The 6 Best Cultural Events in Central Mexico and Gulf Coast, Central Mexico and Gulf Coast

La Calaca is a four-day arts event that takes place in the artistic town of San Miguel de Allende, about three and a half hours from Mexico City, from the 30th October to the 2nd November. Mexicans have always had an interesting relationship with death, they joke with it; so it is no surprise that this small festival has entered the list of the best 300 in the world. The public and artists are invited to collaborate together to create installations featuring their loved family and friends that have passed away. The kids can also participate by entering a 'La Calaca' drawing contest, and there are talks and workshops that explore the relationship between life and death.

Enjoy a cultural and gastronomic experience by the hand of mezcal masters and more.

Mexicans believe that death is just a rite of passage, and the Day of the Dead, el 'Dia de los Muertos,' is a 4,000 year-old tradition celebrated in Mexico on November 1st and 2nd each year. Mexican people build small altars in their homes with fruit, food, flowers, and small articles that belonged to their loved ones in the belief that they will come from the afterlife to visit them. Sugar skulls are decorated and sold in the markets — and traditional towns, such as Aguascalientes, hold a 'desfile,' or Day of the Dead procession, attended by over 75,000 people that incorporates music, dancing, allegoric cars, and people dressed as 'Catrinas.'

Ever wanted to be in a small town's main plaza, surrounded by 100,000 people, running for your life while hundreds of wooden 'mechanical bulls' loaded with 4,000 fireworks chase you down the streets? Welcome to Tultepec, Mexico, where every year in March, a psychedelic fiesta of pyrotechnic games descends over the town creating an incomparable Mexican festival, full of lights, sounds, food, and yes, amazing fireworks. The cultural festival is celebrated in honor of San Juan de Dios, the patron of the place. Mexican craftsman traditionally build 'castles' and other installations made with fireworks for everyone's delight.

El Carnaval de Veracruz has an old tradition of music, dancing, and costumes rivalled only by Rio de Janeiro's Carnival. In fact, it is the second most important carnival in Latin America. It began back in 1866, when Spanish Emperor Maximiliano was the Head of Government in Mexico. Held nine days before Ash Wednesday every year, the Carnival is a celebration of joy, passion, and costumes that convey the traditions, music, and culture of the 'Jarochos,' or Veracruz residents. It is one of the largest living spectacles on earth. The premise? Burn the 'Bad Humor' on the first day, coronate an 'Ugly King and Queen,' and party until the wee hours of the morning.

The experience begins with a fresh beer and time to interact with each other while a local dj is playing in the background. We will taste 3 different types of mezcal handcrafted in San Lorenzo Albarradas, Oaxaca from our favorite producers and get to know more about their work. Finally, a one hour live show featuring two Mexican emerging artists and a closing Dj set.