If you are currently studying Spanish with us or planning a visit to the “City of Eternal Spring,” you are in for a treat. One of the most vibrant, loud, and colorful traditions in Mexico is about to take over the streets: the Carnival season.

While many people associate Carnival with a single date, here in the State of Morelos, the party stretches across several weeks, turning the region into a mosaic of music and dance.

What is a “Carnaval”?

Historically, a Carnaval (Carnival) is a festive season that occurs immediately before the Christian season of Lent. Traditionally, it was the “last chance” to feast and celebrate before the 40 days of fasting and reflection leading up to Easter.

In Mexico, and specifically in Morelos, Carnivals have evolved into a beautiful blend of Catholic traditions and indigenous resistance. The star of our carnivals is the Chinelos—dancers wearing elaborate robes and masks with pointed beards. These characters originally started as a way for indigenous people to mock the Europeans’ elaborate dress and mannerisms during the colonial era. Today, the “Brinco del Chinelo” (the jump of the Chinelo) is a symbol of pride and community joy.

A Rolling Celebration: Dates and Locations

While the Catholic calendar marks the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday as the official Carnival day, Morelos does things differently. To ensure everyone can visit neighboring towns, the celebrations are staggered throughout the months of January, February, and March.

Here is the 2026 schedule for the most iconic Carnivals in Morelos:

Join the Party!

Participating in a Carnival is one of the best ways to practice your Spanish in a real-world setting and truly integrate into the local culture. It’s more than just a party; it’s a moment where the community comes together to share their history and hospitality.

Whether you want to dance the Brinco, try some local antojitos, or simply take photos of the incredible costumes, we highly recommend visiting at least one of these towns.

We look forward to seeing you there! ¡Los esperamos!