In addition to its countless museums, unmissable experiences and unique venues, the city stands out for its festivals, parades and other activities that take place every year. So here is a calendar of must-see events in CDMX so you can plan your next visit or outing with friends.
We know there are many activities, but here we show you the ones we are missing this year. Some of these events already have a confirmed date for 2023, while others we have included because they are already a tradition in the CDMX and, in general, they happen every year.
Calendar of unmissable events in CDMX
Flower and Garden Festival
Its first edition was in April 2017. It aims to generate awareness about the environment, it also seeks to celebrate the floral tradition. It used to be held at the beginning of the year, but now it takes place at the end. So far no date has been confirmed for the 2023 edition.
When is it? In general, this event takes place in October
September 16 parade and concert
To celebrate the anniversary of the beginning of Mexico’s Independence there are two main events: the Grito ceremony ( with a concert in the Zócalo of the CDMX) and the traditional military parade.
Both are free of charge.
When is it? September 15 and 16
Alebrijes parade
This parade has been organized by the Museo de Arte Popular for more than 10 years. The first thing that takes place is a contest, then the participating pieces go through the streets of the Historic Center and reach Reforma, where they are installed for a few days.
When is it? It is usually in October. There is still no confirmed date for 2023
Day of the Dead
In Mexico City the Day of the Dead is celebrated in a big way. Among the main activities are the mega ofrenda in the Zocalo, which each year has a different theme, the Day of the Dead Parade on Paseo de la Reforma and a procession of catrinas ( the latter already has a confirmed date, to be held on Sunday, October 22, 2023 on Reforma).
When is it? Between the end of October and November. The Mega Catrinas Procession will take place on October 22, 2023.
November 20 Parade
In the CDMX we have many parades and one of them is to commemorate the beginning of the Mexican Revolution. And since we are talking about November 20, we must emphasize that on that date there is a long weekend, so it’s time to rest.
When is it? In general, it is held on November 20
Christmas party and New Year’s Eve concert.
In 2021 the first edition of the Christmas Verbena was held in the Zócalo of the CDMX and since then we said goodbye to the ice rink that used to be there. What remains as a tradition is the New Year’s Eve concert that takes place in Paseo de la Reforma.
Both events are free of charge.
When is it? December. No date or venue has been confirmed for 2023.
Concerts and festivals
Corona Capital
Usually the festival season in CDMX is at the beginning of the year; however, towards the end of the year there is also a lot of music. For example, we have Corona Capital, which will soon announce more information about this year’s edition.
When is it? At the end of 2023. More details coming soon
Hypnosis
This festival is more than ready for this year’s edition. Among the artists you will see are Altin Gün and The Flaming Lips, among many others.
When is it? October 4th at Cuitláhuac Park.
Gastronomic festivals
Cake Fair
This fair has to be on your calendar of unmissable events in CDMX. Every year it presents a great variety of cakes, from the most traditional to gigantic editions. It also has artistic and cultural activities.
When is it? It usually takes place in August
National Mole Fair
If there is something that distinguishes the municipality of Milpa Alta is mole, of course it is. Every year they hold a fair dedicated to this food. You can taste typical dishes and enjoy shows throughout the event.
When is it? It is usually held in October of each year.
Crystallized Candy Fair
Let’s go to sweeten our lives in Santa Cruz Acalpixca. This is a town in the municipality of Xochimilco, where crystallized candy is made from products such as carrots, pumpkin, cactus and even chili.
In each edition you will find different products and unmissable combinations. Have you ever attended?
When is it? It is held every year in July
Mushroom Fair
It is one of the most traditional fairs in Cuajimalpa. Edible mushrooms and dishes made with this product are sold. In addition, every edition there are workshops and activities in which visitors can participate.
When is it? It is held in August of each year.