The Hidalgo Carnivals are one of the most vibrant and traditional festivities in Mexico. Celebrated in various communities in the state of Hidalgo, mainly before the start of Lent, these carnivals are a unique fusion of indigenous and European elements.
With colorful parades, ancestral dances, traditional music and striking clothing, the Hidalgo carnivals are an unforgettable cultural experience; if you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in authentic traditions, this is your destination!
What will you find at the Hidalgo Carnivals 2025?
The Hidalgo carnivals are an explosion of culture and tradition. In them you can enjoy:
Traditional masks and costumes: In many municipalities, participants wear masks and costumes of characters such as “huehues”, “tiliches” or “charros”, which represent figures from popular culture and the indigenous worldview.
Ancestral dances: Dances such as the Dance of the Shepherds, the Dance of the Xhitas and other regional variants fill the streets with life.
Traditional music: Groups of people walk the streets to the rhythm of bands, huapangos or pre-Hispanic sounds, creating a festive and unique atmosphere.
When will the Carnivals in Hidalgo 2025 be?
The Hidalgo carnivals are celebrated on different dates depending on the location. Here we present the most outstanding ones:
Carnali Carnival
With more than 250 years of history, the Calnali Carnival is one of the oldest and most emblematic in Hidalgo. This year, March 5 will be the most important day, expecting the visit of more than 10,000 people and the participation of more than 3,000 costumed people. The six main neighborhoods (Aguimol, San Juan, La Esperanza, Tlala, Barrio Nuevo and Aguazarca) come together to celebrate this tradition. “For us, it is the most important carnival in Hidalgo,” said the municipal president, Corina Jiménez Melo.
From March 4 to 6, the Atlapexco Carnival offers a unique tradition: dragging cans through the streets at 12:00 noon. The Mecos, representative characters, keep the culture alive with dances and music. Before they used coal ash to paint their bodies, but now they use tepetate.
Huautla Carnival
With more than 100 years of tradition, the Huautla Carnival is celebrated from March 3 to 4. The residents organize themselves into groups of Mecos, a flag bearer, a captain and the Tepechichis, who dance to the sound of the Meco.
Carnival in Huehuetla
From March 2 to 12, Huehuetla is filled with magic with the Dance of the Indian or Dance of Fire, represented by a group of barbarian Indians who dance barefoot to the rhythm of wind music.
Carnival in Metztitlán
This carnival, which takes place from March 1 to 4, is an offering to attract good harvests and rain. The comparsas of Tres Cruces and Jilotla are characterized by self-flagellation, a purification ritual.
Carnivals in Jaltocán
There are two carnivals in Jaltocán. One includes a war of paint and shells, while the other celebrates a pre-Hispanic dance. In addition, the Dance of the Flyers in Tlalnepantla is an unmissable tradition. This year it will be celebrated from March 4 to 17.
Carnival in Chapulhuacán
With characters such as Balo (the devil), the Old Man, the Captain and the Bride and Groom, the Chapulhuacán Carnival is celebrated from February 24 to March 4. This holiday represents temptation during Lent.
Carnival in Jacala
With more than 50 years of tradition, the Jacala Carnival aims to raise funds for the community. The troupes include clowns, women, devils and representative political figures of the municipality.
Carnival in Metepec
The Metepec Carnival has its roots in 1888, when Richard Honey, owner of an iron foundry, decided to celebrate it in the factory to prevent workers from missing work. This year it will take place from March 1 to 5.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience these incredible festivities full of history, culture and fun in Hidalgo!
Source: lamejor
