Thousands of tiny lights shining through the forests of Tlaxcala will light up again this summer as part of Firefly Season 2026, one of Mexico’s most important natural and tourism phenomena, which this year is expected to attract more than 120,000 national and international visitors.
Mexico’s Minister of Tourism, Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, and the governor of Tlaxcala, Lorena Cuéllar Cisneros, officially presented the event, which will take place from June 10 to August 9 in the municipalities of Nanacamilpa and Calpulalpan, considered the country’s main firefly sanctuary.
Authorities estimate an economic impact of nearly 65 million pesos (US$3.74 million) for local communities, thanks to the arrival of tourists drawn by the bioluminescent spectacle that takes place every year in the region’s oyamel fir forests.
“It is something you must experience, unique in Mexico and unique in Tlaxcala. There are 23 official and certified sites where visitors can enjoy a magical night. I truly consider it a must-see tourist attraction,” Rodríguez Zamora said during the presentation held at Punto México.
The experience takes place in 23 authorized and certified centers, where access is regulated under strict environmental measures to protect the fireflies’ habitat, as the species is especially sensitive to light pollution, noise, and disturbances to the forest floor.
“I call on everyone to respect the 23 certified locations. If we go to unofficial sites, we can harm the fireflies, because they live on the ground and walking outside the designated trails can wind up killing them; it is very important to respect schedules and authorized spaces,” the head of Sectur emphasized.
Governor Lorena Cuéllar said the natural phenomenon has become one of Tlaxcala’s main tourism drivers, supported by new ecotourism routes, hotel infrastructure, and cultural activities.
“It is a natural heritage site that Tlaxcala has, and I hope people visit it, because whoever comes wants to return. Today we have cabins, hotels, spectacular cuisine, and cultural and tourism activities so families can enjoy an entire weekend,” she said.
In addition to nighttime firefly watching, the season will offer complementary activities such as hiking, mountain biking, glamping, camping, pulque routes, bee tourism, and visits to old haciendas and traditional tinacales.
Tlaxcala Tourism Director Fabricio Mena Rodríguez highlighted that the project combines environmental conservation and community tourism, directly benefiting families, artisans, traditional cooks, and local service providers.
“The magic of the fireflies not only illuminates the forests, it also illuminates the lives of many families. This season generates jobs and supports artisans, traditional cooks, tour guides, local producers, and service providers,” he said.
Authorities explained that the certification of the firefly viewing centers involves ongoing evaluations related to reforestation, forest restoration, ecological infrastructure, and maximum visitor capacity to guarantee preservation of the ecosystem.
As part of the environmental protection and visitor assistance strategy, the state government will implement “Firefly Operation,” an inter-institutional plan that will include surveillance, access control, medical assistance, and environmental monitoring throughout the season.
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