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AUG 27 -SEP 6 Mariachi and Charro Festival — Guadalajara, Jalisco. It's a 10-day jamboree where the city of Guadalajara comes alive to the authentic Mexican sounds of mariachi bands and traditional charreria (a traditional Mexican rodeo event) festivities. Visitors can expect countless performances by mariachi bands, colorful parades through the city, and Mexican rodeo events. Not to mention the regional delicacies and their infamous tequila.

SEP 6-20 Zacatecas National Fair — Zacatecas, Zacatecas. Colonial jewel Zacatecas, celebrates its rich cultural history with a two week-long fair with musical performances, amusement ride for the children, theater performances, and an assortment of regional cuisine.

SEP 8: Tepozteco Challenge (Reto al Tepozteco) - Tepoztlan, Morelos. Performance depicting King Tepoztecatl’s conversion to the Catholic religion. Procession leads to the Tepozteco Pyramid, where offerings are made. This event includes a food festival, chinelo dances dating back to prehispanic times, and fireworks.

SEP 15–16: Mexican Independence Day (Dia de la Independencia Mexicana) - Nationwide. Mexico celebrates its declaration of independence from Spain in 1810. The night of September 15, marks "El Grito," a dramatic reenactment of revolutionary Father Hidalgo's call for his fellow Mexicans to join the uprising, which takes place at city halls across the country. On September 16, military parades are held in almost every Mexican city.

SEP 19–21: Fall Equinox at Kulkulcan (Equinoccio de Kulkulcan) - Chichen Itza, Yucatan. Thousands of people from around the world gather at this Mayan ruin on the Yucatan Peninsula to witness the afternoon shadow of the snake-god Kukulcan slowly "crawl down" the country's largest Mayan pyramid, El Castillo.

SEP 26: Running of the Bulls at San Miguel (Sanmiguelada) - San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato. Also known as the Pamplonada because it is Mexico’s imitation of Spain’s “running of the bulls,” the Sanmiguelada is an annual festival usually taking place the third Saturday of September in honor of Saint Michael the Archangel. The event involves dances, concerts, fireworks and bulls running through town. Daring participants meet at high noon. www.sanmiguelguide.com/tour-pamplonada.htm

SEP 18-22: National Antique Festival (Muestra Nacional de Antigüedades) - Saltillo, Coahuila. Now in its eleventh year, this festival gathers together top antique dealers from all over Mexico and features exhibitions of international treasures, accompanied by a musical and educational program. www.muestraantiguedades.com