San Luis Potosí begins Xantolo 2026 cultural celebrations

The Xantolo 2026 celebrations have officially commenced in Ciudad Valles, San Luis Potosí, marked by the traditional ‘Bajada de Máscaras’ ritual on September 29. This cultural event is a central expression of the Huasteca Potosina region, characterized by mysticism, symbolism, and community tradition.

State officials, including Governor Ricardo Gallardo Cardona and Tourism Secretary Yolanda Josefina Cepeda Echavarría, are promoting the festivities to international audiences. Recent cultural projections have included ‘huehues’ dance troupes performing as far as Chicago, Illinois.

For the 2026 season, authorities aim to exceed the 443 million pesos in economic impact recorded during Xantolo 2025. Projections include hotel occupancy rates near 56 percent, supported by initiatives such as ‘Xantolo en tu ciudad’ in the state capital and the operation of the free Red Metro transit system in the Huasteca region to facilitate tourist mobility.