January 6: In Patzcuaro, as well as the rest of the country, January 6 is Three Kings Day, a post-Christmas excuse to give even more presents to kids. Plaza Vasco de Quiroga is converted into a huge toy and candy market for the days leading up to Three Kings Day and children dressed as the kings set out from the Templo San Francisco on horseback.

January 17: As part of this fiesta in honor of Saint Antonio Abad, the whole town brings their domestic animals—dogs, cats, and birds draped in flowers—to the church to be blessed.

February (Carnival): Each neighborhood of the city celebrates this festive time in a distinct way. It’s common to see papier-mache bulls who run through the streets accompanied by brass bands.

March or April (Holy Week): On Palm Sunday, indigenous Purépecha women weave decorative palm fronds outside of all major churches and cathedrals for a colorful ceremony commemorating the arrival of Christ to Jerusalem.

All throughout the week, various church congregations put on passion plays and stage dramatic parades to celebrate the last days of Jesus. Plaza Don Vasco de Quiroga is converted into a huge, covered artisan market where all of the finest crafts from the region are sold in one place.

May 25: Festival in honor of the Señor de la Ascensión. This fiesta is celebrated in the neighborhood of the same name, where local children dress in indigenous Purépecha costumes and perform the traditional dances of the little bull and the white fish.

July-October: Each Patzcuaro neighborhood celebrates various fiestas in honor of patron saints. Each one features traditional dances, special foods, parades and fireworks. Ask at the front desk if your visit coincides with one of these many celebrations.

November 1 (Day of the Dead): The most famous of all of Patzcuaro’s festivals, the authentic, Purépecha celebration of the Day of the Dead attracts visitors from around the country and around the world.

The most intricately decorated graveyards are those on the islands of Janitzio and Jarácuaro and in the nearby towns of Tzintzuntzan and Ihuatzio. In Patzcuaro, the Plaza Don Vasco de Quiroga becomes a tremendous artisan crafts market and colorful ofrendas or altars are set up in different locations around town. There are concerts in the theater and performances of traditional dances every day.

December 4-9: Regional fair with livestock exhibitions, agriculture, artisan crafts and delicious foods.

 

 

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