Record-breaking Attendance and Focus on Indigenous Cultures
The 30th National Rural Cultural Fair (FNCR) kicked off in Texcoco with record-breaking attendance, highlighting the richness of 33 indigenous cultures and their artisans. From October 2 to 12, Veracruz, San Luis Potosí, and Hidalgo states are being honored. The event is expected to attract around 200,000 visitors, 50,000 more than the previous year.
Unprecedented Growth
Ángel Garduño García, rector of the Autonomous University of Chapingo (UACh), emphasized the historical evolution of the fair, which began as a student cultural exhibition in 1994 and has grown into a massive celebration. The growth is not just in attendance; the 2025 fair will feature 4,000 artists (800 more than in 2024), participation from 205 indigenous communities (up from 176), and representation of 33 cultures (an increase of 13 from the previous year).
The FNCR pays tribute to Veracruz, San Luis Potosí, and Hidalgo states, as well as the Totonaca, Xi’ui (Pame), and Tepehua indigenous peoples.
Cultural Mosaic and Support for Artisans
The visibility of the 800 participating artisans and artisanas is a central theme of the fair. Dr. Garduño highlighted that most are certified by the National Institute of Indigenous Peoples (INPI), ensuring the cultural weight and worldview of their creations.
The artistic program includes 118 activities, weaving a mosaic from traditional expressions like the Venado Dance, Huapanguera music, and carnival processions to contemporary forms like hip-hop classes and modern dance exhibitions.
A highlight of the opening day was the Soft Patriotic Traditional Costume Gala, where UACh students proudly showcased traditional attire from their communities, accompanied by live music, evoking festivals, rituals, and dances from Mexico’s 32 states.
Pavilions and Agricultural Science
A new addition to this 30th edition is the States Dedicated Pavilion, featuring 90 stands (approximately 30 for each honored state) showcasing artisanship, popular art, and agricultural products from the communities.
This new space complements traditional pavilions: Artisanal, Gastronomic, Pecuario (Livestock), Entrepreneurship, and Institutional, where visitors can find samples of: Criollo corn seeds, local produce, diverse national livestock, and the coffee, macadamia, and chayote germoplasm bank from the Huatusco Regional Academic Center (CAR-Huatusco), coffee producers under the Chapingo brand.
The CAR-Huatusco will also offer presentations on the potential of coffee plantations for climate change mitigation, along with barismo demonstrations and specialty coffee tasting.
Fair Details
- Autonomous University of Chapingo, Texcoco, Mexico State
- October 2-12, 2025; Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- General admission: $60 (discounts available)
- Check the schedule
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the 30th National Rural Cultural Fair? It’s a cultural event organized by the Autonomous University of Chapingo, highlighting indigenous cultures and their artisans from Veracruz, San Luis Potosí, and Hidalgo states.
- When and where does it take place? The fair runs from October 2 to 12, 2025, at the Autonomous University of Chapingo in Texcoco, Mexico State.
- What can visitors expect? Over 4,000 artists from 205 indigenous communities will showcase their work. There will be traditional and contemporary artistic expressions, agricultural products, and presentations on climate change mitigation through coffee plantations.
- How much does it cost to attend? General admission is $60, with discounts available for people with disabilities and seniors.
