Veracruz carnival 2026: official dates and guide
Veracruz Carnival 2026: Dates, Routes, and Tips for Enjoying it with a Rental Car
The Veracruz Carnival 2026 returns with strength and joy to the jaroco port, making it the perfect opportunity for a road trip getaway.
If you are considering renting a car with Hertz Mexico, it is important to know the dates of the Veracruz Carnival, its main parades, the must-see routes, and also take some tips to make your experience comfortable, safe, and full of tradition.
When is the Veracruz Carnival 2026?
The event returns to its roots in 2026: the dates for the Veracruz Carnival will be from February 10th to 18th, according to the official event website.
This return to the original dates has been widely celebrated by the community, as it aligns with historical traditions.
During the 2026 edition, the goal is to rescue the popular essence of the Veracruz Carnival, with a theme that integrates local culture, music, and traditional festivities.
What to See During the Veracruz Carnival 2026?
The Veracruz Carnival 2026 is more than just parades: it is a complete festival combining tradition, music, troupes, floats, and activities for all audiences.
One of the most anticipated moments is the parade along the Veracruz Malecón (boardwalk), where floats fill the streets facing the sea with color.
Additionally, comparsas (troupes) travel through major avenues, while the public gathers in the Zócalo square to watch coronations and traditional dances.
You can also participate in cultural events and official ceremonies, such as the Burning of Bad Humor and the coronations of the royal court.
At night, the atmosphere changes: live music, concerts, and parties in public squares complete the experience, ideal if you want to experience the Carnival both by day and until the early hours of the morning.
Recommended Driving Routes to Get to the Veracruz Carnival 2026
If you are driving to the city to experience the Veracruz Carnival 2026, it is essential to know the best routes to arrive from different points in Mexico.
From Mexico City
The most direct way is the Mexico-Puebla Highway (MEX-150D), continuing via the Puebla-Orizaba-Córdoba y finally taking the same highway towards Veracruz.
The journey usually takes between four and five hours and is characterized by excellent signage, several toll booths, and rest areas.
When renting a car in CDMX, you can also take the opportunity to stop in towns like Orizaba or Río Blanco before continuing your trip to the port.
From Querétaro
You can choose between two main paths. The fastest is to go down towards Mexico City to connect with the same Mexico-Puebla-Veracruz route, which takes around six and a half to seven and a half hours, depending on traffic.
The other option is to travel via the Querétaro-Pachuca-Poza Rica route, connecting later with the federal highway MEX-180 towards the port.
This path is a bit longer, between seven and eight hours, but offers green landscapes and the possibility of making coastal stops, perfect for a more scenic road trip.
Keep in mind renting a car in Querétaro to make this trip!
From San Luis Potosí
The most practical route is to take the MEX-57D highway south, connect with MEX-70, and then continue on MEX-132D until reaching MEX-180, which leads directly to Veracruz.
This journey takes between seven and eight hours and is known for being fluid and having several gas stations, restaurants, and service areas, which is especially useful if you choose to rent a car in San Luis Potosí and prefer wide highways in good condition.
From Coatzacoalcos
If you are traveling from here, the best option is to follow the coastal highway MEX-180, passing through Minatitlán and Alvarado before reaching the port.
It is a journey of approximately four hours, known for its mangrove landscapes and small fishing villages that make the trip a very picturesque experience.
Choose car rental in Coatzacoalcos to live this adventure!
By renting a car with Hertz Mexico, you can plan a flexible route, adapt it according to your tourist stops or your Carnival days, and enjoy the journey as much as the event itself.
Do not miss the opportunity to combine culture, the road, and pure celebration: your trip to the Veracruz Carnival 2026 will be unforgettable.