Mexico carnivals 2026: dates and road trip routes

Mexico Carnivals 2026: Calendar, Main Cities, and Recommended Road Trip Routes

The Mexico Carnivals 2026 will once again bring the color, music, tradition, and joy that precede the Lenten period.

Thousands of people will visit different cities to enjoy troupes (comparsas), parades, live music, coronations, traditional games, and the festive atmosphere characteristic of these popular festivals.

If you are planning to travel by road this year, knowing the carnival calendar for 2026, the main cities where they are celebrated, and the best car routes will help you plan a good experience.

In this article, we tell you when the dates of the main carnivals in Mexico are in 2026 and how to take advantage of your trip with freedom by opting for car rental.

Experience this party to the fullest!

When Does Carnival 2026 Start?

The date of the carnival is linked to the Christian calendar, as it always falls just before the start of Lent.

In 2026, Shrove Tuesday (Martes de Carnaval) will be celebrated on February 17th, which gives way to the festivities beginning a few days earlier.

Knowing when the carnivals in Mexico are in 2026 is key to planning your car trip and taking advantage of the country's most spectacular celebrations, from massive parades to traditional ceremonies that last a whole week.

Dates vary slightly between locations, but most major parades and cultural activities are concentrated between February 13th and 18th.

What is the Origin of Carnival in Mexico?

Before going into detail about the various parties, it is worth understanding the origin of carnival in Mexico.

This holiday has European roots, brought by Spanish colonizers, and merged with local indigenous celebrations.

The word "carnival" comes from the Latin carne levare, which means "to remove meat," referring to the days of vigil prior to Lent.

Since then, each region of the country has adapted its own customs, mixing pre-Hispanic elements with Catholic traditions.

This cultural mix is responsible for the enormous diversity of carnivals celebrated in Mexico: from colorful troupes in the Mexican Caribbean to celebrations with deep community roots in the central and northern states of the country.

Veracruz Carnival 2026: The Most Famous in the Country

One of the most anticipated events is, undoubtedly, the Veracruz Carnival.

This is nationally recognized for its energy, its troupes, and its festive atmosphere that is experienced both in the historic center and on the port's boardwalk (malecón).

The dates for the Veracruz Carnival 2026 run from February 10th to 18th.

The celebration will include activities such as coronations, concerts, giant troupes, night parades, and free cultural events.

This carnival is an unmissable destination for those looking for music, dance, and tradition in an urban and accessible format.

If you plan to travel by car from Mérida, CDMX, or Guanajuato, you can combine the visit with other coastal destinations, making your trip a complete experience.

Tlaxcala Carnival 2026: Tradition and Color in Central Mexico

Another carnival of great tradition is the Tlaxcala Carnival, known for its mix of music, folklore, and traditional elements.

The city and its surroundings celebrate with parades, masquerades, typical games, and events for the whole family.

Activities usually start days before Shrove Tuesday and include events in public squares, gastronomic fairs, and costume contests.

This celebration is distinguished by its more traditional and community atmosphere, ideal if you are looking for a deep cultural experience in a more intimate setting.

Mazatlán Carnival 2026

This is one of the largest and most spectacular in Mexico, famous for its musical tradition, monumental parades, and the unique energy of this Pacific city.

Considered one of the oldest carnivals in the country, it combines Sinaloan band music, giant troupes, floats, free concerts, and the traditional Burning of Bad Humor, one of the most awaited customs every year.

The dates for the Mazatlán Carnival 2026 will cover February 12th to 17th.

The celebration will feature a program that includes coronations, folkloric ballet, fireworks, and nights of music by the sea.

Paseo Olas Altas will become the center of the party, where you can enjoy gastronomy, dancing, and outdoor shows.

Mérida Carnival 2026

The Mérida Carnival is another essential celebration in Mexico, famous for its family atmosphere, colorful floats, and thematic parades.

For a week, the Yucatecan capital transforms with massive concerts, community troupes, mechanical rides, and the presence of guest artists who make the fairgrounds known as Xmatkuil vibrate.

Like all carnivals in the country, its dates are linked to the beginning of Lent, so the party extends from February 11th to 18th.

Every year, Mérida presents thematic parades such as the Flower Parade, the Children's Parade, and the coronation of the Carnival King and Queen.

It is a very organized, safe celebration designed for the whole family.

What Are the Best Road Trip Routes to Experience Mexico Carnivals 2026?

From Mérida to Veracruz

The route from Mérida to the Veracruz Carnival 2026 is one of the most pleasant if you like road trips.

It is approximately 500 km, a stretch that you can do with strategic stops in Campeche or Ciudad del Carmen to rest, eat, or visit other destinations.

By opting for car rental in Mérida, you can organize your itinerary at your own pace, without rushing or relying on collective transport.

From CDMX to Tlaxcala

If you are interested in the Tlaxcala Carnival 2026, the journey from Mexico City to Tlaxcala capital is a very feasible option by car.

The distance is around 120 km, which translates to about 2 hours on a well-signposted road.

By renting a car in CDMX, you can arrive early to participate in parades and community activities.

From Guadalajara to Regional Carnivals

If you plan a trip from the west of the country, you can also combine your visit to the carnival with other celebrations in Colima, Jalisco, or Nayarit, taking advantage of the freedom a car gives you to tour several locations in a single route.

For example, from Guadalajara to the Colima Carnival, the distance is approximately 200 km, a journey that usually takes between 2 hours and 30 minutes and 3 hours, ideal for a short getaway.

If you decide to head to the Puerto Vallarta Carnival, the route covers about 330 km, with an estimated time of 4 hours and 45 minutes to 5 hours, depending on the road you choose.

Another option is to travel to the Tepic Carnival, in Nayarit, a comfortable journey of around 220 km that takes 3 hours and 20 minutes, perfect if you want to combine beach, tradition, and Pacific gastronomy.

Car rental in Guadalajara allows you to adjust your times, choose your preferred routes, stop in charming towns like Sayula, Tequila, Comala, or Compostela, and enjoy the complete experience of the regional carnivals of western Mexico.

The Mexico Carnivals 2026 represent a great opportunity to live traditions, music, dance, history, and festivity throughout the country.

With the freedom that car rental gives you, you can put together a route that combines several carnivals in the same trip, discover new landscapes, and live each tradition with the comfort that only Hertz Mexico can offer you.