Lessons

May

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September

Celebrating the Culture—September

The country's most important annual event and biggest party season outside
of Christmas happens in September: Mexico's Independence Day, September 16;
it's a great time to be in Mexico! The Pamplonadas—running of the bulls
—in San Miguel Allende draws huge crowds and a few injuries (at least)
every year. The Fall Equinox offers visitors to Chichen Itza, Uxmal and
other archaeology parks an opportunity to observe some unique light patterns
on the structure.

12th International Mariachi and Charro Festival (12° Encuentro
Internacional del Mariachi y la Charreria)—Guadalajara, Jalisco—Sept 1–11

Annual celebration of mariachi music in the mariachi capital of the world,
gathering musicians from Mexico and around the world.
www.mariachi-jalisco.com.mx

Tepozteco Challenge (Reto al Tepozteco)—Tepoztlan, Morelos—Sept 8

Performance depicting King Tepoztecatl's conversion to the Catholic
religion. Procession leads to the Tepozteco Pyramid, where offerings are
made. This event includes a food festival, chinelo dances dating back to
prehispanic times, and fireworks.

Mexican Independence Day (Dia de la Independencia Mexicana)—
Nationwide—Sept 15–16

Indisputably Mexico's most important and most revered National Holiday is
Independence Day—Dia de la Patria. During this time, Fiestas Patrias take
place nationwide. From the evening of September 15th, parties begin. At
11pm, the President of the Republic shouts the Cry (El Grito) of "Viva
Mexico" from the balcony of the National Palace—an event televised and
broadcast on radio to every corner of the nation, as Mexicans cry back with
"Viva!" in an emotion-packed traditional annual ritual. The Zocalo in Mexico
City brims and buzzes with unabated excitement. Celebrations are
particularly lively at the revolutionary Colonial centers, especially
Queretaro and San Miguel de Allende—important and significant places
before, during and after the war of Independence from Spain. This is a great
time to be in Mexico if you like celebrations, parties and a buzzing
atmosphere!

Fall Equinox at Kulkulcan (Equinoccio de Kulkulcan)—Chichen
Itza, Yucatan—Sept 19–21

Marking the first day of the Autumn; many archaeological structures
(especially those closely lined with astronomical events) are popular on the
21st and 22nd of September, as the sun's light matches up with features on
the structures left behind by the ancient civilizations. The most famous is
Chichen-Itza, where a shadow of the plumed serpent moves up the main temple.

Running of the Bulls at San Miguel (Sanmiguelada)—San Miguel de
Allende, Guanajuato—Sept 24

Also known as the Pamplonada because it is Mexico's imitation of Spain?s
"running of the bulls," the Sanmiguelada is an annual festival usually
taking place the third Saturday of September in honor of Saint Michael the
Archangel. The event involves dances, concerts, fireworks and bulls running
through town. Daring participants meet at high noon.
www.sanmiguelguide.com/tour-pamplonada.htm