Holidays, Traditions, and Festivities That Define Mexico

When people think of holidays in Mexico, they often picture Cinco de Mayo or Día de Muertos. But the country’s calendar holds much more. From sacred pilgrimages like the journey to Guadalupe to street festivals that pulse with music and color, Mexico’s celebrations reveal a deep connection between history, faith, family, and community.

Many traditions trace back centuries, while others have evolved with a modern touch. For travelers, understanding Mexico’s holiday calendar can help shape the perfect trip—whether you’re hoping to avoid crowds, join the festivities, or simply see everyday life at its most vibrant.

Valentine’s Day/Día del Amor y la Amistad

February 14

In Mexico, February 14 celebrates both romantic love and friendship. Florists sell out of roses, balloons bob down busy streets, and serenades echo under balconies. Friends exchange small gifts and gather for group dinners. In Mexico City, expect traffic jams around major flower markets.

Tip: Restaurants and hotels book up quickly. Reserve ahead if you’re planning a Valentine’s dinner in Mexico.

Semana Santa/Easter

Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday (March or April)

Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is one of the biggest holidays in Mexico. It marks the final week of Lent with Masses, processions through city streets, candlelit vigils, and dramatic reenactments of the final days of Jesus’ life.

Among the most powerful traditions are the Passion of Christ performances. These large-scale plays portray the trial, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus. The largest and most elaborate takes place in Iztapalapa, Mexico City, drawing thousands of participants and spectators each year.

In San Luis Potosí, the week blends devotion with celebration. The state hosts concerts, food fairs, and one of Mexico’s most striking observances, the Procesión del Silencio (Procession of Silence) on Good Friday. In this candlelit march, participants walk in complete silence dressed in traditional robes, creating a solemn and moving atmosphere.

In Oaxaca, Holy Week also brings big crowds and a full calendar of centuries-old traditions. It begins on the Friday before Palm Sunday, also called the Friday of Sorrows (Viernes de Dolores), when the Virgin Mary’s grief is honored with special altars in homes, markets, and churches. On Holy Thursday (Jueves Santo) locals and visitors join La Visita a las Siete Casas (Visit of the Seven Houses), walking to seven different churches in a tradition that symbolizes accompanying Jesus on the night of his arrest. The highlight is the Procession of Silence, a Good Friday observance that winds through the city streets. Participants dressed in hooded robes carry ornate religious floats, while others bear large velvet banners or heavy wooden crosses on their shoulders, reenacting Jesus’ suffering. The result is a striking blend of pageantry and devotion that reflects Oaxaca’s deep spiritual heritage.

Meanwhile, on Mexico’s coasts, Easter takes on a very different tone. With schools closed, families from Guadalajara, Mexico City, and beyond head to the beach for one last getaway before the rainy season. The result is packed hotels, shoulder-to-shoulder beaches, and overflowing restaurants. In places like Puerto Vallarta, it’s so busy that many locals leave town to escape the crowds. For travelers, Semana Santa marks peak season along Mexico’s coasts.

Tip: Book far in advance and be prepared for crowds unlike any other week of the year.

Cinco de Mayo

May 5

Cinco de Mayo is often mistaken by Americans for Mexico’s Independence Day, and over time, it has evolved into a broad celebration of Mexican heritage and culture, complete with margaritas and mariachi.

In Mexico, however, the day commemorates the country’s surprising 1862 victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla. While it holds symbolic pride nationwide, the holiday is not widely celebrated outside Puebla, where parades, battle reenactments, and cultural festivals honor the historic triumph.

Tip: While in Puebla, explore the secret tunnels used in the 1862 battle—rediscovered in recent years and now open to the public.

Mexican Independence Day

September 16

If you want to be swept up in the patriotic pride of Mexico, mark this date. Mexico’s Independence Day commemorates the 1810 Grito de Dolores, when priest Miguel Hidalgo rang the church bell in Dolores, Guanajuato, calling for revolt against Spanish rule. The celebration begins on the evening of September 15, as town squares fill with families waving flags, enjoying street food, and waiting for leaders to reenact El Grito. At midnight, bells ring, and crowds shout “¡Viva México!” while fireworks explode overhead. The next day brings parades, music, and nationwide festivities—no town is too small to take part.

Tip: Try chiles en nogada, the traditional Independence Day dish made with poblano peppers, creamy walnut sauce, and pomegranate seeds—its red, white, and green colors mirror the Mexican flag.

Día de la Raza

October 12

October 12 is now officially celebrated in Mexico as Día de la Nación Pluricultural (Day of the Pluricultural Nation), formally renamed in 2020 to honor the country’s diverse Indigenous and ethnic heritage.

The term “la raza” meaning “the race” once referenced the blending of Indigenous and European cultures, but the new name better captures Mexico’s multicultural reality.

On this day, schools and civic programs spotlight Indigenous history, cultural blending, and the legacies of colonization.

Tip: If you’re in the Magical Town of Calvillo, Aguascalientes, stop by the National Museum of the Pueblos Mágicos, where local crafts, stories, photos, and interactive exhibits highlight Mexico’s Indigenous communities.

Día de los Muertos/Day of the Dead

November 1–2

Among Mexico’s many holidays, Día de Muertos might be the most famous. Rooted in both Indigenous beliefs and Catholic traditions, it honors ancestors while celebrating the connection between life and death.

Families build ofrendas (altars) decorated with marigolds, candles, photos, and the favorite foods of loved ones who have passed. The flowers and flickering candles guide spirits home, and the food gives them strength for their brief return.

In Mazatlán, the Day of the Dead bursts into the streets with parades that include floats, costumed dancers, music, and even a donkey cart hauling kegs of beer to share. Bakeries fill with the scent of pan de muerto, a sweet bread made especially for this season. The mood is loud and festive, one of Mexico’s liveliest celebrations.

Far from the coast, Pátzcuaro emits a quieter and more reflective tone. You may see candlelit boat processions on Lake Pátzcuaro or all-night cemetery vigils. Oaxaca, on the other hand, is known for its traditional Tapetes (indigenous sand paintings), parades that fill the city, and cemeteries that glow with thousands of candles.

Thanksgiving (for Americans)

Fourth Thursday in November

Thanksgiving isn’t a Mexican holiday, but it’s warmly embraced by American communities across the country. Restaurants in San Miguel de Allende, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas serve turkey dinners with a Mexican twist. In Puerto Vallarta, even Costco stocks up on cranberries, stuffing, and frozen turkeys ahead of the holiday. One of my most memorable Thanksgivings was a beachside feast on the Costalegre with turkey from Costco, cooked in an outdoor kitchen, enjoyed barefoot under the palms.

Tip: Buy your turkey early, especially in coastal towns—it sells out fast.

Navidad/Christmas Season in Mexico

December 12–January 6

Navidad isn’t just a day—it’s a season filled with some of Mexico’s most cherished holiday traditions and celebrations.

December 12 – Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe

The Christmas season begins on December 12, honoring the Virgin of Guadalupe. Thousands of pilgrims travel to Mexico City’s Basilica of Guadalupe, some walking barefoot or even on their knees, as a sign of devotion. The pilgrimage commemorates the Virgin’s 1531 appearance to an Indigenous man, Juan Diego, on Tepeyac Hill, where she asked that a chapel be built, a site that later became the Basilica of Guadalupe.

December 15–24 – Las Posadas

From December 15 to Christmas Eve, neighborhoods across Mexico hold posadas, reenactments of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in Bethlehem. Each evening, participants walk from house to house with candles, singing traditional songs and asking for lodging. Hosts respond through song until one home finally welcomes the group inside. The night ends with prayer, food, and celebration. These are among Mexico’s most beloved holiday customs.

December 24 – Noche Buena (Christmas Eve)

Families gather for midnight Mass and a late feast featuring tamales, bacalao (salted cod), and ponche (warm fruit punch).

January 6 – Día de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day)

The season concludes on January 6, when families honor the Three Wise Men. Children receive gifts, and everyone shares Rosca de Reyes, a sweet bread with a hidden baby Jesus figurine symbolizing the Holy Family’s efforts to keep him safe from King Herod.

Tip: Expect heavy traffic near the Basilica of Guadalupe around December 12 and note that many businesses close early on December 24 and 25.

New Year’s Eve/Año Nuevo

December 31–January 1

New Year’s Eve in Mexico blends global traditions with local customs. Family and friends gather for late-night dinners featuring favorites like bacalao (salted cod) or pozole (hominy soup). At midnight, everyone eats 12 grapes—one for each month of the year—making a wish on each grape.

Many people add playful rituals to set intentions for the year ahead, like running outside with a suitcase to invite future travel, sweeping coins into the house for wealth, or carrying lentils for good fortune.

On the coasts, celebration spills onto the sand. From Los Cabos and Puerto Escondido to Cancún and Tulum, fireworks, music, and beach parties light up the night. In Puerto Vallarta, Holi Beach turns into a massive community celebration with food stalls, families, and dancing until dawn.

Regional Festivals to Know

Mexico has many local celebrations that often fly under the international radar:

• Guelaguetza: (Oaxaca, July) A vibrant showcase of Indigenous dance, music, and traditional dress.
• Carnaval: (Mazatlán, Veracruz, Cozumel, February–March) Mexico’s answer to Mardi Gras, featuring parades, floats, and nonstop brass bands, especially renowned in Mazatlán.
• Feria Nacional de San Marcos: (Aguascalientes, April–May) One of Mexico’s largest fairs, with free concerts, bullfights, and exhibitions.

In Mexico, holidays aren’t just marked on a calendar—they’re lived. They spill into the streets with music, food, family, and faith. No matter the season, there’s a sense of togetherness that turns every celebration into something deeply human and full of joy. Visit during the holidays, and you’ll find yourself welcomed like family, discovering a country where celebration isn’t an event, it’s a way of life.

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