“K’uinchekua”, our fiesta

The great sacred spectacle in the Yácatas of Tzintzuntzan

Imagine seeing Purépecha history come alive on the very temples where the ancient kings once reigned. That's the K’uínchekua, Michoacán's most important cultural celebration, held annually (usually in March) at the Yácatas Archaeological Zone, in Tzintzuntzan.

Meaning: Celebration and Dream Its name in Purépecha literally means “Celebration,” but it has a profound poetic connotation that translates as “Dream in Heaven”. Although its roots as an organized event date back to the 1990s, K’uínchekua is a ritual of preservation. It is not mere folklore on display; it is a living tribute to the diversity of Indigenous communities, bringing together the best of music, song, dance, and religious ceremony on a single stage.

The Experience: A Journey to the Roots The event is a total immersion in Michoacán's identity. During the performances, hundreds of artists take to the open-air stage to perform:

• Dances: From the Old Men of Jarácuaro to the Kúrpites of Nuevo Parangaricutiro.

• Music: String and wind orchestras, and the moving songs of the Pirekuas (World Heritage).

• Rituals: Ceremonies that invoke the elements and recall the grandeur of the Tarascan empire.

Event Format The party usually takes place over three days (generally a weekend in March):

• Community Day: The first day is usually reserved for the participating indigenous communities, strengthening their internal ties.

• Community Day: The first day is usually reserved for the participating indigenous communities, strengthening their internal ties.

  • Note: In addition to the nighttime show, the event features a Gastronomic and Artisan Zone that operates before and after the show, where you can sample uchepos, corundas and purchase unique pieces.

💡 Expert Tip (Tickets): Because it takes place in a protected archaeological zone, space is limited. Tickets usually sell out within minutes of going on sale online. We recommend checking the official Michoacán Tourism website in the weeks leading up to the event (March) to secure your spot.

Location: Yácatas Archaeological Zone, Tzintzuntzan (15 minutes from Pátzcuaro).