Mexico City is a place that makes it easy to enjoy culture. While museums and public art installations are available in the city year round, my favorite annual opportunity to experience diversity and international culture is through the Friendly Cultures Fair in Mexico City.
For last year’s fair (in May 2016), my brother was with me in Mexico City. It was his first time EVER visiting me abroad, but also his first time EVER leaving the USA with his shiny new passport. I knew the Friendly Cultures Fair would be the perfect introduction for a travel newbie to the wonderful world of international culture, gastronomy, and art. I wasn’t mistaken!
the Friendly Cultures Fair in the Zocalo, Mexico City
The Friendly Cultures Fair was (and will be this year as well) an awesome place to check out far flung countries and cultures, and is sure to spark a dash of wanderlust in anyone.
The multitude of delicious food definitely helps, and my brother even got to sample international cuisines. I was most excited for him to try Thai food, in advance of my destination wedding in Koh Tao later in the year.
Austin: Not sure about Thai food at first, and then all smiles 🙂
Another highlight of the Friendly Culture Fair was the opportunity to become more immersed in other cultures, including music, decor, and even clothing.We made a new Qatari friend who dressed us up, and exclaimed what a cute couple we made… before we quickly explained that we’re actually siblings!
What is the Friendly Culture Fair (La Feria de las Culturas Amigas)?
my favorite find:Mexicanized Israeli food. This is a latin version of falafel with both tahini and hot sauce!
Officially named La Feria de las Culturas Amigas in Spanish, this fabulous fair is held just once a year and coming up fast, in May 2017. The exact dates are still TBD, which isn’t unusual in Mexico, even a month away.
Friendly Cultures Fair 2017 is slated to bring in almost 100 countries with whom Mexico has diplomatic relations. Last year (and the year prior), 94 countries were represented with over 200 cultural activities. Each nation decorates a booth to represent its culture through flags, trinkets, and decorations. Many of the participating representatives also dress up either in the nation’s colors, or in a culturally expressive outfit. My favorite representation of each nation? THEIR FOOD!
This year, the Ivory Coast will serve as the special guest country, with increased emphasis on that nation’s culture and heritage.
The overall theme of the La Feria de Las Culturas Amigas 2017 will be “Cultural Diversity”. If you’re in town, you don’t want to miss it!
Location of the Friendly Culture Fair 2017 (La Feria de las Culturas Amigas)
Standing room only
In 2016, the Friendly Cultures Fair was held primarily in the Zocalo, and it got a bit crowded. Actually, “a bit crowded” might be the understatement of the year. It was PACKED, and over 3.5 million people visited throughout the course of the fair.
This year, in 2017, there will be two pavilions for increased accessibility, a main pavilion in the Zocalo focusing on culture, and a second pavilion in the nearby Plaza of Santo Domingo with a focus on food (hells yes). Both of these locations are in the Centro Historico district.
Tips for Visiting the Friendly Cultures Fair 2017 (La Feria de las Culturas Amigas)
a crowd already gathering
To avoid the crowds at this popular fair, try to arrive as soon as the fair is slated to open. In 2016, there were already people lining up an hour before! While it’s never fun to be stuck in a crowd, it is awesome to see so many people excited about sharing culture. As mentioned above, this year the city of Mexico City has planned ahead to create less visitor density (and more comfort) by separating Gastronomy and Culture in two different pavilions.
Bring a filled reusable water bottle
Watch out for pick pockets. Try to avoid carrying valuables, but if you need to, keep them close and tucked away. I always recommend the Travelon slash proof, pickpocket-preventing bags
History of the Friendly Cultures Fair (La Feria de las Culturas Amigas)
one of the many booths, the Friendly Culture of Cuba
In 2009, Mexico City was deeply affected by the AH1N1 flu epidemic, causing a drastic drop in tourism. The International Affairs Office of Mexico City, along with the support of 50 Embassies in Mexico, created the Friendly Cultures Fair. The fair was a way to celebrate the countries that stood in solidarity with Mexico during the health alert, while also drawing in tourists and creating more cultural awareness. Each year, the fair has grown with more and more visitors, last year reaching over 3.5 million.
Kazakhstan: best country colors (that blue!) ever
More information on Friendly Cultures Fair 2017 in English here
More information on La Feria de Las Culturas Amigas 2017 in Spanish here
A few more photos of the 2016 Feria de las Culturas Amigas / Friendly Cultures Fair:
The USA booth. Seriously? This is what best represents American culture? A selfie stand and Hollywood. 🙁
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Will you go to the Friendly Cultures Fair 2017?
A short vacation in Thailand turned into a life abroad with a canceled ticket home. Nearly a decade later and after living in Bangkok, Rio de Janeiro, Puebla, and Puerto Vallarta, Steph is on to her next adventure and living back in beautiful, cosmopolitan Mexico City. She is living, traveling, and working (both as an expat therapist and an international health insurance representative) around the world to find the beautiful, inspirational, and interesting while sharing it with you!
Never heard of this fair before but sounds like a must visit! I’ll definitely try and plan any trip to Mexico City with it in mind!! Must have been nice to have your brother there with you… I welcome him to the dark-side (travel addicts) 😉
Haha he has definitely been brought over to the dark side! He’s currently planning a summer Central America trip, his first-ever overseas adventure without me.