ALL DEC: Campeche’s Historical Festival – Campeche, Campeche State. Throughout December the city of Campeche celebrates its Historical Festival which includes great concerts, popular arts, food fairs, children activities and much more.

DEC 1-15: Chiapas Fair — Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas. This is Chiapas’ most important fair. It includes bullfights, horse races, motocross, cockfighting, cultural and sporting events, crafts, agricultural exposition and more.

DEC 2-3: Grand Pacific Marathon 2006 (Gran Maraton Pacifico 2006)–Mazatlan, Sinaloa State. Runners from the world over participate in this challenging race that takes place at the Pearl of the Pacific and features miles upon miles of beautiful scenery. For more information, please visit: www.maraton.org

DEC 12: Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe (Fiesta de la Virgen de Guadalupe)–Nationwide. One of the most important holidays in Mexico during which millions of travelers converge on the Mexico City Basilica of the country’s patron saint in a pilgrimage to pay tribute to Mexico’s patron saint. The square in front of the Basilica is a stage for singing, dancing and celebration.

DEC 16-23: Posada and Piñata Fair (Feria de la Posada y Piñata)–Alcoman, Mexico State. The “Posadas” procession is an annual celebration near Mexico City. Among the piñatas on display are those made from clay, traditional models with seven points that symbolize the seven deadly sins, and those made from cardboard with popular children’s designs. Workshops in piñata-making are also offered.

DEC 16-24: Posadas–Nationwide. Processions recreating Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem, in which people holding candles go door to door to seek shelter. Festivities include piñatas, Christmas caroling and special foods and sweets.

DEC 23: Festival of the Radishes (Festival de los Rabanos)–Oaxaca, Oaxaca State. Local artisans and sculptors set up stalls around the main square to display their elaborate pieces of art–made entirely from radishes! The local crop is used for creating Nativity scenes and famous Mexican figures. Balloons and birds crafted from local flowers add even more color.

DEC 24: Las Calendas–Oaxaca, Oaxaca State. The districts of Oaxaca City prepare floats and costumes for processions held throughout the city. The parades feature marmotas (translucent paper spheres lit from within and carried aloft on poles) and giant paper mache people whose arms flop around as the people hidden inside dance.