Mexico Public Holidays

Mexico Public Holidays

Searching for the national holidays in Mexico? All public holidays in Mexico are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Mexico employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Mexico and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.

Mexico, a country rich in history, culture, and traditions, celebrates a variety of public holidays that reflect its unique blend of indigenous and Spanish heritage, as well as its Catholic faith. These holidays include religious celebrations, historical commemorations, and cultural festivals. Some holidays are observed nationwide, while others are more localized or specific to certain regions.

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Religious Holidays

As a predominantly Catholic country, many of Mexico’s public holidays are deeply tied to religious observances. These holidays often involve church services, family gatherings, and processions, and they play a central role in Mexican culture and community life.

Christmas (Navidad)

• Date: December 25
• Significance: Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, a central event in Christianity.
• Traditions:
  • According to justinshoes.net, the Christmas season in Mexico begins with Las Posadas, a series of nightly processions from December 16 to 24, re-enacting Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in Bethlehem. Families and communities gather to participate in these processions, which include prayer, singing, and festive celebrations afterward.
  • On Christmas Eve (Nochebuena), families attend Midnight Mass, followed by a grand feast featuring traditional dishes such as bacalao (salted cod), tamales, and romeritos (a herb dish served with mole).
  • Christmas Day is typically quieter, reserved for family gatherings, and in some regions, it is customary to exchange gifts on this day or during the earlier Las Posadas festivities.

Día de la Candelaria (Candlemas)

• Date: February 2
• Significance: Celebrates the presentation of Jesus at the temple and marks the end of the Christmas season.
• Traditions:
  • On this day, families bring images of the Baby Jesus to church to be blessed.
  • It is customary to host a meal featuring tamales and atole (a traditional hot beverage made from corn). This tradition originates from Día de los Reyes (Three Kings Day) on January 6, where a special bread called Rosca de Reyes is eaten. The person who finds a small Baby Jesus figurine inside their slice is responsible for hosting the Candlemas meal.

Holy Week (Semana Santa)

• Date: Varies (March or April)
• Significance: Commemorates the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• Traditions:
  • Semana Santa is one of the most important religious holidays in Mexico, beginning with Palm Sunday and culminating in Easter Sunday. The week is marked by church services, processions, and reenactments of the events of the Passion of Christ.
  • Many cities hold elaborate processions, with participants carrying religious statues and performing acts of penance. One of the most famous celebrations is in Iztapalapa, where a detailed reenactment of the crucifixion of Jesus is staged, drawing thousands of spectators.
  • Good Friday is a day of mourning and reflection, with fasting and prayer. Easter Sunday, on the other hand, is a joyous occasion celebrated with feasts and family gatherings.

Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos)

• Date: November 1-2
• Significance: Honors deceased loved ones and celebrates the continuity of life.
• Traditions:
  • Día de los Muertos is a unique Mexican holiday that blends indigenous and Catholic traditions. Families create elaborate altars (ofrendas) to honor their deceased relatives, decorated with photographs, marigolds, candles, sugar skulls, and the favorite foods and beverages of the deceased.
  • Cemeteries are filled with families who gather to clean and decorate the graves of their loved ones, often spending the night in the cemetery to celebrate their memory with music, food, and stories.
  • November 1 is dedicated to the souls of children (Día de los Inocentes), while November 2 is for adults. It is a time of both remembrance and celebration, emphasizing the connection between life and death.

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National Holidays

Mexico’s national holidays commemorate important events in the country’s history, particularly its struggle for independence and revolution. These holidays are marked by patriotic celebrations, parades, and public ceremonies.

Independence Day (Día de la Independencia)

• Date: September 16
• Significance: Celebrates Mexico’s independence from Spanish rule, initiated by Miguel Hidalgo’s call to arms in 1810.
• Traditions:
  • Independence Day is one of the most important national holidays in Mexico, beginning with the Grito de Dolores on the night of September 15. The President of Mexico reenacts Hidalgo’s cry for independence from the National Palace in Mexico City, followed by the ringing of a bell and the shout of “¡Viva México!” This is broadcast nationwide, with similar celebrations taking place in town squares across the country.
  • On September 16, parades, fireworks, and cultural events take place, showcasing Mexican pride and patriotism. Cities and towns are decorated with the national colors of green, white, and red, and traditional foods such as chiles en nogada, pozole, and tequila are enjoyed by families.
  • The day is an opportunity for Mexicans to celebrate their national identity, history, and the values of independence and freedom.

Revolution Day (Día de la Revolución)

• Date: November 20
• Significance: Commemorates the start of the Mexican Revolution in 1910, a conflict that aimed to overthrow dictator Porfirio Díaz and bring about social and political reform.
• Traditions:
  • Revolution Day is celebrated with parades, reenactments, and public ceremonies that honor the leaders and ideals of the Mexican Revolution. Marches and demonstrations in support of social justice and workers’ rights are also common.
  • Many schools and institutions organize events to teach the history of the revolution, highlighting figures such as Emiliano Zapata, Pancho Villa, and Francisco I. Madero.
  • The holiday reflects Mexico’s ongoing commitment to social justice and equality, values that were central to the revolution.

Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución)

• Date: First Monday in February (commemorating February 5, 1917)
• Significance: Marks the promulgation of the Mexican Constitution in 1917, which established the framework for Mexico’s modern government and legal system.
• Traditions:
  • Constitution Day is celebrated with official ceremonies, speeches, and parades that emphasize the importance of Mexico’s Constitution in shaping the country’s political and social structures.
  • The day is a time for reflection on the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law that the Constitution enshrined.
  • Schools and public institutions hold educational programs to inform citizens, particularly young people, about the Constitution’s role in Mexico’s development.

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Cultural and Regional Holidays

In addition to national and religious holidays, Mexico has several cultural and regional celebrations that highlight its diverse heritage and local customs. These holidays are often tied to the seasons, indigenous traditions, or specific regional identities.

Cinco de Mayo (Battle of Puebla)

• Date: May 5
• Significance: Commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
• Traditions:
  • Although not a national holiday, Cinco de Mayo is widely celebrated in Puebla, where the historic battle took place. The day is marked by reenactments of the battle, parades, and cultural events showcasing traditional Mexican music, dance, and food.
  • In recent years, Cinco de Mayo has become more popular in the United States, where it is often seen as a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage.
  • The holiday serves as a symbol of Mexican resistance against foreign intervention and is a source of pride for the people of Puebla.

Guelaguetza Festival

• Date: Late July (specific to Oaxaca)
• Significance: A celebration of the indigenous cultures and traditions of the state of Oaxaca.
• Traditions:
  • The Guelaguetza Festival is one of the most important indigenous festivals in Mexico, with people from different regions of Oaxaca coming together to share their traditional music, dance, and clothing.
  • The festival includes performances of regional folk dances, such as the Danza de la Pluma, and the sharing of local foods and crafts.
  • It is a vibrant expression of Oaxaca’s cultural diversity and a showcase of the state’s rich indigenous heritage.