From the Cervantino Festival in Guanajuato to the Rock al Parque concerts in Bogotá, October offers plenty of cultural encounters. Tourism professionals also have several dates to keep in mind in Guatemala, Mexico and Brazil. Here are eight events to follow, some of which continue into the first days of November.
Festival Internacional Cervantino: Guanajuato, Mexico (3 to 18 October)
For sixteen days, Guanajuato hosts theatre, music, dance, opera and cinema for the 54th edition of the Festival Internacional Cervantino. The eclectic programme announces 212 performances and the participation of artists from 29 countries. Guest of honour France will have a particularly strong presence this year, as the two countries celebrate the bicentenary of their diplomatic relations.
Among the announced highlights, Mike Patton, singer of Faith No More, will present his Mondo Cane project on 3 October on the esplanade of the Alhóndiga de Granaditas. The Ballet national de Marseille company (LA)HORDE will present a special México 2026 version of Room with a View, created in collaboration with musician Rone. Plenty to choose from when planning evenings during a stay in the city.
Señor de los Milagros: Lima, Peru (3, 18, 19 and 28 October, then 1 November)
In Lima, October is known as the “purple month”, in reference to the clothing worn by the faithful who accompany the Señor de los Milagros processions. On five occasions, during the processions, the image of the Christ of Pachacamilla passes through the streets of the capital, carried amid songs and incense. These gatherings allow visitors to discover a tradition that has held an important place in the lives of local residents since 1766.
The experience continues at the Las Nazarenas sanctuary and the museum dedicated to this devotion, where ornaments, old photographs and historical documents are exhibited. October is also the season for turrón de Doña Pepa, a pastry covered with syrup and colourful sweets that is inseparable from the celebration.
Rock al Parque: Bogotá, Colombia (10 to 12 October)
Rock al Parque celebrates its 30th anniversary at Simón Bolívar Park with more than 80 bands and artists announced. For this anniversary edition, the free festival is adding a fourth stage and bringing together several generations of musicians, from metal and independent rock to punk, ska and reggae. Three days to see international artists and discover the country’s different music scenes.
Centroamérica Travel Market: Guatemala City, Guatemala (19 to 21 October)
The Guatemalan capital hosts the 15th edition of Centroamérica Travel Market at the Tikal Futura convention centre. The trade show connects tourism companies from the region with international tour operators. At least 80 buyers are expected, particularly from France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom and several Latin American markets.
Multi-destination travel will be at the centre of discussions. For professionals, these meetings provide an opportunity to reconnect with partners, discover new suppliers and explore the possibilities for itineraries in Central America. The business days take place from 19 to 21 October, within a broader programme beginning on the 16th.
Cancún Travel Mart: Cancún, Mexico (21 to 23 October)
Cancún Travel Mart welcomes tourism professionals to the Iberostar Selection Cancún for its 38th edition. Hoteliers, DMCs, airlines, attractions and representatives of Mexican destinations meet tour operators and wholesalers to negotiate their upcoming programmes.
Following participant arrivals and the reception on 21 October, business meetings are concentrated on the 22nd and 23rd. The format focuses on pre-scheduled meetings between buyers and suppliers, complemented by lunches and more informal encounters. A practical schedule for discussing rates, availability and contracts with the partners present.
Brazil Travel Market: Fortaleza, Brazil (22 and 23 October)
In Fortaleza, the Centro de Eventos do Ceará hosts the 15th edition of Brazil Travel Market. Well established in Brazil’s North and Northeast, this trade show brings together companies, destinations and travel agents for two days of meetings and presentations of tourism products.
The programme combines business meetings, training sessions and opportunities to discover Brazilian and international offers. For exhibitors, it is a chance to present their latest products to the professionals who sell them; for agencies, to gain a better understanding of destinations and speak directly with their suppliers.
arteba: Buenos Aires, Argentina (30 October to 1 November)
In Buenos Aires, arteba takes place in the Amarillo pavilion at La Rural, in the Palermo district. This edition, held in the year of the foundation’s 35th anniversary, will bring together 70 galleries presenting works by artists from ten countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and Uruguay.
The fair offers the opportunity to discover, in one place, artists represented by established galleries as well as more recent proposals brought together in the Utopía section. Collectors, curious visitors and art lovers can explore the stands from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. during the three days open to the public.
Día de Muertos: Mexico (late October through 2 November)
Preparations for Día de Muertos begin in October, ahead of the celebrations on 1 and 2 November. Among the most emblematic places, three deserve particular attention from travellers: Pátzcuaro and the communities around its lake, in Michoacán, with more than 700 activities announced across the state; Oaxaca and the villages of its Central Valleys, where altars stand alongside comparsas, costumed parades; and San Andrés Mixquic, in southeastern Mexico City, whose cemetery is illuminated by thousands of candles during the Alumbrada on 2 November.
