Mexico is famous for its colorful festivals and celebrations: You’ll find national and local events year-round nearly anywhere you go. From silent to raucous to traditional, our curated list of Mexican holidays, celebrations, and festivals includes some of the biggest and most interesting traditions of the year. We’ve listed these Mexican celebrations in a convenient chronological order to make travel planning easier.
Table of Contents
1. Día de los Tres Reyes (Three Kings Day)
When: January 5-6
Where: all over Mexico
What to expect: This is the moment children in Mexico wait for all year. After writing to these biblical kings, los niños (the children) anxiously await their presents. And those Three Kings must be late shoppers, because it’s common to see street vendors selling toys on January 5 late into the night.
The next day, the fun starts for everyone. Families, friends, and coworkers get together to have hot chocolate and a rosca de los Reyes, a round pastry that is covered with candied fruit and sprinkled with confectioner’s sugar and sometimes big enough to feed 10 people or more. The fruits represent the Magi’s jewels brought to Baby Jesus, but the reference goes beyond that.
Small plastic dolls symbolizing Jesus can be randomly found in the roscas. If you bite into a doll, you’ll have to buy tamales for the entire crew for Candelaria (Candlemas) in February!
Fun fact: On the night of January 5, many Mexican children clean their shoes and leave them outside their rooms near the home’s Nativity scene or tucked under the bed. If they are lucky, they will receive their gifts or candy in their shoes.
2. Día de San Antonio Abad (Feast of St. Anthony the Great)
When: January 17
Where: churches all over Mexico
What to expect: St. Anthony the Great, who died in the fourth century, is the patron saint of animals. It’s said that two lions appeared to him in the Egyptian desert to aid him, and he, in turn, cured a litter of wild pigs he found in a cave.
This mutual kindness between humans and animals is recognized every year in iglesias (churches) all over Mexico when Mexicans take their mascotas (pets) to church to be blessed by the priest. Owners ask for their pets’ health and protection as they also recognize the companionship they offer.
Believers stand outside the church with cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, and turtles awaiting the priest’s holy water. Then, they go inside to attend a mass remembering the saint and his love of animals. You don’t have to be Catholic to join in the mass.
Fun fact: In Oaxaca, people take their mascotas to be blessed on Día de San Ramón Nonato (Raymond Nonnatus Day) on August 31. You’ll see everything from sheep to dogs dressed in fairy outfits.
3. Día de la Candelaria (Candlemas)
When: February 2
Where: all over Mexico
What to expect: Biblically speaking, this is the day that el Niño Jesús (Baby Jesus) was presented in the temple, and the Virgin Mary was purified. You’ll see religious processions in recognition of this on the streets along with little seated dolls of el Niño Jesús dressed up for the occasion before they get carried to church to be blessed.
For those perhaps unlucky enough to have bitten into the little plastic doll in the rosca on Three Kings Day, they will have to shell out for the tamales at this celebration. It’s all in good fun and meant to bring people together for more conviviality.
The eating of tamales probably has to do with the fact that, in times past, people took their corn seeds to be blessed before planting them. Corn holds a special place in the pre-Hispanic world, and the dates of Candlemas celebrations also coincide with the previous time for honoring the god and goddess of water.
Fun fact: Walking around the public square or in the market can be a visual treat on this day. Dolls of different races can be observed dressed in puffy dresses and adorned with lace and trim. The dolls with the straw hat are the Santo Niño de Atocha (Sacred Child of Atocha), the patron of pilgrimages.
4. Carnavales (Carnivals)
When: days or weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday
Where: all over Mexico
What to expect: Late winter carnivals happen all over the Catholic world, and Mexico is no exception. Carnivals feature floats, dancing, music, and fantastic costumes, and they serve as a time to let off steam before the more stringent period of Lent (between Ash Wednesday and Easter).
Most carnivals are overseen by the king and queen of the festival, and in Mexico, they tend to be held in seaside cities like Veracruz and Mazatlán. The Veracruz carnival kicks off with the Quema del Mal Humor (Bad Mood Burn), the burning of a huge paper mache figure representative of things like corruption—whatever annoys the residents that year. At least six parades and some concerts by well-known musical artists follow.
The Mazatlán carnival has fewer desfiles (parades) but more food festivals and street parties. With a new theme every year, breathtaking handmade floats and costumes, and whimsical sculptures lining the boardwalk. The music ranges from classical to reggaeton, and nights are finalized with spectacular fireworks.
Fun fact: Huejotzingo, in the state of Puebla, celebrates its carnival by representing several battles, including the Battle of Puebla (celebrated on Cinco de Mayo). Thousands of masked and costumed residents participate to reenact these battles, one of which involves a tragic love story between a bandit and a politician’s daughter.
5. Feria Nacional de San Marcos (National San Marcos Fair)
@chunka.munka Should I go to the feria de san marcos?
♬ Don – 5 Music MX & La Fresada Music#fyp #mexico #guanajuato #irapuato #feria #fair #statefair #viral #travel
When: April and May for about three weeks
Where: Aguascalientes
What to expect: This is one of the oldest ferias (fairs) in the country and has some traditional activities like horse racing and charros along with musical performances by internationally famous performers such as Enrique Iglesias, Fuerza Regida, and Toto. Some of the events are free, and spontaneous dancing in the street to local traditional music groups can be spotted in the evening.
Those who don’t fancy a livestock show, corridas de toros (bullfighting), or cockfighting can enjoy a walk around Isla San Marcos—a riverside park with lovely gardens. Cultural performances such as folkloric dance, a puppet festival, art exhibitions, and poetry prizes make this fair appealing to all.
During the fair season, evenings are lively with plenty of local bars and restaurants to enjoy traditional drinks, creative gastronomy, and grilled delicacies from the land and sea.
Fun fact: This fair is about 200 years old. It was originally held in November as a competition for the best livestock and harvest products. Toward the middle of the 19th century, it changed venues when the San Marcos Gardens were constructed and moved the dates to be closer to the feast of its patron saint, St. Mark.
6. Cinco de Mayo (Fifth of May)
When: May 5
Where: all over Mexico but mostly in the United States
What to expect: Cinco de Mayo has been included here because, technically, it is a Mexican celebration. But it’s a Mexican celebration that mostly occurs in the United States. Cinco de Mayo, which means May 5, is not an Independence Day. Rather, it recalls the triumph of Mexico’s fighters in the Battle of Puebla of 1862 when they fought against the French, who had invaded the country.
In Mexico—except perhaps for the city of Puebla—this holiday amounts to a few civic celebrations, speeches, or small parades. But in the United States, it is a time for Mexican immigrants and those of Mexican heritage to recall their origins with pride. And, of course, many other residents like to join in the fun! Cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Denver have major events with parades, mariachis, Latino music concerts, and food galore.
Speaking of food, it may be popular to go to your local Mexican restaurant to enjoy some salsa and chips downed with a margarita for Cinco de Mayo. But Mexicans like to eat authentic dishes, especially ones from Puebla, which has a long history of exceptional cuisine. Mole, a spicy, chocolate-based sauce said to have originated in Puebla, is popular on this day.
Fun fact: France invaded Mexico twice. The first conflict, in 1838, is said to have been sparked by the Mexican army in a Mexico City pastry shop owned by a Frenchman who demanded payment for reportedly eating some cake without paying for them, or perhaps for damaging the shop. The ensuing war was called La Guerra de los Pasteles, known in English as the Pastry War.
7. Guelaguetza (Offering)
When: the two Mondays after the Virgin de Carmen festival on July 16
Where: Oaxaca
What to expect: Officially speaking, Guelaguetza is held on two consecutive Mondays. As one of the most well-known festivals in Mexico, it celebrates indigenous traditions—folkloric dances, music, and local products—from the eight regions of the state of Oaxaca. Unofficially speaking, it’s a time of celebration all over the city. Even if tickets for the main events can be hard to come by, many people enjoy Oaxaca at this time of year due to the general atmosphere.
The season kicks off with the Virgin de Carmen (Our Lady of Mount Carmel) festivities at churches downtown. Nightly food stands line the nearby streets, and calendas (special Oaxacan parades) featuring women in traditional costumes and giant puppets seem to spontaneously appear in the afternoons.
Each Sunday evening, before the Guelaguetza, there is an impressive performance called Donaji, la leyenda (Donaji, the Legend). This live show tells the famous yet tragic love story of a Zapotec princess who sacrifices herself for the love of her kingdom. The show is a reminder of Oaxaca’s indigenous origins, a fitting introduction to the next day’s events.
Fun fact: The word guelaguetza is a Zapotec term with the sense of “offering” or “donation.” Given the community spirit of the word, some organizations and surrounding towns have begun to have alternative Guelaguetzas that are free. If you prefer a more comfortable seated and air-conditioned environment, there are also nightly shows at some of the big local hotels.
8. Día de la Independencia (Independence Day)
When: September 15-16
Where: all over Mexico
What to expect: Mexico was conquered and later colonized by the Spanish starting in 1519, and it wasn’t until three centuries later that it gained its independence through a long, hard fight. That fight was spurred on by a priest named Father Miguel Hidalgo in Dolores, Guanajuato, not far from the city of Guanajuato where nowadays the Festival Internacional Cervantino is held.
On one of the biggest Mexican celebrations of the year, the country remembers the struggle of those fighters and their victory resulting in an independent nation with its own constitution every September 16, but, indeed, the celebration starts the night before, recalling Father Hidalgo’s call to arms, el Grito de Dolores (the Dolores Shout) in 1810.
People gather at home or restaurants for parties on this Mexican Independence Day, often with typical Mexican food and drink like chiles en nogada (chilis in cream sauce) or banderitas (a shot each of lime juice, tequila, or sangrita—spiced up tomato juice), food and drink the color of the Mexican flag.
People then head out to the public square where, depending on where they are, the president, governor, or mayor gives a patriotic speech from the balcony before shouting, ¡Viva México! (“Long live Mexico!”). The evening usually ends with fireworks or perhaps some more partying.
Fun fact: As an indigenous religious figure, the Virgin of Guadalupe, described in more detail below, became the symbol of the independence movement. Legend has it that Father Hidalgo grabbed a painting of her, known as the Estandarte de la Virgin de Guadalupe (Virgin of Guadalupe Banner), from the church before his famous call to arms.
9. Festival Internacional Cervantino (International Cervantino Festival)
@viajandoconluna ♬ Mexico! – Two Poins Black & Mariachi la michoacana
Festival Internacional Cervantino,
Guanajuato, México
9 Octubre 2024-27 Octubre 2024 #festivalcervantino #guanajuato #mexicodestinations #cervantinoguanajuato #mexicanaviajera #traveltips #traveldestinations #leonguanajuato #festivalmexico #destinosmexico #orgullomexicano #cervantino2022
When: mid-October
Where: Guanajuato
What to expect: The Festival Internacional Cervantino, also known as the FIC, has been around for over half a century. Held in mid-October and lasting over two weeks, the FIC celebrates artistic and cultural productions from all over the world: dance, music, literature, movies, and theater. Each year, festival organizers designate one guest country and one guest city from Mexico, so the annual focus is on those places. The Festival Internacional Cervantino is considered to be Latin America’s largest event, and many of the events are free.
Espectáculos (performances) occur in theaters and on the streets all over the city but also in unique venues like mines or churches. The weather tends to be pleasant at this time of year, which makes it a perfect season to enjoy the multiple outdoor locations of the festival such as old train stations.
The 2024 iteration of the FIC showcases 25 art shows, 133 performances, and 25 film screenings along with 45 academic activities. A total of 3,200 artists and performers will participate, so there’s something for everyone.
If you attend the second half of the festival, you might want to stick around for the Day of the Dead.
Fun fact: The city of Guanajuato and some nearby mines have been placed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO due to their beauty and cultural importance. Founded in the 16th century, some of its Baroque churches and other public buildings are considered among the best examples of Baroque architecture in the country.
10. Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
When: November 1-2
Where: all over Mexico
What to expect: Día de los Muertos comes from an indigenous tradition that provokes wonder and respect, and it’s one of Mexico’s most famous celebrations. This is the time when Mexicans prepare for the return of their loved ones who passed away by cleaning off their gravesites to adorn them, preparing their family members’ favorite foods, and putting up elaborate altars.
At the cemeteries, you may see people eating near the grave sites or creating sand paintings. And in the cities and towns, some families leave their doors or windows open to show off their altars from afar. Cultural institutions, universities, and government offices create their own altars, and public squares called zócalos often host concerts or large altars.
The open markets smell of the beguiling smoke of copal, a natural resin, along with the deep scent of cempasuchil (marigolds), one of the most favored Day of the Dead flowers. You also find sugar skulls that can be engraved with your name. It’s all in good fun, though, to remind us we all end up in the same place one day.
No Mexican celebration is complete without its cuisine, and Day of the Dead food does not fail to delight the palate. Look for pan de muerto (bread of the dead), often served with homemade hot chocolate.
Fun fact: The comparsas (parades with costumes, music, and dancing) held at this time of year can be quite lively, in stark contrast to the somber cemeteries. People sometimes prepare their costumes a year in advance, and then they dance all night long as they parade through the streets.
11. Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe (Our Lady of Guadalupe Day)
When: December 12
Where: Basilica de Guadalupe, Mexico City
What to expect: December 12 marks the official start of the Christmas season in Mexico, which lasts until January 6, and, technically until February 2 when Candlemas occurs.
The Virgin of Guadalupe is said to have appeared to an indígena (indigenous person), Juan Diego, in a vision during the early part of the colonial period. She told him to build a shrine to her, and after convincing the local bishops, a basilica was built. It was later replaced by the more modern one of today. The Virgin herself was indigenous in appearance and to this day remains the most popular religious figure in Mexico. The famous image of Guadalupe, reported to be the one that appeared inside Juan Diego’s cloak, can be found in the basilica.
If you visit Mexico City for this day, you might be awakened in the early morning of December 12 by fireworks honoring the Virgin. Soon after, los fieles (believers) flock to the basilica to worship the Virgin and ask her to protect and heal them.
Fun fact: The Christmas season in Mexico has a nickname: Guadalupe-Reyes. This refers to the time between Día de la Virgin de Guadalupe and Día de los Tres Reyes, about three weeks when Mexicans have a lot of family, social, and religious obligations but still find time to work.
12. Noche de Rábanos (Night of the Radishes)
When: December 23
Where: Oaxaca
What to expect: Noche de Rábanos is an annual sculpture contest of intricate tableaux of scenes from daily life, Oaxacan traditions, or more modern themes. The mind-boggling thing is that they are carved from huge radishes or made with flor immortal (straw flower) or totomoxtle (corn husks). No props or dyes are allowed. The results come purely from the creativity of the artisans who sneak in some toothpicks to hold the carved radishes together.
A one-night event for which participants prepare for months ahead of time, families, community members, or even prison groups develop a theme and plan their designs for Noche de Rábanos carefully. The radishes, which can weigh as much as six pounds, are harvested a few days before the competition, and participants have to work quickly so their display is up early the next morning. Hefty prizes entice all to bring out the best of their creativity.
The fantastic displays can be seen from the breakfast hour until late at night, but the judges usually arrive after comida (lunch hour). Many folks prefer to observe these living or organic creations after sundown when the Christmas lights can be appreciated and they can have an antojito (snack) of some ponche (punch) or buñuelos (funnel cakes).
Fun fact: The lines will be long on the evening of December 23, so you might prefer to go the night before and watch how the sculptures are made and assembled. Despite popular beliefs about the Mexican climate, it may be chilly, so bring a sweater.
13. Navidad (Christmas)
When: December 24-25
Where: all over Mexico
What to expect: Mexican Christmas markets, with special street food and holiday decorations including flor de Nochebuena (poinsettia flowers), go up a few weeks before Christmas, and some people enjoy these as much as the celebrations. Also leading up to Christmas are the nine nights of Las Posadas, when children, musicians, and carolers hold processions around the neighborhood and ask for shelter for the night in remembrance of the biblical story.
The actual Mexican Christmas focuses on Christmas Eve, which is called Nochebuena. With houses and public squares fully decorated, this is the night when statues of Baby Jesus are placed in the mangers of Nativity scenes, including some life-sized ones at churches or in public. Families may take a stroll around the zócalo (public square) to admire the Christmas decorations and lights. Or folks might try some traditional Christmas food like hot chocolate or romeritos (seepweed in mole with shrimp). For visitors, exploring Christmas traditions in Mexico can be delightful when street musicians show up to sing villancicos (Christmas carols).
Most Mexican families attend mass at midnight and then go home for supper to exchange a few small gifts and wish each other ¡Feliz Navidad! (“Merry Christmas!”) once the clock strikes midnight. But children have to wait until Día de los Reyes for their presents!
Fun fact: Three days after Christmas, on December 28, is Día de los Inocentes (Innocents Day), a day equivalent to April Fool’s Day in other countries. Be careful about loaning money on this day, because you might not get it back!
Immerse yourself in Mexican celebrations
Whether you are planning a trip to Mexico or just want to enjoy the Mexican cultural events in your area, learning Spanish is one way to considerably enrich that experience and allow for more authentic communication.
An immersive learning environment that focuses on authentic exchanges and bite-sized lessons can help you learn Spanish and start speaking it right away. But, it’s important to understand that there is a difference between Mexican Spanish vs. Spain Spanish. Rosetta Stone offers Latin American Spanish, which is closer to Mexican Spanish than Peninsular Spanish (Spanish from Spain).
0 Commentaires