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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!
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!
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
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**
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
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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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.
