I hate to say it but… Summer vacation is almost over. *cries in spanish* However, tor many El Paso families, the end of summer means one thing: kermés season is back!!
From delicious homemade Mexican food and live entertainment to carnival rides, games, raffles, and community celebrations, kermeses are one of the Borderland’s most beloved traditions.
Beginning at the end of July and continuing through October, Catholic parishes across the Diocese of El Paso will welcome thousands of visitors for weekends full of food, fun, and fundraising.
Courtesy: Iris LopezCourtesy: Iris LopezWhat Is a Kermés?
A kermés is a community festival traditionally hosted by a Catholic church or parish. While each church puts its own spin on the event, visitors can usually expect carnival rides, live music, folklórico performances, bingo, games, raffles, and plenty of authentic homemade favorites like enchiladas, tacos, gorditas, menudo, tamales, aguas frescas, and delicious desserts.
Emily Montelongo via Diocese of El Paso FacebookEmily Montelongo via Diocese of El Paso FacebookMore Than Just a Festival
While kermeses are known for being fun-filled weekends, they also serve an important purpose. The events act as major fundraisers that help local parishes support church ministries, youth programs, religious education, building maintenance, outreach efforts, and other community services throughout the year.
By attending a kermés, visitors are not only enjoying great food and entertainment. They’re also helping support local churches and the communities they serve.
2026 El Paso Diocese Kermés Schedule
The Catholic Diocese of El Paso has officially released its 2026 Kermess schedule so mark your calendar to attend a Kermes this year!
July 31–August 2: Our Lady of the LightAugust 7–10: San Lorenzo (Clint)August 8: Santa Teresita MissionAugust 14–16: Little FlowerAugust 21–23: St. Pius XAugust 28–30: El Buen PastorSeptemberSeptember 4–6: St. MarkSeptember 4–6: Immaculate Heart of Mary (Canutillo)September 5–7: St. Anthony SeminarySeptember 11–13: Holy SpiritSeptember 11–13: Santa Rosa de Lima (Pecos)September 18–19: Our Lady of Fatima (Van Horn)September 18–19: San Pedro de Jesus MaldonadoSeptember 19–20: San Judas TadeoSeptember 19–20: St. Paul the ApostleSeptember 19–20: St. Patrick’s (Canutillo)September 25–26: St. Raphael ParishSeptember 25–27: La Purísima Catholic Church (Socorro)September 26: San Antonio de PaduaSeptember 26–27: Our Lady of Guadalupe (Fabens)OctoberOctober 2–3: Cristo ReyOctober 2–3: St. Thomas and St. Joseph Church (Kermit)October 2–4: Blessed SacramentOctober 3: Our Lady of Peace (Alpine)October 3–4: Our Lady of SorrowsOctober 9–10: Our Lady of the ValleyOctober 10: Our Lady of Miracles (Sierra Blanca)October 16–17: Santa Teresita de Jesus (Presidio)October 24: St. Charles SeminaryThe “People of El Paso” loteria series
Gallery Credit: Courtesy: Ware Portraits
The “People of El Paso” loteria series
Gallery Credit: Courtesy: Ware Portraits