Year round festivals make Mexico vacations even more exciting

There's no shortage of things to do in Mexico. From north to south, east to west, the country is rich with historic cities, grand archaeological sites, breathtaking beaches and a wide diversity of landscapes to explore. What can add a different aspect to the usual Mexico vacation, however, is attending a festival that celebrates some of Mexico's most unique traits.

Because you can find reasonable prices on flights to Mexico at almost any time of year, you simply need to find the festival that fits your interest - or is celebrated in a location you've been yearning to visit - and start planning your getaway.

Consider these festivals held in some of the country's most popular and exciting destinations and start daydreaming about immersing yourself in Mexican culture.

Cabo San Lucas
Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen
June 16
The Virgen del Carmen (or Our Lady of Mount Carmel) is important to Mexico - a devoutly Catholic country. The Virgin is seen as a protector of Mexico, so a day devoted to celebrating her is a lively occasion. In beautiful beachside Cabo San Lucas, the festivities, like craft fairs, parades, puppeteer shows and bullfights, also take on a more nautical tone with a fishing tournament. If you're already searching for flights to Cabo to relax on the beach, planning it around this one-day festival will add some unforgettable excitement.

San Miguel de Allende
International Chamber Music Festival
July 29 - Aug. 14
Genteel San Miguel de Allende, itself a UNESCO World Heritage site lined with graceful colonial architecture, is a perfect backdrop to one of the premier music festivals in Latin America. Celebrated chamber musicians from around the world flock to the festival and visitors would be wise to do the same. Tickets to outstanding concerts at the Angela Peralta Theater can be had for as little as $15 for balcony seating or $42 for a box seat. Performances are held throughout the city, often in its atmospheric Baroque-style churches.

Mexico City
Mexican Independence Day
Sept. 16
Join the teeming crowds and head to Mexico City's Zocalo (central square) for a full day and night of pageantry and celebration. Watch dances, listen to bands, snack on delicious food, marvel at the evening's fireworks and consider just how important national independence is. Just don't forget to come dressed in your green-white-and-red best, to reflect the colors of the Mexican flag.

Guadalajara
International Mariachi and Charro Festival
September (precise dates TBD)
The best of mariachi world's best are guaranteed to be at this annual festival that will have you dancing for days. As many as 500 mariachi bands descend on the attractive colonial town of Guadalajara, and you'll find everything from art exhibits to mariachi masses, along with parades, folk dances and rodeos.

When you're ready to make your festival dreams a reality, look for cheap flights and vacation packages on sites like Travelocity.com. Keep in mind that the bigger the festival, the more likely you'll need to book well in advance.