concerts, theater, and art exhibitions in public spaces like Plaza Grande, Parque de Santa Ana, and Teatro Peón Contreras. Premium shows may require tickets, depending on the performer or location.
👍 Is Carnival in Mérida, Mexico worth visiting?
Yes, Carnival in Mérida is one of the city’s biggest events, featuring colorful parades, concerts, and family-friendly entertainment. It drew tens of thousands of visitors to the fairgrounds in Xmatkuil and downtown streets.
🚍 How to get to the Carnaval fairgrounds in Mérida?
The main Carnaval zone is located in Xmatkuil, about 11 km south of downtown Mérida. Visitors can take special buses from Parque de San Juan or Uber. Parking is available onsite, but traffic delays are common during parade times.
🎯 What happens during Hanal Pixán in Mérida?
Hanal Pixán, the local Day of the Dead, is celebrated with altar displays, food offerings, and cultural events. Paseo de las Ánimas is the highlight, with people in traditional dress walking from the General Cemetery to San Juan Park.
🎯 Where can I see traditional music and dance in Mérida festivals?
During major festivals, traditional Yucatecan music and dance can be seen in parks like Santa Lucía and Santiago. Events often include jarana performances, trova concerts, and indigenous ceremonies hosted by local artists and cultural groups.
📍 Where are most Mérida festivals located?
Most festivals in Mérida take place in Centro Histórico, especially around Plaza Grande, Teatro Peón Contreras, Paseo de Montejo, and the city’s public parks. Larger events like Carnival may move to venues outside the city center.