Día del Árbol del Tule 2026: Full Schedule of Events in Oaxaca

If you’re visiting Oaxaca this weekend, there’s a special reason to take a trip to Santa María del Tule. From Saturday, October 10, to Monday, October 12, the town celebrates its famous ancient tree with three days of traditional dancing, live music, local food and cultural activities.

But there’s one thing many visitors will be interested in: Monday, October 12, is the day you can get up close and hug the Árbol del Tule! It’s a rare opportunity to touch this incredible tree, so arrive early to enjoy the festivities.

Here’s the full schedule of events so you can plan your visit.

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What Is the Árbol del Tule?

The Árbol del Tule is one of Oaxaca’s most famous natural landmarks. This enormous Montezuma cypress (ahuehuete or sabino) is estimated to be around 2,000 years old and has a trunk measuring approximately 14 metres (46 feet) in diameter.

It’s famous for having one of the widest tree trunks in the world. Look closely and you’ll spot shapes in the trunk that locals say resemble animals and other figures.

The tree is an important symbol of Oaxaca and was declared Mexico’s National Tree in 1921. Every October, the local community celebrates its history and cultural significance with the Día del Árbol del Tule festivities.

The day of El Tule tree where you can touch the tree

Full Día del Árbol del Tule 2026 Schedule

The celebrations take place around the tree and the church atrium in the centre of Santa María del Tule. The programme includes traditional music, dancing, religious ceremonies and a local food fair.

Saturday, October 10 — Food and Live Music

11:00 am – 12:00 pm: Live music by Banda Herencia Milenaria.
12:00 pm: Opening of the Empanada and Barbacoa Food Fair.
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Saxophone performance by Ismael Pérez.

Saturday is a good day to visit if you want to enjoy local food and music while exploring the town.

Sunday, October 11 — Traditional Oaxacan Dancing

10:00 am – 1:00 pm: Guelaguetza performance by the Physical Education Folkloric Dance Workshop.
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Live music by Trío Mensajeros del Amor.

The Guelaguetza is a highlight for anyone interested in Oaxacan culture, with traditional dances and colourful regional costumes representing the state’s cultural diversity.

Monday, October 12 — The Main Celebration

Monday is the biggest day, with activities starting early in the morning and continuing into the evening.

6:00 am: Traditional morning serenade (Mañanitas) with a chirimía ensemble.
6:10 am – 7:00 am: Pre-Hispanic ritual.
7:00 am – 8:00 am: Morning serenade with Mariachi Cantares.
8:00 am – 8:30 am: Performance by Vicente Guerrero Primary School.
8:30 am – 9:00 am: Participation by Vicente Guerrero Kindergarten.
9:00 am – 10:00 am: Procession with the Virgin of the Rosary around the tree.
10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Solemn Mass celebrating the ancient Árbol del Tule.
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm: Blessing of religious relics and a historical account of the tree.
1:30 pm – 2:00 pm: Performance by Banda Renacimiento from San Jerónimo Tlacochahuaya.
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Performance by the band of the 28th Military Zone.
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Performance by Banda Prominente.
7:30 pm onwards: Traditional dance with Banda Fregona and Grupo Kalimba.

Can You Hug the Árbol del Tule?

Yes! Monday, October 12, is the day to visit if you want to hug the Árbol del Tule.

The barrier surrounding the tree will be opened, allowing visitors to get close to its enormous trunk and give it a hug. It’s a special opportunity that only comes around on a limited number of days each year.

I’d recommend arriving early. The festivities begin at 6:00 am, with traditional music and a pre-Hispanic ritual, followed by performances and celebrations throughout the day.

Remember to follow the organisers’ instructions and respect the tree so this tradition can continue for future generations.

Is the Día del Árbol del Tule Worth Visiting?

If you’ve never seen the Árbol del Tule, the annual celebration is a great time to visit. You’ll get to see one of Oaxaca’s most extraordinary natural landmarks while experiencing local traditions, music, food and community festivities.