With its cultural, ethnic and geographic diversity, Chiapas offers many events throughout the state full of celebration, dance and tradition. Some of these events are:
San Marcos Fair
Tuxtla Gutiérrez
April
The San Marcos Fair is a popular festival in Chiapas with the same name as the famous fair in Aguascalientes. In Chiapas, however, the fair is dedicated to the patron of the capital. It consists of traditional elements like the processions with filled offerings called somés, made of leaves, fruit and candy.
International Marimba Festival
Tuxtla Gutiérrez
April
This is one of the most important musical and artistic festivals in Tuxtla Gutiérrez. This event brings together the best marimba players from various countries for skillful concerts. These marimba masters demonstrate the art of percussion with wood to the world. Top-notch marimba players from all over the world play the marimbas in an amazing spectacle that reflects the quirky nature of this ethnically diverse town united in music.
The Rosario Castellanos International Culture and Art Festival
Comitán de Domínguez
July
Music and the arts are a fundamental part of everyday life in Chiapas. The Rosario Castellanos International Culture and Art Festival brings together music, theater, dance, literature and the plastic arts. The festival presents artists from Chiapas and other countries in Mexico and around the world. The festival's name pays homage to one of the most prominent writers from Chiapas.
Mesoamerican Tradition
Tenam Puente
Second Sunday in August
Every year, on the second Sunday in August, people from the area around the "Tenam Puente" archeological zone participate in a special ceremony. On August 11th and 12th, the ancient Mayans would mark the passage of the sun by the zenith and commemorated the final day of the cycle or calendar wheel.
Maya-Zoque Festival
The date varies
End of September - Beginning of October
The "Maya-Zoque" Festival is another tribute the residents of Chiapa pay to the old Mayan traditions. The event is different from city to city and consists of music and traditional dancing. The object of the festival is to acknowledge the diverse cultures and artistic manifestations of the different groups living in Chiapas.
Cervantino Baroque Festival
San Cristóbal de Las Casas
October - November
This festival is modeled after the internationally famous Cervantino Festival in Guanajuato. The purpose of the festival is to promote the cultural and artistic development of the population.
Fray Matías de Córdova International Culture Festival
Tapachula
End of November
In addition to the numerous artistic activities in the state, this festival is an academic forum. Spanish language scholars participate in conferences discussing social, cultural, political and economic topics to further the growth of knowledge.
Chiapas Fair
Tuxtla Gutiérrez
First fifteen days of December
The month of December always begins with celebration in the state of Chiapas. The fair takes place during the first fifteen days of the month. The Chiapas Fair is the main commercial fair in the capital and one of the best in the southeastern part of Mexico. The fair features music, artists, games, fireworks, and a wonderful celebratory atmosphere.
