Festivals & Holidays
San Juan Chamula Carnival (K’in Tajimoltik): Visitor Guide
K’in Tajimoltik is San Juan Chamula’s pre-Lent Tsotsil carnival, about 10 km from San Cristóbal; the 2026 dates were February 15–17, but the next edition needs confirmation and church photography is prohibited.
Published
Go to K’in Tajimoltik only if you are prepared to follow San Juan Chamula’s community rules. It is an annual Tsotsil celebration before Lent, not a scheduled tourist show.
Latest official dates found: February 15–17, 2026
Next edition: official dates still not found in the current sources checked as of August 28, 2026
Location: San Juan Chamula, about 10 km from San Cristóbal
Photography: prohibited inside the church; follow community rules elsewhere as well.
The celebration
Mexico’s Cultural Information System documents K’intajimol as a ritual and festive tradition in Tsotsil communities of Los Altos, including San Juan Chamula. Documented elements include ceremonial activity around the central plaza, music, dance, traditional participants known as max, fire-related ritual elements and bull runs.
The celebration belongs first to the community. Crowded public activity should not be interpreted as permission to photograph people, ceremonies or restricted spaces.
Dates
Because K’in Tajimoltik is linked to the movable Lent calendar, the dates change each year. Check the next official announcement before booking transport or accommodation around the carnival.
Visiting respectfully
Carnival days are busier than a normal visit to Chamula, and local rules still apply. Photography inside the church is prohibited. Outside it, ask before photographing people or ceremonies and follow any local instruction.
A knowledgeable local guide can add context, but does not override community restrictions.
For normal transport and visitor rules: