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Mexican Holidays
Mexico has several holidays that take place throughout the year. Below you will find a list of Official Mexican Holidays. For local events and festivals visit our Mexican Events and Festivals page.
January
JAN 1: New Year's Day (Ano Nuevo)
Mexico rings in the New Year with celebrations featuring music, dance, food and fireworks. Streets are filled with revelers, and friends and families congregate for parties that often last till dawn.
JAN 6: Three Kings' Day (Dia de los Santos Reyes)
Celebrates the three wise men bearing gifts for baby Jesus. This is the day of traditional gift-giving for children in Mexico. Rosca de Reyes, a crown-shaped sweet bread is served on this day. Whoever is lucky enough to find the figure in his slice of bread must host a party on February 2, Candlemas Day.
February
FEB 2: Candlemas Day (Dia de la Candelaria)
Celebrated with candlelit processions and dancing in many towns throughout the country, this holiday marks the end of the Christmas celebration. On this national holiday, families and friends gather together to enjoy tamales and atole (a hot, sweet drink thickened with corn flour).
FEB 3-8: Carnival (Carnaval)
Celebrations begin five days before Ash Wednesday and are marked by parades, parties and dancing in the strees. Resembles Fat Tuesday in the U.S.
FEB 5: Constitution Day (Dia de la Constitucion)
This day commemorates the signing of Mexico's third constitution on the 5th of February 1917. It continues to be the basis of the Mexican legal system to this day.
FEB 24: Flag Day (Dia de la Bandera)
It was established by President of Mexico General Lazaro Cardenas before the monument to General Vicente Guerrero, first to pledge allegiance to the Mexican flag. On this day in 1821, the Iguala Plan was signed, and Mexico officially became an independent country, thus ending the war of independence.
March
MAR 20-27: Holy Week (Semana Santa)
Beginning with Palm Sunday and ending with Easter Sunday, the week's religious celebrations include reenactments of the events leading up to Christ's crucifixion
MAR 21: Benito Juarez Day (Dia de Benito Juarez)
This day marks the birthday of Benito Juarez Garcia, Mexico's most important leader. A Zapotec born in the state of Oaxaca in 1806, he overcame prejudice and other obstacles to become President in 1857.
May
MAY 1: Labour Day (Primero de Mayo)
Labour Day is the international socialist remembrance of the first of May massacre of Chicago workers in 1886 who were striking for an 8-hour day.
MAY 5: Cinco de Mayo (The Battle of Puebla)
The invading French army was defeated in the state of Puebla on the 5th of May, 1862. Although the victory was short-lived, this victory has come to symbolise the eventual withdrawal of foreign interests from Mexico.
MAY 10: Mother's Day (Dia de la Madre)
Although this day is celebrated in many other countries on the second Sunday in May, this day is fixed in the Mexican calendar. If it happens to fall on a weekday, people work a half-day and celebrate the rest of the day with their mothers.
September
SEP 15-16: Mexican Independence Day (Dia de la Independencia Mexicana)
Mexico celebrates its declaration of independence from Spain in 1810. The night of September 15, marks "El Grito," a dramatic reenactment of revolutionary Father Hidalgo's call for his fellow Mexicans to join the uprising.
October
OCT 12: Columbus Day (Dia de la Raza)
Columbus Day or in Mexico it is known as "The Day of the Race". Dia de la Raza is an opportunity to celebrate the mix of native and Spanish blood inherent in its history. The term La Raza was coined by the philosopher Antonio Caso in 1918 and the day was renamed Dia de la Raza ten years later.
November
NOV 1-2: Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos)
The most colorful annual festival on the Mexican calendar, commemorating departed loved ones. During this festival, the dead have divine permission to visit friends and relatives on earth. The living welcome the souls of the departed with offerings incorporating their favorite foods and beverages.
NOV 20: Mexican Revolution Day (Dia de la Revolucion Mexicana)
This day marks the anniversary of the Mexican Revolution of 1910, natable war heroes are Pancho Villa. Parades and celebrations occurring throughout the country of Mexico.
December
DEC 12: Virgin of Guadalupe Day (Dia de La Virgen de Guadalupe)
This day marks the appearance of the Virgin of Guadalupe, Mexico's first indigenous saint. named Juan Diego.The Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe, built near the spot where the miracles occurred, and on the anniversary of the second miracle, pilgrims converge on the area in a mass celebration.
DEC 16-24: Posadas
Processions recreating Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem, in which people holding candles go door to door to seek shelter. Festivities include piñatas, Christmas caroling and special foods and sweets.
DEC 24: Christmas (Navidad)
This time of year is full of celebrations from the posada to Los Reyes Magos, but the most important part of Navidad happens on La Noche Buena (24th December). It's a time for people to get together and exchange presents. At midnight there's a big meal, which is when the celebrations really begin.
DEC 28: Innocents Day (Dia de los Inocentes)
This day commemorates the child massacre perpetrated by King Herod on learning of the birth of Jesus. These deaths of innocents are nowadays represented by people playing tricks on their friends, family and colleagues as on April Fool's Day.
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