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Palenque‘s calendar is a mix of Maya tradition and Catholic feast days. Most events happen in the town of Santo Domingo de Palenque rather than at the archaeological zone, and almost all are free to watch. These are the Palenque events and festivals worth planning a trip around.
Palenque Events and Festivals: Spring Equinox in March
On March 20 or 21, visitors gather at the archaeological zone for the spring equinox, when the rising sun and the alignment of the Palace tower mark the change of season. Groups hold sunrise ceremonies on the platforms, and the site opens at its usual 8:00. It is one of the busiest mornings of the year, so arrive before opening and expect a slow line at the ticket gate. The equinox falls inside the hot dry season, when afternoon highs run above 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), so bring water and a hat. For the best overall window to visit, see our best time to visit Palenque guide.
Palenque Events and Festivals: Day of the Dead in November
On November 1 and 2, families across Palenque build altars with candles, marigolds, pan de muerto and the favourite foods of their dead. In Chiapas the tradition keeps its indigenous character, and you will see home altars and cemetery vigils in the surrounding villages as well as in town. The cemetery of Santo Domingo fills with candlelight on the night of November 1. November weather is a plus: rain has eased to about 150 mm for the month and temperatures sit near 25.6 degrees Celsius (78 degrees Fahrenheit). The town centre is where the altars cluster, so see our Palenque neighborhoods guide for where to stay nearby.
Palenque Events and Festivals: Fiesta de Santo Domingo in August
The first week of August, Palenque celebrates its patron saint, Santo Domingo, with a week of processions, live music in the main plaza, food stalls and a small fair with mechanical rides. Fireworks go off most nights, and the zocalo stays busy until late. This is the wettest stretch of the year, so carry an umbrella and expect afternoon rain. The fiesta peaks around August 4, the feast day of Saint Dominic. Book early for this week, and see our where to stay in Palenque guide for hotels. For getting there, read our Palenque travel tips.
Palenque Events and Festivals: Carnaval in February or March
Carnaval in Palenque is a local street party held in the days before Ash Wednesday, which lands in February or March depending on the year. Expect parades, costumed dance troupes and music through the town centre, on a smaller scale than the big coastal carnivals of Veracruz or Mazatlán. Dates shift every year, so confirm the exact days before booking. For what else to line up in a visit, see our things to do in Palenque and weather by month guides.
