Carnaval season in Mexico isn’t just a party – it’s a full-blown, countrywide fiesta that takes over plazas, beaches, and entire cities with music, dance, and dazzling costumes.
From the confetti battles of Tenosique to the neon-lit nights of Playa del Carmen, these celebrations blend deep-rooted traditions with vibrant modern energy.
Whether you’re into elegant parades, wild street parties, or ancient rituals, Mexico has a carnival for you.
Here’s a look at some of the best Mexico carnavals for 2025 – and why you won’t want to miss them.
🎭 Tenosique Carnaval (Danza del Pochó): January 19 – March 4, Tabasco
Immerse yourself in the unique and vibrant Tenosique Carnaval, often dubbed “the world’s strangest carnival.” This festival is renowned for its traditional Danza del Pochó, a ritual dance symbolizing the eternal struggle between good and evil, deeply rooted in pre-Columbian Maya traditions. Participants don elaborate costumes representing characters like Cojóes, Pochoveras, and jaguars, engaging in performances that fill the streets with color and energy. The festivities commence with families gathering in the central park to honor Saint Sebastian, followed by playful battles involving flour, eggs, and water – a practice believed to ensure a good wheat harvest. Throughout the carnival, attendees can enjoy parades, live music, and cultural exhibitions, culminating in the symbolic death of Pochó on Shrove Tuesday.
🎭 La Paz Carnaval: February 16 – 18, Baja
Get ready for three days of rhythm, color, and non-stop fun as La Paz celebrates its annual carnival with the theme “The World Dances.” The festivities kick off on Sunday, February 16 with a vibrant parade along the malecón, featuring nearly 50 dance troupes, colorful floats, and live music. The celebrations continue with parades on February 17 and 18, bringing the streets to life with costumes, culture, and plenty of confetti.
🎭 Carnaval Putleco: February 19 – 21, Putla Villa de Guerrero, Oaxaca
Step into one of Oaxaca’s most colorful and culturally rich celebrations – Carnaval Putleco. Known for its vibrant costumes, lively dances, and deep-rooted Mixtec, Triqui, and Afro-Mexican traditions, this carnival is a sensory explosion of color, music, and heritage. The streets come alive with masked dancers performing the “Danza de los Viejos” and “Danza de los Diablos”, while locals throw confetti and share traditional foods. It’s an unmissable event that showcases Oaxaca’s multicultural spirit.
🎭 Carnaval de Campeche: February 20 – March 4, Campeche
Experience Mexico’s oldest carnival, blending centuries-old traditions with modern festivities. Highlights include the “Quema del Mal Humor” on February 20, the coronation of the main carnival kings on February 26 featuring singer María José, and the vibrant “Paseo de las Flores” parade on February 27. The celebration concludes with the “Pintadera” on March 4, featuring comedian Chuponcito. Some events are free, while others require tickets ranging from $65 to $300 MXN.
🎭 Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) Mexico: Feb 21 – 23, Mexico City
Get ready to dance under the electric sky at EDC Mexico 2025! From February 21 to 23, the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez will transform into a vibrant playground featuring top electronic artists like Tiësto, Peggy Gou, and Solomun. With multiple stages, thrilling rides, and immersive art installations, this festival promises an unforgettable experience. Get more info here.
🎭 Carnaval de Autlán: February 22 – March 4, Jalisco
Join the vibrant Carnaval de Autlán, a mix of carnival and charro culture, featuring rodeos, bullfights, and tequila-fueled celebrations. The event features a stellar lineup of artists, including Julión Álvarez on February 23, La Adictiva on February 24, and a special urban music night with Natanael Cano, Santa Fe Klan, and Gabito Ballesteros on March 1. Festivities also include colorful parades, cultural exhibitions, and traditional bullfighting events at the Plaza de Toros Alberto Balderas.
🎭 Playa del Carmen’s “Caribbean Neon” Carnaval: Feb 26 – Mar 4, Quintana Roo
This year’s Carnival brings high-energy performances from Nicky Jam (March 1), Inna (March 2), and the 90’s Pop Tour (March 4). Colorful parades will light up the streets on March 1, 2, and 3 at 6 PM, leading up to the grand finale featuring surprise performances and the traditional burning of Juan Carnaval. Most events are free, with select concerts requiring tickets.
🎭 Cozumel Carnaval: Feb 26 – Mar 5, Quintana Roo
Join the vibrant festivities of the Cozumel Carnival, one of the most celebrated events in the Mexican Caribbean. Kicking off on February 26, the carnival features lively parades along the Malecón, colorful floats, and energetic dance troupes. Highlights include the Grand Parades on March 1, 2, and 4, and the traditional Burning of Juan Carnaval on March 5, symbolizing the end of the celebrations.
🎭 Mérida Carnaval: February 26 – March 5, Yucatán
Immerse yourself in the vibrant festivities of the Mérida Carnaval 2025, themed “Amazonian Carnival.” The celebration kicks off on February 22 with the Coronation of the Kings and Queens at the Centro de Espectáculos Carta Clara. Festivities continue with the Burning of the Bad Mood on February 26 at the Bajos del Palacio Municipal. The event culminates on March 5 with the traditional Burial of Juan Carnaval. All concerts and events are free to the public.
🎭 San Miguel de Allende Carnaval: February 27 – March 4, Guanajuato
Get ready for one of San Miguel de Allende’s most vibrant celebrations where the Jardín Principal will come alive with festivities leading up to Ash Wednesday on March 5. Join locals and visitors in the time-honored tradition of breaking cascarones – colorful eggshells filled with confetti.
🎭 Ensenada Carnaval: February 27 – March 4, Baja
Get ready for six days of music, dance, and vibrant festivities as Ensenada hosts its annual carnival. The celebration kicks off on February 27 with the Burning of the Bad Humor and features a stellar lineup of performers, including Los Ángeles Azules, Banda El Recodo, and Matute. Don’t miss the colorful parades, cultural performances, and the award ceremony for dance groups and floats on March 4 – all set against the beautiful backdrop of Baja’s coast.
🎭 Mazatlán International Carnaval: February 27 – March 4, Mazatlán
Experience “La Perla,” the 2025 Mazatlán International Carnaval, featuring parades, live music, and cultural events along the Olas Altas promenade. Highlights include the Coronation of the King of Joy on February 27, the Queen of the Floral Games on February 28, and the Carnaval Queen on March 1.
🎭 Carnaval de Tlaxcala: February 27 – March 4, Tlaxcala City
Join the vibrant Carnaval de Tlaxcala, a celebration rich in tradition and cultural heritage. The festivities kick off on February 27 with a grand parade featuring over 90 dance troupes from various municipalities, starting at 4:00 PM in the capital’s streets. Main events are centered at the Adolfo López Mateos Exhibition Center, where four dance floors will host daily performances from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Experience the unique blend of pre-Hispanic and Spanish influences that define this carnival, declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Tlaxcala.
🎭 Isla Mujeres Carnival: February 28 – March 4, Quintana Roo
Prepare for a vibrant celebration as Isla Mujeres transforms into a hub of color, music, and dance during its annual Carnival. This year’s theme, centered around the four elements – Fire, Air, Water, and Earth – promises a magical and exhilarating experience. Festivities kick off on February 28 with the Coronation Gala at 7:30 PM, featuring artist Nelson Kanzela. Each subsequent night showcases a different element with performances by artists like Merenglass, Sonora Santanera with María Fernanda, and DJ DANI by Chavo Rucos Fest. The island’s streets will come alive with parades, dance troupes, and live music, culminating in the traditional Burning of Juan Carnaval.
🎭 Tlayacapan Carnival and Traditional Huehuenche: March 1– 4, Morelos
Experience the vibrant Tlayacapan Carnival, renowned for its rich traditions and cultural heritage. The festivities commence with the Burning of the Bad Mood, symbolizing the release of negative energies. Throughout the week, enjoy lively parades featuring traditional Huehuenche dancers, colorful costumes, and local music performances. The event also emphasizes safety, with increased security measures and regulated alcohol sales to ensure a family-friendly environment.
🎭 Carnaval de Tepoztlán: March 1 – 4, Morelos
Immerse yourself in the vibrant Carnaval de Tepoztlán, a celebration blending pre-Hispanic traditions with mestizo customs. Since 1862, this festival has been renowned for its colorful parades, traditional music, and the energetic “Brinco del Chinelo” dance. Experience the rich cultural expressions and savor delicious regional cuisine in the picturesque town of Tepoztlán.
🎭 Carnaval de Tlayacapan: March 2 – 4, Morelos
Experience the vibrant Carnaval de Tlayacapan, renowned for the traditional “Brinco del Chinelo” dance. This lively festival features colorful parades, traditional music, and authentic local cuisine. Join the festivities in the heart of Tlayacapan and immerse yourself in this unique cultural celebration.
