Tenosique carnival: history, dates, and dance
Tenosique Carnival: History, Meaning, and How to Witness the Dance of the Pochó
The Tenosique Carnival, known as "the rarest carnival in the world," is one of the most mysterious and fascinating celebrations in our country.
Every January, the inhabitants of this historic municipality in southern Tabasco fill the streets with their joyful and flowery costumes to honor their ancestors and dance to the rhythm of drums.
Here we tell you everything you need to know to enjoy this unique experience to the fullest: its history, how to see the mythical Dance of the Pochó, and how to get there driving from CDMX or Tabasco.
Don't have your own vehicle? Don't worry, you can rent a car with Hertz Mexico and live the carnival your way.
When is the Tenosique Carnival Celebrated in 2026?
The Carnival begins on January 20th with "La pinta de harina" (The Flour Painting): a fun ceremony in which the inhabitants of Tenosique and tourists throw flour at each other in the municipal square.
This particular "battle," in which up to 2 tons of flour have been thrown, marks the start of the festivities, which last for approximately 20 days.
What is the History and Meaning of the Tenosique Carnival?
The Tenosique Carnival has its origins in pre-Hispanic times when the inhabitants of Tenosique gathered to honor the Mayan gods.
With their fantastic animal masks, in addition to their traditional clothing, the people of Tenosique still keep this celebration full of mysticism and color alive.
Currently, during the carnival, a wide variety of cultural activities are also offered, including performances of ancestral dances, musical concerts, theater, parades of comparsas, gastronomic events, and more.
Here are some of the experiences you cannot miss during your visit:
- The flour painting (La pinta de harina).
- Dance contest of the Blanquitos.
- Parade of floats.
- Coronation of the Carnival Queen and the Ugly King.
- The Dance of the Pochó.
What is the Dance of the Pochó and How to Witness It?
The Dance of the Pochó is one of the unmissable events of the Tenosique Carnival.
In this ancient Mayan ritual—which represents the struggle between good and evil—the "cojoes," the "pochoveras," and the "jaguars" roam the streets dancing, covered by wooden masks or with animal faces.
The men represent the "cojoes" and the women the "pochoveras," wrapped in colorful dresses, with flowers and full of ornaments.
The Dance of the Pochó is celebrated for the first time on January 20th in the municipal square, after the "Flour Painting" ceremony, and is repeated every Sunday until the last Tuesday of the carnival, when finally "good triumphs over evil" and the Pochó, the malignant god, is burned.
Unmissable Places to Visit in Tenosique
If you plan to attend the magical Carnival, you can take advantage of the trip to also get to know the beautiful natural landscapes and archaeological ruins of Tenosique.
Let's see what the main tourist spots in the area and its surroundings are:
Santa Margarita Spa (Balneario)
Just a few kilometers from Tenosique is the Santa Margarita Spa, a true paradise.
Santa Margarita is the perfect destination for nature lovers, ideal for immersing yourself in its crystal-clear waters or enjoying a different day surrounded by its incredible tropical vegetation.
Ponomá Archaeological Zone
Ponomá was one of the most important cities for the Mayan culture.
This fascinating archaeological zone is located in the middle of the Tenosique jungle, which turns the walk into an unforgettable adventure.
By visiting the ruins of Ponomá, you can get to know the ancient temples and also attend a museum with unique pieces of the Mayan civilization.
Usumacinta Canyon
20 kilometers away from the center of Tenosique is the imposing Usumacinta Canyon.
This natural wonder combines colorful local flora and fauna with fabulous panoramic views.
Do not miss enjoying a boat ride on the river or taking the opportunity to practice your favorite water sports.
How to Get to Tenosique by Road?
One of the best options to experience the Carnival and explore the beauties of Tenosique is to travel by road.
Visiting Tenosique by car offers you the freedom to manage your schedules and the flexibility you need to reach the most distant destinations.
Here we tell you which are the best routes to get to Tenosique from CDMX and Tabasco:
From Tabasco
The municipality of Tenosique is 215 km from Villahermosa, the capital of Tabasco.
The trip from Villahermosa to Tenosique by car is very simple and lasts approximately 3 hours: first, you must take federal highway 186 (Villahermosa - Escarcega) to KM 147. There you will find the junction with federal highway 203 (Emiliano Zapata - Tenosique), on which you will have to travel 75 km to your destination.
From CDMX
The best alternative to get to Ten