Mexico, a vibrant country rich in culture and history, offers a unique tapestry of holidays and festivities throughout the year. Understanding these dates is key to planning your perfect Mexico Holiday, whether you’re seeking to immerse yourself in cultural celebrations or simply want to be aware of business closures. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Mexico’s public holidays, civic holidays, and principal annual festivities, ensuring you make the most of your visit.
Statutory Public Holidays in Mexico: “Días Feriados”
Statutory public holidays, known as “Días Feriados,” are mandated at the federal level in Mexico. These are official national holidays where most businesses, banks, and schools are closed, offering a time for national celebration and observance. Here are the ten official statutory holidays you should be aware of when planning your Mexico holiday:
January 1: New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo)
Image: Fireworks illuminate the night sky in Mexico, celebrating the New Year.
Año Nuevo, or New Year’s Day, marks the beginning of the year and is a national holiday in Mexico. Expect banks, government offices, and many businesses to be closed as people celebrate the start of the new year, often with family gatherings and festivities.
First Monday of February: Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución)
Image: The Mexican flag waves proudly, symbolizing Constitution Day.
Día de la Constitución commemorates the promulgation of Mexico’s 1917 Constitution. Observed on the first Monday of February, this holiday often creates a long weekend, perfect for a Mexico holiday getaway.
Third Monday of March: Benito Juárez’s Birthday (Cumpleaños de Benito Juárez)
Image: A statue of Benito Juárez, Mexico’s revered former president, stands as a tribute on his birthday.
This holiday celebrates the birth of Benito Juárez, one of Mexico’s most revered presidents. Observed on the third Monday of March, it provides another opportunity for a long weekend break during your Mexico holiday.
March/April: Holy Week (Semana Santa) – Maundy Thursday and Good Friday (Jueves Santo and Viernes Santo)
Image: A solemn procession during Semana Santa reflects the religious significance of Holy Week in Mexico.
Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is a significant religious period in Mexico. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are statutory holidays, although the entire week leading up to Easter Sunday is often considered a holiday period for many, especially schools. If your Mexico holiday falls during this time, expect vibrant religious processions and potentially larger crowds in popular destinations.
May 1: Labor Day (Día del Trabajo)
Image: Workers march in a parade on Labor Day, Día del Trabajo, in Mexico.
Día del Trabajo, or Labor Day, is celebrated on May 1st. Similar to many countries, Mexico marks this day to honor workers. Banks and offices will be closed, but shopping centers often remain open.
September 16: Independence Day (Día de la Independencia)
Image: Mexican flags and patriotic decorations adorn buildings during Independence Day celebrations.
Día de la Independencia commemorates the start of Mexico’s fight for independence from Spanish rule in 1810. Celebrations begin on the evening of September 15th with “El Grito de Dolores” and continue throughout September 16th, a national public holiday. Experiencing Independence Day is a highlight of any Mexico holiday, filled with parades, fireworks, and patriotic fervor.
November 2: Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos)
Image: An ‘ofrenda’ beautifully decorated for Día de Muertos, honoring deceased loved ones.
Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a deeply significant holiday in Mexico. While celebrations span November 1st and 2nd (and often include October 31st), November 2nd is the statutory public holiday. Banks and businesses close as people honor and remember deceased loved ones with vibrant altars, parades, and cultural events. Experiencing Día de Muertos during your Mexico holiday offers a profound insight into Mexican culture and traditions.
Third Monday of November: Revolution Day (Día de la Revolución)
Image: A historical reenactment parade on Día de la Revolución, commemorating the Mexican Revolution.
Día de la Revolución commemorates the start of the Mexican Revolution in 1910. Observed on the third Monday of November, this holiday is another opportunity for a long weekend in Mexico.
October 1 (Presidential Election Year): Transition of Federal Executive Power (Transmisión del Poder Ejecutivo Federal)
This holiday is unique and occurs only every six years, during presidential election years. It marks the transition of power to a new presidential administration. As of 2024, this holiday is observed on October 1st.
December 25: Christmas Day (Día de Navidad)
Image: Festive Christmas decorations illuminate a street in Mexico during Día de Navidad.
Día de Navidad, or Christmas Day, is celebrated as a public holiday in Mexico. While Christmas Eve (Noche Buena) is also a significant family celebration, only December 25th is a statutory holiday.
Civic Holidays in Mexico
In addition to the statutory holidays, Mexico also observes a number of civic holidays. These dates are important for historical and cultural reasons, but they are generally not mandatory days off, although some local areas or municipalities may choose to observe them. While planning your Mexico holiday, keep these dates in mind as potential local celebrations might be occurring:
- February 19: Army Day (Día del Ejército) – Also known as Day of Loyalty, commemorating a historical event involving President Madero and military cadets.
- February 24: Flag Day (Día de la Bandera) – Celebrates the Mexican flag and its history. Schools often hold special events on this day.
- March 18: Anniversary of the Oil Expropriation (Aniversario de la Expropiación Petrolera) – Commemorates the nationalization of Mexican oil reserves.
- April 21: Heroic Defense of Veracruz (Heroica Defensa de Veracruz) – Honors the defense of Veracruz against a US siege in 1914.
- May 5: Battle of Puebla (Batalla de Puebla / Cinco de Mayo) – A significant date, especially in Puebla, commemorating the Mexican victory against French forces in 1862. It’s more widely celebrated in the USA than in the rest of Mexico.
- May 8: Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla’s Birthday (Cumpleaños de Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla) – Celebrates the “Father of Mexican Independence.”
- June 1: Navy Day (Día de la Marina) – Acknowledges the Mexican Navy with military parades and commemorations.
- September 13: Day of the Boy Heroes (Día de los Niños Héroes) – Honors young military cadets who defended Chapultepec Castle in 1847.
- September 27: Consummation of Independence (Consumación de la Independencia) – Marks the end of the Mexican War of Independence.
- September 30: José María Morelos y Pavón’s Birthday (Cumpleaños de José María Morelos y Pavón) – Celebrates another key figure in Mexico’s independence movement.
- October 12: Columbus Day (Día de la Raza) – Commemorates Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas.
Principal Festivity Dates in Mexico
Beyond official holidays, Mexico is renowned for its vibrant festivities that are deeply ingrained in its culture. These are generally not public holidays but are significant dates for celebrations and cultural experiences. If you are planning a Mexico holiday to experience local culture, consider these dates:
- January 6: Epiphany / Three Kings Day (Día de los Reyes Magos) – Traditionally a gift-giving day, and the day to enjoy Rosca de Reyes bread.
- February 2: Candlemas (Día de la Candelaria) – If you found the baby figurine in your Rosca de Reyes on January 6th, you host a tamale party on this day!
- February 14: Valentine’s Day (Día del Amor y la Amistad) – While not traditionally Mexican, Valentine’s Day is widely celebrated, especially in urban areas.
- April 30: Children’s Day (Día del Niño) – A day to celebrate children with gifts and festivities.
- May 10: Mother’s Day (Día de las Madres) – A very important cultural date in Mexico, with families celebrating mothers and grandmothers. Restaurants are typically very busy.
- May 15: Teacher’s Day (Día del Maestro) – Students often give small gifts to their teachers.
- Third Sunday in June: Father’s Day (Día del Padre) – Families celebrate fathers, similar to Mother’s Day.
- November 1 & 2: Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) / All Saints Day & All Souls Day (Día de los Fieles Difuntos) – While November 2nd is a public holiday, the entire period is a major cultural event.
- December 12: Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe (Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe) – A significant religious holiday in Mexico.
- December 16-24: Christmas Posadas (Posadas Navideñas) – Traditional Christmas processions leading up to Christmas Eve.
- December 24 & 25: Christmas Eve (Noche Buena) & Christmas Day (Día de Navidad) – Major Christmas celebrations, with Christmas Day being a public holiday.
- December 28: Day of the Holy Innocents (Día de los Santos Inocentes) – Mexico’s equivalent of April Fool’s Day, with practical jokes and lighthearted pranks.
- December 31: New Year’s Eve – Celebrated with family gatherings and public festivities in city squares.
Best Time to Visit Mexico for Your Holiday
Mexico’s diverse holiday calendar means there’s always something interesting happening, no matter when you visit. Consider aligning your Mexico holiday with a specific festival or holiday to experience a unique cultural immersion. For general guidance on weather and seasons, refer to resources about the best time to visit Mexico to further enhance your travel plans.
By understanding Mexico’s holidays and festivities, you can better plan your Mexico holiday to coincide with cultural events, avoid potential closures, and fully appreciate the rich traditions of this captivating country.
