What Everyone Needs to Know About Fiestas de Noviembre in Puerto Escondido
I once went to Manzanillo Beach for a margarita cocktail and a swim, but ended up judging a swimming competition, sampling 30 culinary creations and handing out prizes. It’s all just part of the whirlwind of fun activity that’s the Fiestas de Noviembre in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca.
The schedule of events for the Fiestas de Noviembre 2018 has been announced and it’s an especially exciting line-up this year! If you’re planning a trip to the Oaxacan coast, it’s definitely worth timing your visit to coincide with one of the signature Fiestas de Noviembre 2018 events in Puerto Escondido.
What are the Fiestas de Noviembre in Puerto Escondido?
Folkloric dancers in Puerto Escondido
Taking place at various locations around Puerto Escondido, this month-long celebration begins at the end of October and finishes at the end of November. Originally created to drum up tourism during the low season, the Fiestas de Noviembre has grown to become one big celebration, drawing top performers, competitors and visitors.
During the event, Puerto Escondido ramps up the party factor city-wide with a fishing tournament, a torneo de surf / surf competition, a food festival, cultural dance extravaganzas, beauty pageants, processions, freestyle motocross and performances by popular music artists. Most events are free, except for the competitions such as the International Sailfish Tournament, where there’s prize money to be had.
Check out our Puerto Escondido Travel Essentials Guide for details on getting to Puerto Escondido, event locations, an overview of the best beaches and transportation around town. It’s also worth checking out how to celebrate Day of the Dead in Puerto Escondido.
Major Events at the Fiestas de Noviembre 2018
There are far too many activities to list in one space so we’ve highlighted the major events taking place during this month-long celebration of culture, food, sport and music. Check the official Facebook page on the official Fiestas de Noviembre Puerto Escondido Facebook Page for updates or visit the Tourist Booth in person for the latest additions and changes so you’re not disappointed by missing out.
** Note that all dates and times are subject to change without notice**
Music Concert by Los Socios de Ritmo and others Bands
Date: November 3
Time: 7 pm and various times
Location: Agencia Municipal
Muestra Gastronómica / Food Festival
Delicious Vuelve a la Vida (second place winner) in Muestra Gastronomica
Date: November 4
Time: 6 pm
Location: Playa Zicatela
Motocross Race Competition
Date: November 10-11
Location: Motocross Park ( Rinconada)
Music Concert by Reggaeton Latin Artist J Balvin
Date: November 11
Time: 7 pm
Location: Carrizalillo Park/Stage
International Sport Fishing Tournament – Sailfish Tournament
Dates: November 16, 17 and 18
Time: 7 am
Location: Playa Principal
International Surf Tournament / Torneo de Surf Puerto Escondido
Dates: November 16-18
Time: 7 am
Location: Playa Zicatela
Folkloric Dance Festival at Fiestas de Noviembre
Folkloric dancers at Playa Manzanillo, Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Dates: November 24-25
Time: 8 pm and various
Location: Agencia Municipal
Popular Music Concert: Ha*Ash & Elefante
Date: November 30
Time: 7 pm
Location: Playa Zicatela
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Travel Guide to Fiestas de Noviembre in Puerto Escondido
Date: October 26-November 30, 2018 Dates and times are subject to change without notice.
Mexico Tourism Board: The official Visit Mexico website offers travel and vacation information on the state of Oaxaca including Puerto Escondido.
Hotels: Many of the hotels in Puerto Escondido offer low season rates until the end of October and sometimes into November. Check our post on Finding a Hotel, Apartment or Vacation Rental in Puerto Escondido for a listing of resources or go directly to these recommended hotels.
Casamar Hotel Suites
Stay away from the crowds at Casamar Suites in Puerto Escondido
Located in the Brisas de Zicatela neighbourhood, this small hotel is a collection of low rise apartments with kitchens and a freeform pool set among tropical landscaped gardens. A good option away from the crowds and loud music, it’s still walking distance (along the beach) to the main Zicatela strip.
Check for best prices at Casamar Hotel Suites
Hotel Santa Fe
Stay in the heart of the action on Calle de Morro on Zicatela Beach
Steps to Marinero and Zicatela beaches, this pretty pink hotel has graced the western corner of Zicatela Beach since 1981 and is the city’s grand dame when it comes to atmosphere. A lush courtyard, with graceful wrought iron and curved stairways lead to secluded rooms and spacious suites, all with AC and the amenities of a top hotel. The onsite restaurant is a destination of its own, featuring fine vegetarian fare. You’re close to all the Fiestas de Noviembre action here.
Check for the best prices at Hotel Santa Fe
Hotel Ines
After a day of sun and fun on Zicatela Beach it’s just steps to your room at Beach Hotel Ines. This spacious hotel with a shady courtyard centred around a large pool offers a range of accommodation choices from budget cabanas to large, 2 bedroom suites with kitchenettes and ocean views. Night security adds to peace-of-mind. It’s also home to Deep Blue Dive, offering whale and dolphin watching, snorkeling and scuba diving excursions.
Hotel Suites Villasol
Hang out around the pool at Villasol’s Beach Club
This budget-friendly hotel in the Bacocho neighbourhood is far enough away from the main action that it’s relatively quiet. Hotel guests also enjoy access to the Villasol Beach Club ( via shuttle) featuring a freeform swimming pool, Happy Hour, a swim-up bar and loungers overlooking Bacocho Beach.
Quinta Carrizalillo
These breezy suites with a fab location offers one of the best values in the Rinconada neighbourhood. The spacious rooms come with full kitchens, AC, terrace/balconies, TV and spacious living areas which invite long-stays. The large rooftop palapa deck is well-positioned for sunset watching and the small but inviting main-level pool is sparkling clean. Reserve well in advance for one of the rooms on the upper levels.
Check for the best prices at Quinta Carrizalillo.
Vivo Resorts
Enjoy a secluded long beach and luxury at Vivo Resorts
With the sound of the waves rather than the boom-boom of music, you’ll definitely enjoy get a good nights’ sleep at this luxury condominium resort with sprawling swimming pools, villas and suites located 30 minutes outside of Puerto Escondido but accessible via handy shuttles to town.
Check for the best prices at Vivo Resorts.
Where to Eat:
Another great reason to visit Puerto Escondido in November is that many of the restaurants that closed for the summer, have reopened so food fans have many more options to choose from. A great place to eat at the beach also happens to have been the Grand Prize winner at the previous Muestra Gastronómica I participated in.
Judges, dignitaries and officiants – Pablo Carrasco, Keith Reid, me, Presidente Municipal Electo Roberto Grados, Chef Aldo Cervantes and more
If you want to eat at La Palapa de Carrasco, you can find then at the far right after you descend the stairs at Playa Manzanillo. They are the final restaurant in the first row of beach palapas. Watch for their sign.
One of the dishes from 1st place winner La Palapa de Carrasco
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I like the look of that food!
Wow – that never happens when I go for a margarita and a swim. How fun.
For all of the time we’ve spent in Mexico, I don’t know how we’ve never been to Puerto Escondido, especially since we tend to visit MX in November. Sounds like a blast!
Puerto is a bit out of the way but is totally worth it! I hope you add it to your list for your upcoming trip!