There are so many festivals, holidays and annual events in Latin America that it would be impossible to list them all. Regardless of the season, there’s always something interesting happening, whether it’s focused on history, music, dance, religion, art or just having a good time.
To make your Latin America vacation decision-making process a bit easier, I’ve narrowed down the list of festivals and events to these must-see happenings.
- Reveillon in Rio de Janeiro (December 31, 2015): What better way to ring in the new year than with a grand celebration on the beach in Brazil? Fireworks, live music and lots of people are expected, as usual, at Reveillon in Rio — including about 816,000 tourists.
2. Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro and Salvador da Bahia (February 5, 2016): Brazil again draws thousands for its annual pre-Lenten festival. Samba music, dancing and extravagant costumes take over the streets — and it’s important to book way in advance if you plan to go.
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3. Tapati Rapa Nui, Chile (February 2016): During the first two weeks of February every year, Rapa Nui (also known as Easter Island) comes alive for a celebration of traditional musk, dance and sports. Be sure to reserve your airline tickets to this remote island (which belongs to Chile) way in advance, as flights fill up fast.
4. Semana Santa in Antigua Guatemala (March 2016): Holy Week is a big deal in a lot of the world where Catholicism is important, but in Antigua Guatemala it’s an especially visual experience, with processions and carpets made of flowers.
5. National Grape Harvest Festival in Mendoza, Argentina (March 2016): Wine is a big deal in Argentina, and since 1936, people here have celebrated the importance of the region’s wine production with this festival, with lots of opportunities for wine tasting, as well as a parade and official queen of the grape harvest.
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6. Equinox at Chichen Itza, Mexico (March 20, 2016): The Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza are amazing enough at any time of year (it’s no surprise that this is one of the most-visited ruins in Mexico). But in March, afternoon sunlight reaches the western balustrade of the El Castillo pyramid at just the right angle, creating a shadow that resembles the body of a 120-foot-long rattlesnake that joins a giant serpent’s head at the bottom of the stairway.
7. Cinco de Mayo in Puebla, Mexico (May 5, 2016): In the United States, Cinco de Mayo may be an excuse to promote brands of beer, but in Puebla, it’s an important date, since it marks Mexico’s impressive defeat of invading French troops. A grand military parade fills the street, and there are lots of celebrations around the city.
8. Inti Raymi in Cusco, Peru (June 24, 2016): This festival of the sun dates to the times of the Inca empire, when it was a way to honor the god Inti. Today, it’s still an important way to connect with Peru‘s fascinating indigenous heritage.
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9. Boi Bumba in Parintins, Brazil (June 2016): This Amazon folklore festival is a celebration of legends and traditions, using giant puppets, parade floats, music and theater.
10. Los Diablos Danzantes in San Francisco de Yare, Venezuela (June 2016): The Dancing Devils of Yare, which takes place in the state of Miranda in Venezuela, is when colorfully dressed “devils” take to the streets, complete with giant masks, in a religious celebration that is dedicated to the patron saint Saint Francis of Paola.
11. Fiestas del Apostol Santiago in Loiza, Puerto Rico (July 2016): Combining European and African religious traditions, this festival honors Saint James, with parades, dance and music performances (including traditional bomba music) and lots of arts and crafts. Loiza is located just east of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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12. International Mariachi Festival in Guadalajara, Mexico (August 2016): The state of Jalisco, Mexico, is the birthplace of the musical form known as mariachi, so it’s no surprise that the state capital, Guadalajara, is home to the world’s biggest celebration of this beautiful music.
13. Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca, Mexico (November 2, 2016): One of the most revered pre-Hispanic traditions in Mexico, the Day of the Dead is a time to honor deceased loved ones. Tour operators can help connect you with the most interesting aspects of the activities.
14. Los Cabos International Film Festival in Los Cabos, Mexico (November 2015 and 2016): This Mexico beach resort destination is closer to Hollywood than any other, so it only makes sense that it’s also home to an ever-growing annual film festival that attracts an impressive share of big-name filmmakers and celebrities — and you can get tickets to many of the events, too.