Mexico City will host a new edition of the 2026 Candied Fruit Fair, a celebration that brings together artisanal producers dedicated to the elaboration of traditional Mexican sweets. For ten days, visitors will find a wide variety of products made by Mexican hands, in addition to enjoying a program of cultural and recreational activities.
A Tradition Since 1982: The 45th Edition of the Candied Fruit Fair
This event, which has been held continuously since 1982 in the Xochimilco borough, will celebrate its 45th edition this year. The festival has consolidated itself as one of the most representative of the Santa Cruz Acalpixca community, where the elaboration of candied sweets is part of a tradition with roots dating back to pre-Hispanic times.
In addition to offering an extensive display of typical confectionery, the event will feature concerts, mechanical games, lucha libre presentations, dance shows, artisan sales, and a national gastronomy offer, making it an option for those looking to learn about one of the most emblematic culinary expressions of the capital.
Dates and Location of the 2026 Candied Fruit Fair
The 2026 Candied Fruit Fair will take place from Friday, July 17, to Sunday, July 26, in Plaza Lázaro Cárdenas, located in the community of Santa Cruz Acalpixca, in the Xochimilco borough of Mexico City.
Those wishing to attend can arrive by using the Light Rail to the Xochimilco station. From that point, it will be necessary to walk approximately 10 minutes along Gladiolas street towards the Fernando Celada pier to board a bus towards Santiago Tulyehualco and request to get off at the Santa Cruz Acalpixca Market.
Another alternative is to travel from the Tláhuac Metro station and take a bus towards Santiago Tulyehualco. Once there, there are units bound for Xochimilco that also stop at the Santa Cruz Acalpixca Market.
What to Expect at the Gastronomic Event?
The main attraction of the event will be the sale of typical Mexican sweets made artisanally. Although products such as milk candy, wafers, tamarinds, cocadas, borrachitos, alegrías, sweet potatoes, and figs can be found, the specialty is candied fruits and vegetables.
The technique used consists of drying the products grown in the chinampas and cooking them with sugar and syrup to transform them into traditional confectionery. Thanks to this process, pieces of pumpkin, fig, lemon, orange, pineapple, mango, peach, and chayote are made, in addition to less common options such as chili, onion, carrot, tomato, and nopal.
Attendees can also purchase traditional baskets with assortments of sweets to take home or give as gifts. The gastronomic offer will be complemented by concerts, artistic exhibitions, lucha libre functions, artisan sales, and the election of the Queen of Candied Sweets and the Child Basket King, activities that will round out the 45th edition of this traditional fair in Xochimilco.
Top 5: Traditional Mexican Sweets with Nutritional Benefits
Traditional Mexican confectionery offers sweet options that stand out for their flavor and health benefits. Among the top five with low sugar content are:
- Amaranth alegría: made with seeds rich in protein and fiber.
- Artisanal cocada: which uses shredded coconut and honey in small amounts.
- Guava ate: especially in its sugar-free version, stands out for its contribution of vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Peanut palanquetas: prepared with honey or natural syrup, offer protein and healthy fats, becoming a traditional energetic snack.
- Dehydrated fruit (such as mango, pineapple, or apple): retains essential nutrients and is a practical and natural alternative for those looking to take care of their diet without giving up the typical flavors of Mexico.
All these options allow enjoying Mexican sweets without compromising well-being.
Source: Infobae
