By Paola Velasco
By nature, Mexico is a festive country. According to the calendar, over 5,000 fiestas, or festivals, brighten every corner of Mexico annually.
The pre-Hispanic origin of national fairs and festivities is based on the ancient agricultural ritual calendar. Its meaning mainly relates to the cultivation of corn which, in pre-Hispanic cultures, had a sacred meaning and was part of the cosmogonic stories of the origin of the universe and of life. Modern festivals are full of pre-Hispanic themes, but they also have European, African, and Catholic elements. They are grouped according to their significance, such as festivals of fertility and prosperity in the countryside, festivals of glorification of the solar cult, and festivals of darkness and penance.
The essence of fiestas
During fiestas in Mexico, carnivals take over the streets of neighborhoods and towns. Caravans travel across the country, transporting carnival rides on trailers and heralding the festivities in the communities. Tent poles, simple motors, lights, music, and bright colors attract the public. In exchange for a few pesos, everyone can enjoy the excitement of the wheel of fortune or ride on a flying chair. But it is not only games. Some caravans bring galleries of monsters, fortune tellers, a lottery, marbles and ring toss games, target shooting, and balloons. Toy ducks or fish float in a bucket, and children try to catch them with a special rod in the hopes of winning a bigger and better prize.
Mexican fairs are for people of all ages. They fall into two broad categories: commercial or labor, or religious. Trade fairs pursue a commercial purpose or the dissemination of a product or service. Religious fairs celebrate a particular saint, and the images used are linked to the Catholic tradition. Such is the case in San Miguel de Allende, which celebrates San Miguel Arcángel (St. Michael Archangel).
Patron saint festivities are an example of national traditions, and express many of the concepts of Mexicans about religion and their world view. The festivities of Mexico are more than just a time of leisure and fun, they are a time to enjoy dancing and music. There are also fireworks, food, and parties. The mingling of religious rites with the participation of indigenous groups creates a beautiful, mystic, and theatrical touch. It is a way for the Mexican people to preserve their roots.
The five big fiestas in Mexico
According to the Mexican Tourism Bureau, these are the five big fiestas in Mexico.
■ San Marcos Fair in Aguascalientes, in April and May. It is the most important fair and one of the oldest in the country. It is known as La Feria de México. There are livestock exhibitions, rides, bullfights, an arena, a casino, concerts, and cultural shows.
■ Veracruz Carnival in Veracruz, in February and March. This is considered, “The happiest in the world.” During the festival, dances and mask parties are organized, and the traditional folklore dance—the danzón of Veracruz is performed. The music emanating from harps, marimbas, and guitars floods the festival, along with salsa and samba music. In the parades, traditional troupes, allegorical floats, majorettes, batucadas (percussion dance groups) and other dance groups participate.
■ The Guelaguetza of Oaxaca, in July. This fiesta honors a popular cult to the Virgen del Carmen, and has folkloric, cultural, and sports events. There are also many culinary offerings with traditional ingredients.
■ Day of the Dead in Pátzcuaro, in November. It is one of the most popular fiestas, and is celebrated throughout Mexico. Offerings to the deceased are placed everywhere, including in houses, businesses, and public spaces—but above all in the cemeteries, which are filled with flowers, music, and food offerings.
■ Texcoco Horse Festival, in April. This fiesta was first held on June 13, 1945, and was called the San Antonio Regional Fair. The venue has changed several times, and in 1975 it was renamed the Horse Festival. It is characterized by exhibitions of the Voladores de Papantla, folkloric and contemporary ballet shows, bullfights, horse shows, other artistic displays, sports, and cultural activities.
References: www.gob.mx, www.soypuromexicano.mx
