The Day of the Mules annual celebration Mexico City
The annual Mexico City Day of the Mules Festival is a colourful native celebrationNo-one really knows why the first Day of the Mules (Dia de las Mulas) was celebrated in 1526, but travellers to Mexico City from London find this annual event a fascinating and entertaining festival of Mexican culture and history. The Dia de las Mulas always takes place on the Thursday that is two Sundays after Pentecost. Although it is considered a religious holiday, the overtones are celebratory rather than sombre, and the festivities are an enjoyable cultural event for everyone.
The festival begins with a procession around the city, beginning from Zocalo Square soon after morning Mass. Native children wear colourful traditional outfits and music and wine flows freely during this visually stunning annual event.
Handmade wooden, wicker and even corn-husk mules, decorated with brightly coloured ribbons and adornments are sold all around Mexico City during the festival. The handmade crafts have become so popular with holidaymakers that an arts and crafts fair is held in Zocalo square to celebrate the beautiful handcrafts of Mexico. Artisans come from all over the country to share their wares in the square, many bringing their mules packing fruits as a religious offering of thanksgiving.
Holiday makers will enjoy native artists putting on live music and traditional dance performances in full costume, as well as the fine special vendimia wine that flows freely at the event. A fascinating day of immersion in Mexican culture, the Dia de las Mulas is a wonderful native celebration holidaymakers won’t want to miss.
