Mexico, D.F.

Mexico City is the focus of Mexico’s political, cultural and economic life. The nation’s capital and its largest metropolis, it has a population of over 25 million and covers an area of 1,547 square kilometres (597 square miles). Its wide boulevards are lined by both modern glass and steel structures and the colonial architecture of the past.

With its diverse heritage, the city offers 75 museums and 10 archaeological zones. Mexico City’s historical centre is a 668-block area around the Zócalo (main square) that has been designated a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO. The district encompasses more than 1,400 historic structures, including the Templo Mayor (Great Temple of the Aztecs), as well as private mansions and civic and religious buildings.

Winter

Nativity Representations and “Posadas”, December “Día de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe” (Our lady of Guadalupe, Patron Saint of México). Millions of pilgrims from all over Latin America come to worship at the Basílica -December 12. “Día de Reyes” (Three Wise Men), Epiphany concludes the celebrations of Christmas Season - January 6.

Spring

“Festival del Centro Histórico” (Historic Centre Festival)(March 17-30). “Semana Santa” (Holy Week), the most elaborately staged “Passion Play” in Mexico City is presented on Good Friday at Iztapalapa. Reenactments of the Stations of the Cross are also staged in the towns of Tecomitl, Tecoxpa, Oztotepec, Atocpan and Milpa Alta. - April 14-20. “La Flor más bella del Ejido” (The Most Beautiful Flower) in Xochimilco – April 6-13.

Summer

Commemoration of the Defense of Mexico and the fall of Tenochtitlan. The Celebration is held on Paseo de la Reforma, Zocalo and in front of Monument of Cuauhtemoc - August 13. “Independence Month” (September) festival takes place in the Zocalo where at 11:00 p.m. on the 15th, the president of Mexico and the crowds congregate on the square below to call out Father Hidalgo’s cry for freedom "El Grito". Parade September 16th.

Fall

“Día de los Muertos”(Day of the Dead). Altars are mounted in homes and cemeteries. Celebrations take place on Mixquic, Xochimilco and Milpa Alta- November 1st and 2nd.