December 25, 2024
Don’t Miss the Fiestas de Noviembre in Puerto Escondido

Don’t Miss the Fiestas de Noviembre in Puerto Escondido

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The Fiestas de Noviembre in Puerto Escondido, Mexico, is an exciting month-long celebration that showcases the region’s rich culture through thrilling surf competitions, traditional folk dance festivals, gastronomy demonstrations, and captivating cultural displays.

It makes the month of November one of the best times of the year to visit Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca.

So it’s definitely worth timing your visit to coincide with this special event.

Here’s a guide to what’s happening and what to watch for!

Folkloric dancers at Playa Manzanillo, Puerto Escondido, MexicoFolkloric dancers at Playa Manzanillo, Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Folkloric dancers at Playa Manzanillo during the Fiestas de Noviembre in Puerto Escondido. (Credit: Michele Peterson)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schedule of the Fiestas de Noviembre in Puerto Escondido

Taking place at various locations and main beaches in Puerto Escondido, this month-long festival takes place from November 2-30th.

Originally created to drum up tourism during the low season, the Fiestas de Noviembre has grown to become one big celebration, drawing top performers and sports competitors as well as visitors.

During the event, Puerto Escondido ramps up the party factor city-wide with a fishing tournament, a torneo de surf/surf competition, gastronomy festivals showcasing traditional Oaxacan food, cultural dance extravaganzas, processions, freestyle motocross and concerts by popular music artists.

It’s one of my favourite months to be in Puerto Escondido. But beyond the official schedule of activities, there’s lots to do.

Many of our favourite restaurants are reopening after summer closures, sea turtles are nesting and there’s live music most nights.

In fact, you never know what will happen! I once went to Manzanillo Beach for a swim, but ended up being a judge at a Gastronomy Competition!

It’s all just part of the whirlwind of fun activity and adventure that’s the Fiestas de Noviembre in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca!

Judges and officiantsJudges and officiants
I was one of the judges at the Gastronomy Competition and joined fellow judges, dignitaries and officiants.

Most events are free, except for the competitions such as the International Sailfish Tournament, where there’s prize money to be had.

If you arrive on November 1st or 2nd, you’ll also be in town for Day of the Dead in Puerto Escondido and will have the opportunity to experience two unique and memorable events in one visit.

Schedule of Events for 2024

Folkloric dancers at Fiestas de Noviembre Puerto EscondidoFolkloric dancers at Fiestas de Noviembre Puerto Escondido
Folkloric dancers in Puerto Escondido. (Credit: Michele Peterson)

With so many fun things to do at the Fiesta de Noviembre, there are far too many activities to list in one space.

So we’ve highlighted our favourites of the major events. 

** All dates and times are subject to change without notice**

Calendar of Events for Fiestas de Noviembre 2024. Calendar of Events for Fiestas de Noviembre 2024.

Calenda Procession

Calendas are the traditional way to kick off Oaxacan festivities. Similar to a Carnaval procession, these lively parades feature brass bands, dancing and large papier-mâché puppet figures called monos de calenda. 

Date: Nov. 2nd 

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: Begins at Puerto Escondido Agencia Municipal (Highway 200 and Av. Hidalgo)

Concert

Time: 9:00 pm

Location: Agencia Municipal

Mask Making Demonstrations and Workshops 

Dates: November 5 and 6, November 7 and 8th

Location: Library and Casa de la Cultura Amado Nervo (Google Map

Food Demonstration of Traditional Regional Cuisine

Date: November 15th 
Time: 5:00 pm
Location:  Manzanillo Beach

Festival Costeno de La Danza – Folk Dance Festival

Date: November  16th and 17th
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Agencia Municipal 

Grand Classic Motocross Race Competition

Date: November 30th
Time: 9:00 am 

International Sport Fishing Tournament – Sailfish Tournament

Dates: November 22, 23 and 24
Time: 7:00 am to 3:00 pm
Location: Playa Principal (Principal Beach)

International Surf Tournament / Torneo de Surf  Puerto Escondido

Dates: November 28 to 30
Time: 7 am
Location: Playa Zicatela

Guelaguetza Dance Performance

Dates: November 23
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Playa Zicatela 

Planning Guide to Fiestas de Noviembre in Puerto Escondido

Puerto Angelito Puerto Escondido Puerto Angelito Puerto Escondido
Combine beach time with the Fiestas de Noviembre. (Credit: Michele Peterson)

Schedule: Check the official Facebook page on the official Fiestas de Noviembre Puerto Escondido Facebook Page  for updates or visit Gina Machorro at the Adoquin Tourist Booth for the latest additions and changes.

Other Activities: Be sure to check out our guide to top things to do in Puerto Escondido including baby turtle releases, swimming in the bioluminescent lagoon and more.

Hotels: Many of the hotels in Puerto Escondido offer low season rates into November. For location,  Hotel Santa Fe, one of our favourite hotels in Puerto Escondido, is the best place to stay during the Fiestas de Noviembre as it’s near many events.

If you’re planning a long-stay, check our guide to Finding a Hotel, Apartment or Vacation Rental in Puerto Escondido for a listing of resources 

How to Get to Puerto Escondido: If you’re staying in the Bahias de Huatulco area, you can easily visit Puerto Escondido on a day trip or overnight. Get instructions on how to travel by bus or taxi in  How to Get from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido 

Getting Around: Most of the events for the Fiesta de Noviembre are easily accessible by taxi or by walking. But if you’d like to attend other events such as the Horse Show in Chila or get out of town completely at Roca Blanca beach or Playa Agua Blanca, it’s handy to have your own transportation.

Get details in our Guide on How to Rent a Car in Puerto Escondido.  

Mazunte: From jazz music to sea turtle nestings, there’s lots going on in  Mazunte & San Agustinillo as well in November so it’s worth planning to spend some time there as well.

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fiestas de noviembre puerto escondidofiestas de noviembre puerto escondido

More Things to Do in Oaxaca

Swimming in Puerto Escondido’s Bioluminescent Lagoon

Romantic Things To Do in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca 

Best Horseback Riding Tours to Atotonilco Hot Springs

Originally published in 2018 and updated in 2024.

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