Mexico Fiestas Patrias Patriotic Holidays

Aniversario de la Constitución

The Aniversario de la Constitución (Anniversary of the Constitution) is an annual celebration held in early February to commemorate the approval of the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States. Mexico has actually had three different constitutions. The first, was enacted on October 4th of 1824, after the overthrow of the First Mexican Empire, and subsequent execution of Agustín de Iturbide, who had served as Emperor of Mexico for a mere 10 months. The second, was ratified while Ignacio Comonfort was serving as president on February 5th of 1857, after the ouster of Dictator, Antonio López de Santa Anna. Finally, the third was enacted during the Mexican Revolution, on February 5th of 1917.

Natalicio de Benito Juárez

The Natalicio de Benito Juárez (Birthday of Benito Juárez) is celebrated each year, during mid to late March, to commemorate the birth of one of Mexico's most well popular leaders. Benito Juárez, who was born on March 21st of 1806, was a dedicated democratic reformer and supporter of equal rights for the indigenous peoples of Mexico. He also played a key role in the political and social changes that culminated in the separation of church and state in Mexico's politics.

Día del Trabajo

Día del Trabajo (Labor day), is celebrated annually on the first day of May, coincides with International Workers' Day, which is celebrated in many parts of the world, and commemorates the struggle of Mexican workers and union movements. This holiday in Mexico was first officially observed on May 1st, 1923.

Cinco de Mayo

Often mistakenly considered by many to be the celebration of Mexico's independence, Cinco de Mayo (May the 5th) actually commemorates the decisive victory, of the Mexican army over the larger and better equipped French forces, at the battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. This battle is significant because it marks the last time that a European force invaded the Americas, and it also likely led to the decision of the French to withdraw their support of the southern Confederacy during the American Civil War.

Grito de Dolores y Aniversario de la Independencia

The Grito de Dolores (Shout of Dolores) commemorates the event that took place on the 15th of September, 1810, in the small town of Dolores, when Father Miguel Hidalgo led an armed revolt that culminated in the liberation of 80 pro-independence separatists, which had been imprisoned by the Spanish colonial government. In the early hours of the following morning, on the 16th of September, the church bells were rang to gather the Father Hidalgo's congregation, to whom he made his famed cry for the end of decades of cruel class inequity, which marked the beginning of the war for Mexican independence. Today, the Aniversario de la Independencia (Independence Day) is celebrated annually on the 16th of September.

Aniversario de la Revolución

The Aniversario de la Revolución (Revolution Day) commemorates the start of the Mexican Revolution and the decade long Mexican Civil War, which began on the 20th of November, in 1910, and later led to the overthrow of Mexico's 29th President, Porfirio Díaz, whom many considered a dictator. This celebration is held on the third Monday of November each year.