Mexico Things to Do

If you’re headed down to the southern tip of Mexico, there’s likely something of a shopping list on your To-See itinerary. Most of this, one might assume, is to soak in some traditional Mexican culture, to learn about its great history and to see some of the wonderful natural landscape and architecture the Spaniards helped mold. The Mexican town of Chiapa de Corzo in Chiapas is one great big check on your list then, but if you’ve decided to visit during the Festival de San Sebastian, then you’ve stumbled across the mother-load.

Down past the border things get a little crazy. As the Kenny Chesney line goes, “When the sun goes down, we’ll be groovin’,” and that is just about the theme song for vacationing in Mexico during New Year’s Eve.

Celebrating Christmas in Mexico? Wondering what to expect? Well, aside from the sub-tropical to tropical climates making it a bit difficult to find a pine tree, Christmas in Mexico is celebrated in much the same fashion as their neighbors to the north, with some fun exceptions.

Situated in the rugged and scenic Bajío region of central Mexico, Leon is an industrial colonial-era city with a lovely historic heart that centers on the tree-lined Plaza Principal (main plaza). The city is known for its impressive baroque- and neoclassical-style architecture, cultural venues, shopping and attractions.

Though the most solemn and ornate of festivities take place from October 30 to November 2 when families spend the night among the graves of their ancestors and comfort of their neighbors, activities take place all October long. There are so many traditions to be honored, some spanning all of Mexico, others important only to certain regions and communities. Though whether their roots go back to Europe or long lost indigenous America, no one can quite say.

Bathed in an oft-remarked-upon exquisite quality of light, Mexico‘s Oaxaca (wa-HAH-ka) is a melting pot of colorful cultures, known for their brightly hued textiles and rugs, clothing, and dance. The scene is a swirl of fine art and traditional artesanias, where some 17 languages, including Spanish, are spoken in the lively marketplaces and city plazas.