Cuba shines as guest country at the Fiesta de la Flor Más Bella del Ejido 2026

With a ceremony steeped in ancestral symbolism and a message of shared resilience, the 2026 edition of the Fiesta de la Flor Más Bella del Ejido (Festival of the Most Beautiful Flower of the Ejido), one of the most deeply rooted traditions of Xochimilco, Mexico, began. This year, l Cuba was designated as the guest country, a gesture that reinforces the historical ties between the two peoples.

The celebration runs from March 23 to March 29 at various venues throughout the Xochimilco borough, primarily in the Ejido of San Luis Tlaxialtemalco, where flower exhibitions, culinary demonstrations, concerts, alebrije parades, and the traditional selection of “The Most Beautiful Flower” converge. In addition to Cuba, delegations from Mexican states such as Oaxaca, Puebla, and Michoacán are participating, consolidating a meeting of indigenous and contemporary cultures.

Mayor of Xochimilco, Circe Camacho, led the opening ceremony, highlighting the importance of having Cuba as a special guest at a celebration that “springs from the land, from our roots, and from the strength of women.” In her speech, she expressed solidarity with the island.

Meanwhile, second-in-command of the Cuban diplomatic mission to Mexico, Johana Tablada, expressed her gratitude through her official social media accounts. In a message posted on her Facebook profile, the diplomat stated:

“We are very grateful to the Xochimilco mayor’s office and to Ms. Circe Camacho, mayor of that wonderful city, for the decision to designate Cuba as the guest country for this year’s Fiesta de la Flor del Ejido, which deeply moves us. Thank you for the mayor’s words of solidarity with Cuba, its people, and the revolution, and for denouncing the unjust blockade imposed upon us.”

Tablada also emphasized the historical significance of the host territory: “Xochimilco is a World Heritage Site and a magical neighborhood brimming with history, culture, traditions, and economic, agricultural and academic activity, and much more. The Xochimilca people settled in this region long before the arrival of the conquistadors and played a vital role in the various stages and struggles of the Mexican people.” She concluded with a phrase that encapsulates the spirit of Cuban participation: “Today we expressed our gratitude for this honor bestowed upon our country, which has suffered, resisted, and will prevail.”

Cuba’s presence at the festival has not only been institutional but has also had a significant impact on tourism. Taino Tours, Havanatur’s business partner in Mexico, is responsible for coordinating the Cuban stand and cultural activities at the fairgrounds.

Through social media, the agency has shared images showcasing the island’s presence: a vibrant display featuring crafts, live music, Cuban coffee tastings, and a replica of a traditional altar, all imbued with the warmth that is characteristic of the Caribbean nation.

Cuba’s participation in this high-profile event—with over 200,000 attendees expected throughout the week—represents a strategic platform for positioning the island as a cultural and heritage destination for the Mexican market. For agencies like Taino Tours, the event serves as a showcase to promote tour packages that combine nature, history, and the authenticity of Cuba’s offerings.

The event’s program includes more than 50 activities, among them concerts by local bands, chinampa cultivation workshops, fashion shows featuring traditional costumes, and, of course, performances by Cuban artistic groups invited as part of the cultural exchange program.