Mexico, a vibrant country rich in culture and history, offers a diverse tapestry of holidays and festivities throughout the year. From solemn national observances to exuberant celebrations, understanding these dates is key to truly experiencing the heart of Mexico. Whether you’re planning a visit or simply curious about Mexican traditions, this guide will walk you through the essential Holidays In Mexico, ensuring you don’t miss out on the unique spirit of this captivating nation.
Statutory Public Holidays in Mexico: Your Essential Calendar
Statutory holidays, known as “Días Feriados” in Mexico, are mandated federal holidays providing paid time off for workers. These are the nationally recognized days when banks, government offices, and many businesses close, offering a glimpse into the country’s most significant moments and cultural values. Knowing these dates is crucial for planning any trip or business within Mexico.
January 1st: Año Nuevo (New Year’s Day)
Año Nuevo, or New Year’s Day, is celebrated as a day of rest and fresh beginnings across Mexico. Following vibrant New Year’s Eve celebrations, January 1st sees banks, offices, and factories remain closed as people recover and reflect on the year ahead. It’s a quiet day, often spent with family, contrasting with the lively festivities that precede it. For travelers, be aware that public transport may operate on a reduced schedule and some tourist attractions might have adjusted hours.
First Monday of February: Día de la Constitución (Constitution Day)
Día de la Constitución commemorates the promulgation of Mexico’s 1917 Constitution, a landmark document born out of the Mexican Revolution. Observed on the first Monday of February, this holiday creates a long weekend, perfect for short getaways and local celebrations. The day is marked with civic ceremonies and reflections on the nation’s foundational legal framework. Many Mexicans take advantage of this “puente” (bridge weekend) to travel domestically, so expect popular destinations to be busier.
Third Monday of March: Cumpleaños de Benito Juárez (Benito Juárez’s Birthday)
Paying tribute to one of Mexico’s most revered presidents, Cumpleaños de Benito Juárez celebrates the birth of Benito Juárez, Mexico’s first indigenous president. This holiday, observed on the third Monday of March, is a time to honor his legacy of liberal reforms and national leadership. Like Constitution Day, it forms a long weekend, and you’ll find streets adorned with decorations and schools often holding events to commemorate Juárez’s life and contributions.
Semana Santa: Maundy Thursday and Good Friday (Easter Week)
Semana Santa, or Easter Week, is a deeply significant religious period in Mexico. While not the entire week, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are statutory holidays. The dates vary each year according to the Christian calendar. During this time, Mexico comes alive with elaborate processions, religious ceremonies, and passionate reenactments of biblical events, particularly in cities like Taxco and San Miguel de Allende. It’s a peak travel season, both for domestic and international tourists, so book accommodations and tours well in advance if you plan to experience Semana Santa in Mexico.
May 1st: Día del Trabajo (Labor Day)
Día del Trabajo, or Labor Day, is observed on May 1st throughout Mexico, mirroring many other industrialized nations. It commemorates the historical struggles and achievements of workers’ unions. Banks and offices typically close, but shopping centers often remain open. While not as overtly celebratory as some holidays, it’s a day of recognition for the Mexican workforce. Public demonstrations or marches by labor groups may occur in larger cities.
September 16th: Día de la Independencia (Independence Day)
Día de la Independencia is Mexico’s most patriotic holiday, commemorating the start of the Mexican War of Independence in 1810. The festivities begin on the evening of September 15th with “El Grito de Dolores,” a reenactment of Father Miguel Hidalgo’s call to arms, followed by fireworks and nationalistic fervor. September 16th is a public holiday marked by parades, military displays, and widespread celebrations. Mexican flags adorn buildings, and the entire country resonates with national pride. This is a must-experience holiday if you want to witness the passionate heart of Mexican culture.
November 2nd: Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead)
Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is one of Mexico’s most globally recognized and culturally rich holidays. While celebrations span November 1st and 2nd (and sometimes include October 31st), November 2nd is the statutory holiday. Families honor deceased loved ones by creating elaborate altars, visiting cemeteries, and celebrating life with vibrant colors, sugar skulls, and special foods. Día de Muertos is a unique blend of indigenous traditions and Catholic beliefs, offering a profound and moving cultural experience. Banks and businesses close on November 2nd to observe this significant religious and cultural holiday.
Third Monday of November: Día de la Revolución (Revolution Day)
Día de la Revolución commemorates the start of the Mexican Revolution in 1910. Observed on the third Monday of November, this holiday reflects on the social and political upheaval that reshaped Mexico in the 20th century. It’s often marked by parades, historical reenactments, and cultural events. Like other Monday holidays, it creates a long weekend, providing another opportunity for travel and leisure.
October 1st (Presidential Election Year): Transmisión del Poder Ejecutivo Federal (Presidential Inauguration Day)
In presidential election years, Mexico observes a statutory holiday on October 1st for the Transmisión del Poder Ejecutivo Federal, marking the inauguration of a new president. This occurs every six years. This holiday underscores the importance of democratic transitions in Mexico. It’s a relatively recent change from the previous date of December 1st, reflecting reforms in the election cycle.
December 25th: Día de Navidad (Christmas Day)
Día de Navidad, or Christmas Day, is a public holiday in Mexico, celebrated as part of the broader Christmas season. While Christmas Eve (Noche Buena) is often the focus of family gatherings and gift-giving, Christmas Day is a day of rest and continued celebration. Religious services are common, and families may enjoy a more relaxed day after the Christmas Eve festivities.
Civic Holidays in Mexico: Days of National Significance
Beyond the statutory holidays, Mexico observes several civic holidays. These are not legally mandated days off, but they hold cultural and historical importance, often marked by local celebrations or school observances. While businesses and banks remain open, understanding these days provides deeper insight into Mexican national identity.
February 19th: Día del Ejército (Army Day)
Día del Ejército, also known as Día de la Lealtad (Loyalty Day), honors the Mexican Army. It commemorates an event where cadets from the military college escorted President Madero to the National Palace, demonstrating their loyalty. Military parades and ceremonies are common, especially in military installations.
February 24th: Día de la Bandera (Flag Day)
Día de la Bandera, or Flag Day, celebrates the Mexican flag and its symbolism. Introduced by President Lázaro Cárdenas, it encourages reflection on national identity and patriotism. Schools often hold special programs and flag ceremonies, and children may undertake projects related to the history of the Mexican flag.
March 18th: Aniversario de la Expropiación Petrolera (Anniversary of Oil Expropriation)
This day commemorates President Lázaro Cárdenas’s landmark 1938 decision to nationalize Mexico’s oil reserves, declaring oil a strategic national asset. It’s a day to remember this pivotal moment in Mexican economic history and national sovereignty.
April 21st: Heroica Defensa de Veracruz (Heroic Defense of Veracruz)
Heroica Defensa de Veracruz recalls the 1914 defense of Veracruz against the United States occupation. It honors the bravery of Mexican defenders during this historical event. Veracruz often holds commemorative events to mark this day.
May 5th: Batalla de Puebla (Battle of Puebla/Cinco de Mayo)
Batalla de Puebla, or Cinco de Mayo, commemorates the Mexican victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. While a state holiday in Puebla, it’s a civic holiday nationally. Ironically, it’s far more widely celebrated in the United States than in most of Mexico, often mistakenly associated with Mexican Independence Day. In Puebla and some other locations, you might find parades and historical reenactments.
May 8th: Cumpleaños de Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla (Miguel Hidalgo’s Birthday)
Cumpleaños de Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla celebrates the birth of Miguel Hidalgo, known as the “Father of Mexican Independence.” Although his revolt against Spanish rule was ultimately unsuccessful in his lifetime, his actions ignited the movement that led to Mexican independence. It’s a day to honor his foundational role in Mexican history.
June 1st: Día de la Marina (Navy Day)
Día de la Marina, or Navy Day, acknowledges the men and women of the Mexican Navy. Various military parades and ceremonies are held to commemorate the nation’s maritime service.
September 13th: Día de los Niños Héroes (Boy Heroes Day)
Día de los Niños Héroes, or Boy Heroes Day, commemorates the Niños Héroes (“Boy Heroes” or Cadet Heroes) who died defending Chapultepec Castle during the Mexican-American War in 1847. Six young military cadets are particularly honored for their bravery. Ceremonies are held at the monument dedicated to them in Mexico City.
September 27th: Consumación de la Independencia (Consummation of Independence)
Consumación de la Independencia marks the end of the Mexican War of Independence, eleven years after Miguel Hidalgo’s initial call for revolution. It signifies the final achievement of Mexican independence from Spanish rule.
September 30th: Cumpleaños de José María Morelos y Pavón (José María Morelos’s Birthday)
Cumpleaños de José María Morelos y Pavón celebrates the birth of José María Morelos, a key leader in the Mexican War of Independence after Miguel Hidalgo. He was a brilliant military strategist and important figure in the independence movement.
October 12th: Día de la Raza (Columbus Day/Day of the Race)
Día de la Raza, often known as Columbus Day in other parts of the Americas, commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas. In Mexico, it’s viewed more as a day to reflect on the blending of cultures and the diverse heritage of Latin America.
Principal Festivity Dates in Mexico: Cultural Celebrations
These festivity dates are deeply embedded in Mexican culture and social life, although they are not statutory or civic holidays. They offer fantastic opportunities to experience Mexican traditions and join in local customs.
January 6th: Epiphany/Día de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day)
Día de los Reyes Magos, or Three Kings Day, is when Mexicans celebrate the Epiphany. Traditionally, this was the primary gift-giving day for children, although Christmas has also become prominent for presents. The Rosca de Reyes, a sweet bread with a hidden baby Jesus figurine, is a central tradition. Whoever finds the figurine must host a tamale party on February 2nd.
February 2nd: Día de la Candelaria (Candlemas)
Día de la Candelaria, or Candlemas, is when those who found the baby Jesus figurine in their Rosca de Reyes host a tamale party. Tamales are a traditional Mesoamerican dish made of steamed corn dough, and they are enjoyed in various sweet and savory forms on this day.
February 14th: Día del Amor y la Amistad (Valentine’s Day)
Día del Amor y la Amistad, or Valentine’s Day, has become popular in Mexico, particularly in urban areas, influenced by Anglo-American culture. It’s a day to celebrate love and friendship.
April 30th: Día del Niño (Children’s Day)
Día del Niño, or Children’s Day, is widely celebrated in Mexico. Children receive gifts and are the focus of family attention, although it’s not a public holiday.
May 10th: Día de las Madres (Mother’s Day)
Día de las Madres, or Mother’s Day, is a hugely important cultural date in Mexico, reflecting the country’s strong matriarchal values. Families gather to celebrate mothers and grandmothers, and restaurants are exceptionally busy.
May 15th: Día del Maestro (Teacher’s Day)
Día del Maestro, or Teacher’s Day, is when students traditionally give small gifts to their teachers to show appreciation.
Third Sunday in June: Día del Padre (Father’s Day)
Día del Padre, or Father’s Day, is celebrated on the third Sunday in June. Similar to Mother’s Day, families may take fathers out for meals and children give gifts.
November 1st & 2nd: Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) / Día de Todos los Santos (All Saints Day) & Día de los Fieles Difuntos (All Souls Day)
Día de Muertos, already mentioned as a statutory holiday on November 2nd, is a major festivity spanning two days (and often including Halloween). November 1st is Día de Todos los Santos (All Saints Day), and November 2nd is Día de los Fieles Difuntos (All Souls Day). These days are dedicated to remembering and honoring the deceased with elaborate altars, special foods, and cemetery visits.
December 12th: Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe (Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe)
Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe is an important religious holiday in Mexico, honoring the Virgin of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico. Pilgrimages to the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City are common.
December 16th-24th: Posadas Navideñas (Christmas Posadas)
Posadas Navideñas are a series of nightly processions and celebrations leading up to Christmas. They reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging before the birth of Jesus, filled with songs, food, and community spirit.
December 24th & 25th: Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) & Día de Navidad (Christmas Day)
Noche Buena, or Christmas Eve, is traditionally when Mexican families have their main Christmas meal and exchange gifts. Día de Navidad, Christmas Day, follows as a public holiday.
December 28th: Día de los Santos Inocentes (Day of the Holy Innocents)
Día de los Santos Inocentes is Mexico’s equivalent of April Fool’s Day. People play practical jokes and pranks on each other.
December 31st: New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve is typically a family-oriented celebration in Mexico, though public squares in cities also fill with revelers welcoming the New Year.
Plan Your Holidays in Mexico
Understanding Mexico’s holidays enhances any visit, allowing you to witness unique cultural expressions and plan your trip around specific events. Whether you’re drawn to the patriotic fervor of Independence Day, the poignant beauty of Día de Muertos, or the religious significance of Semana Santa, Mexico’s holidays offer unforgettable experiences. For the best time to visit considering weather and events, explore resources detailing seasons and events in Mexico.
To stay updated on Mexican culture and events, consider subscribing to newsletters focused on Mexico. They can provide monthly insights into current happenings and deeper dives into Mexican life.
