This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our small business.
The events and festivals in Villahermosa cluster in two windows: the Feria Tabasco in late April and early May, and the Festival del Chocolate in mid-November, with smaller religious and river events scattered through the year. Most large events run at Parque Tabasco, the fairgrounds east of the center, and they draw visitors from across Villahermosa and the rest of Tabasco.
Events and Festivals in Villahermosa: Feria Tabasco
The Feria Tabasco is the state’s biggest event, running about three weeks from late April to early May (the 2025 edition ran April 23 to May 11). Held at Parque Tabasco, it combines livestock and agriculture exhibitions, carnival rides, nightly concerts at the Teatro del Pueblo and the crowning of La Flor Tabasco, the fair’s ambassador. Entry is around MXN 60 to 100, with concerts often free once inside. Hotel prices in where to stay in Villahermosa spike during the fair, and the best time to visit Villahermosa for the fair is its opening weekend, when crowds are lighter.
Events and Festivals in Villahermosa: Festival del Chocolate
The Festival del Chocolate celebrates Tabasco’s cacao heritage each November, usually across four days in mid-month (the 2024 edition ran November 14 to 17). Also at Parque Tabasco, it draws over 100,000 visitors for tastings, workshops, chocolate pairings and cacao-farm tours. Entry is free and it is the best time to buy local bars and drinking chocolate direct from producers. Pair it with the Villahermosa weather by month dry-season forecast for a comfortable trip.
Events and Festivals in Villahermosa: Carnaval and Holy Week
Villahermosa’s Carnaval runs in February or early March with parades and comparsas along the main avenues, a smaller version of the Gulf-coast carnivals in Veracruz and Merida. Semana Santa (Holy Week) brings religious processions around the cathedral and a busy week for the best neighborhoods in Villahermosa near the historic center, so restaurants and hotels fill quickly.
Events and Festivals in Villahermosa: River and Cultural Events
The Gran Carrera de Motonautica, known as the 50 Leguas del Grijalva, is a historic motorboat race down the Grijalva River that has run intermittently for decades. The Festival Ceiba, a multi-week arts and theater festival, runs in the fall, usually October to November, with free performances in parks and venues around the city. For transport to any of these, see the Villahermosa travel tips and fold the things to do in Villahermosa into the same trip.
