43 Popular Mexico Holidays and Unique Mexican Traditions

Wondering what are the popular Mexico holidays and Mexican traditions? We are happy to help.

Dani, is our beloved Mexican writer from Mexico City and in this post will tell us about the most heartfelt Mexican festivities and traditions and how they celebrate them.

Keep reading because you are going to love what’s coming.

Mexican holidays and traditions have been around for centuries and are one of the reasons why the country is considered so special. They’re certainly one of the reasons I’m proud to be Mexican.

Vibrant heritage is often reflected in Mexico’s festivities and celebrations.

Even in modern times, popular Mexican holidays and traditions involve the continuation of customs passed down through generations even before pre-Hispanic times.

Below, I put together a list of some of the most popular Mexican holidays and traditions (old and new) so you can know what’s going on when you visit or even plan a trip around them!

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Mexican Public Holidays

Mexicans have seven official or public holidays throughout the year. These days represent school and work holidays.

1. New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo) (Jan 1)

Families and friends gather on December 31st at night to say goodbye to the old year and welcome in the new one.

Much like they do all over the world, delicious food, music, fireworks, and toasts are involved.

Here’s what’s interesting: People in Mexico also enjoy welcoming the new year with a series of rituals.

The most common one, shared by most families, is rapidly eating twelve grapes at midnight as the twelve bells chime, symbolizing twelve months of good luck.

As happens with many celebrations in Mexico, there is a lot of emphasis on gathering with the family on New Year’s Eve. 

However, in the last decades, contrary to what happens on Christmas Eve, which is reserved for family,  it has become widely accepted to gather with friends.

This is especially true with the younger generations.

2. Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución) (Feb 5)

February 5th marks the commemoration of the Mexican Constitution of 1917, which was signed in the city of Queretaroq to consummate the Mexican Revolution with brand new laws.

Constitution Day in Mexico is a time for civic events and educational activities. It is dedicated to honoring the document that marked the foundation for Mexico’s laws and government as we know them today.

3. Benito Juárez’s Birthday (Natalicio de Benito Juárez) (Mar 21)

March 21st marks a double celebration in Mexico. Besides welcoming spring, Benito Juarez´s birth date is observed.

Spring is celebrated with festivities and cultural events involving dances, parades, and concerts.

Many people make it a point to go to the pyramids or other prehispanic sites for cleansing and energy-charging rituals. 

Although Spring Day is an official holiday because of Benito Juarez, kindergarten children welcome the new season with a festive parade on the last school day before March 21st.

They dress up in spring costumes and decorate their tricycles to ride around the school’s block.

Don’t be surprised to see a huge ladybug, flower, or bird excitedly riding a tricycle decorated with leaves and flowers! 

As to the observance of Benito Juarez’s day of birth, it is one of the most important Mexican holidays. 

President Juarez is a revered figure because he was a reformer who spent his life defending the country’s sovereignty and democracy, as well as fighting for social justice.

4. Labour Day (Día del Trabajo) (May 1)

Labor Day or Dia del Trabajo in Mexico is observed with worker parades, rallies, and union demonstrations focused on honoring the contributions of workers across the nation.

It is also an occasion to advocate for labor rights and acknowledge the efforts of the workforce.

5. Mexican Independence Day (Día de la Independencia) (Sep 16)

This is the most symbolic of Mexican holidays and celebrations. 

Independence Day commemorates the start of the Mexican War of Independence against Spanish rule in 1810.

Even though the official holiday is observed on September 16th, festivities begin on the evening of September 15th. 

This is when people gather with family and friends to eat traditional Mexican food, listen to mariachi music, and drink tequila and mezcal toast. It is a day of Mexican fiesta and traditions.

Pozole, pambazos, tostadas, and flautas are usually served on this special night when national pride reaches a high peak.

At 11:00 pm, everyone stops whatever they are doing to watch the current President during “El Grito”, a ceremony in which he goes out to the balcony to mimic Miguel Hidalgo’s cry for independence in 1810, followed by the tolling of a bell installed in Palacio Nacional for that purpose.

Afterward, impressive fireworks light up the sky in Mexico City and town zocalos (main plazas) around the country. 

Some people watch the “Grito” on television; others prefer to go to the public plazas to listen to their President or governor live.

If you want to be a part of it, I recommend booking a table at a restaurant in the Zocalo (my favorite is Balcon del Zocalo) so you can enjoy the celebrations without having to bear the crowds!

6. Revolution Day (Día de la Revolución) (Nov 20)

This holiday observes the start of the Mexican Revolution in 1910, which was a crucial period in Mexico’s history because it led to important social and political changes after Porfirio Diaz’s rule of over 30 years.

Parades, reenactments, and cultural events take place across the country to honor the revolutionary heroes who fought for social justice and equality: Francisco I. Madero, Emiliano Zapata, Pancho Villa, and Alvaro Obregon, among others.

7. Christmas Day (Navidad) (Dec 25)

Christmas festivities in Mexico blend Catholic traditions with indigenous customs, adding some European and US touches. 

Families come together on the most important event in the season, which is “Nochebuena” or Christmas Eve.

A large feast is served, with a lot of hugging and exchanging of gifts. A piñata is broken to delight the younger members of the family, who eagerly await the opening of the gifts that are placed under the Christmas tree.

December 25th is a working holiday usually dedicated to staying at home after celebrating until the wee hours of the morning the night before. 

With many businesses closed, Christmas Day is more about watching movies at home or gathering with the family again for a late lunch to eat the leftovers (recalentado) from Christmas Eve.

Mexican Civic Holidays & Cultural Celebrations 

8. Three Kings Day (Dia de Los Reyes Magos) (Jan 6)

Three Kings Day or Epiphany marks the end of the Christmas season in Mexico.

It is also the most awaited day for children, as the kings bring toys to those who behave well during the year, much like Santa Claus does in the US.

The Reyes Magos allude to the Three Wise Men who followed the Star of Bethlehem in their quest to take gifts to baby Jesus after his birth.

Mexican children wait for them accidentally, even leaving water and food for Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltazar, and even buckets of water for their horse, camel, and elephant! 

This tradition was brought to Mexico by the Spaniards during the colonial period. 

Families also gather to share an oval sweet bread called Rosca de Reyes, which contains small baby Jesus figurines. 

Tradition dictates that whoever gets one of those hidden dollies gets to pay for the tamales on Candlemas or Dia de la Candelaria on February 2nd.

9. Candlemas (Día de la Candelaría) (Feb 2)

Candlemas or Dia de la Candelaria is a religious Catholic holiday that marks the day Baby Jesus was taken to the temple to be blessed – exactly at the end of the quarantine period observed by new mothers in the past. 

It is a day of lights and candles to rejoice in the good news.

Mexicans like to gather in the evening with friends and family to celebrate and eat tamales, presumably bought or prepared by those who got the baby figurine in their Rosca de Reyes slice on January 6th.

Since it is not a work holiday, people in workplaces share tamales in the morning. too.

The most devout people take the baby Jesus from their nativity scene to church to be blessed, or else they have a large figure just for the occasion. 

The interesting part is that they get new clothes for the “baby”, a white robe or suit. In traditional towns and areas, there are processions leading to the church or temple for this event. 

10. Mexican Army Day (Día del Ejército) (Feb 19)

Mexican Army Day honors the dedication and bravery of the Mexican Army.

It is an occasion to pay tribute to the military forces’ role in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and safety, as well as their valuable aid in natural disasters.

Various military parades, exhibitions, and ceremonies are held to honor soldiers’ contributions.

11. Flag Day (Día de la Bandera) (Feb 24)

Mexican Flag Day is an official reminder of the significance of Mexico’s national flag. Schools and government institutions hold ceremonies where the flag is raised.

Students and government officials participate in activities and school projects that pay tribute to this important national symbol, emphasizing its history and proper handling.

Poems, drawings, and other projects are usually part of that day’s homework.

The armed forces also hold solemn celebrations to honor the Mexican flag, and to reiterate their loyalty toward the nation it represents.

12. Carnival (Thursday to Tuesday before Ash Wednesday)

Kicking off Lent with contagious energy and joy, Carnival sweeps across Mexico from Thursday to Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. 

Streets in various cities liven up with parades, dances, music, and elaborate costumes and decorated floats.

Carnival festivities vary in style from one region to another, but they share common goals of joyful revelry, vibrant costumes, lively music, and dances.

The Veracruz Carnival stands out because of its fusion of Spanish, African, and indigenous influences, while the one in Mazatlan is known for its dazzling floats and electrifying fireworks.

13. Cinco de Mayo (May 5th)

While for some reason this holiday is celebrated fervently in the US with big parties and a lot of drinking, Cinco de Mayo in Mexico is observed as a serious civic holiday that marks the day of Mexio’s Army victory over the French Empire’s Army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.

Parades, reenactments, and army honors take place, contrary to what happens on the other side of the border, where the date is no big deal in most parts of Mexico except Puebla (you do get the day off school, though).

14. Semana Santa and Pascua (Holy Week and Easter) (March or April)

Semana Santa or Holy Week is a religious event that honors the final days before Jesus Christ’s death. Solemn processions, reenactments, and deeply spiritual ceremonies take place. 

Cities like Taxco, San Miguel de Allende, and Oaxaca embrace Semana Santa with a fervent passion, producing artistic representations of the Passion of Christ.

In Mexico City, the people of Iztapalapa district go out of their way in their Passion of Christ reenactment, with chosen volunteers being hung with cords on wooden crosses while a million or more people watch.

Come Easter Sunday, families gather to attend church services in cheerful celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection.

As happens with many religious celebrations in Mexico, some people are devout followers of Catholic festivities, while others are more casual or even unobservant, even though they were baptized as babies. 

For many people, Holy Week means vacation time, especially because most people get Holy Thursday and Friday off from work, or even the whole week. Schools close down for two weeks.

15. Children’s Day (Día del Niño)

Mexico celebrates its children on April 30, with special events, festivals, toys, and a lot of treats.

Parents go out of their way to celebrate the younger members of the family, and schools also hold special activities on this special day.

16. Mother’s Day (Día de la Madre) (May 10)

Mother’s Day is a very big deal in Mexico. It is celebrated on May 10th, regardless of what day of the week it falls on. 

Mexicans pay heartfelt tributes to their mother. The occasion is marked by gifts, flowers, candy, gifts, and other loving tributes. 

Restaurants are usually very crowded, and schoolchildren usually participate in festivals where they put together plays and dances as a gift to their moms.

17. Father’s Day (Día del Padre) (June 12)

Father’s Day in Mexico is observed on the third Sunday in June. Although fathers enjoy their special day, and they do get gifts, their celebration is not anywhere as lavish or expressive as Mother’s Day.

18. Boy Heroes Day (Día de los Niños Héroes) (Sep 13)

Mexico’s Niños Heroes or Brave Boys were six young military cadets who defended Chapultepec Castle during the Battle of Chapultepec against American Forces on September 13th, 1947. 

Despite the overwhelming odds they faced, the youngsters chose to fight until death for their homeland rather than surrender.

Every year, Juan Escutia, Juan de la Barrera, Agustin Melgar, Fernando Montes de Oca, Vicente Suarez, and Francisco Marquez are remembered for their heroic actions. 

19. Día de la Raza (Oct 12)

Dia de la Raza was established to commemorate the cultural diversity and heritage that resulted from the encounter between Christopher Columbus and other European explorers and the indigenous people who inhabited the Americas in 1492.

This celebration is somewhat controversial in Mexico. While some people reflect on the heritage that resulted from the fusion of two different cultures, others protest because of the conquerors who followed the explorers’ steps.

In other words, they are against celebrating that meeting that changed indigenous people’s destiny forever and regard the date as a day of sorrow.

20. Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) (Nov 1 + Nov 2)

Celebrated on November 1 and 2, the Day of the Dead is among the most famous cultural Mexican festivals. 

This is the time when Mexicans honor their loved ones who have passed away, with a combination of nostalgia and a festive spirit that celebrates their life.

Families set up altars for the loved ones who have departed, placing their pictures amidst marigolds, candles, colored “picado” paper, as well as their favorite dishes, drinks, and objects.

Day of the Dead is deeply rooted in prehispanic celebrations. The biggest celebrations have traditionally held place in Janitzio, San Miguel de Allende, and Oaxaca.

However, Mexico City also hosts large displays of “ofrendas” or Day of the Dead altars, as well as a huge parade.

21. Dia de Santa Cecilia (Saint Cecilia’s Day) (Nov 22)

The patron saint of musicians is honored on Dia de la Santa Cecilia on November 22.

Musicians all over the country participate in small parades, concerts, and gatherings to celebrate their craft. 

Mariachis go out of their way to thank their patron saint for all the blessings received during the year and to ask for continued work and good health to keep performing well.

22. Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe (Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe) (Dec 12)

Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe is a Day to honor Virgen de Guadalupe, the dark-skinned virgin who is revered throughout Mexico.

Big pilgrimages are organized, with around 2 million people from all over the country arriving at the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe to pay homage. 

She is referred to as the “Mother of Mexico” by her followers. Special concerts and events are organized for the occasion.

This holiday also marks the beginning of the so-called Guadalupe-Reyes marathon, meaning the 26 days of partying, eating, and drinking from December 12th until Dia de Reyes on January 6th. 

23. Las Posadas (Dec 16-2)

From December 16th through the 23rd, daily Posadas are organized throughout Mexico. 

They are reunions where the host and their guests do reenactments of Mary and Joseph and Mary’s search for shelter, sing villancicos (Christmas carols), break a  piñata, and eat holiday fares like tamales and pozole, downed with “ponche navideño”.

Traditional posadas follow that script, but, to be honest, even though some families and neighborhoods still follow the tradition, many people use these 9 days to host Christmas-themed parties and dinners they call “posadas”, with gift-giving, eating, and drinking, often foregoing the shelter-seeking procession and singing of villancicos.

24. Christmas Eve (Noche Buena) (Dec 24)

Nochebuena, or Christmas Eve is the main event in the Mexican holiday season. 

This is a family-focused celebration where they gather for a late-night feast, gift exchange, and toasts.

Christmas Eve dinner in Mexico might consist of stuffed turkey, bacalao (dried salted cod), romeritos (edible herbs with shrimp cakes and potatoes simmered in mole), fruit salad, and cake. It can also be composed of traditional tamales, pozole, and fruit punch.

Religious families interrupt the party to attend Misa de Gallo, a beautiful Christmas mass, and then return to continue with the party.

25. Holy Innocents Day (Día de los santos inocentes) (Dec 28)

Dia de los Inocentes is similar to April Fools’ Day in the US, in the sense that there is a lot of pranking and joking going on, all in good spirits.

Do not lend money on December 28th, though, because tradition has it you won’t get it back because you were very innocent in loaning on Dia de los Inocentes.

Regional Mexican Festivals

Mexico has a deep-rooted love for festivals. 

Throughout the year, the country comes alive with an amazing array of festivals that reflect its diverse heritage and taste for art, music, and sports.

From the rhythmic beats of the San Pancho Music Festival to the adrenaline of the Los Cabos Open of Surf and the deep-rooted culture of the Guelaguetza, each festival offers a unique glimpse into the soul of Mexico.

26. San Pancho Music Festival – San Pancho (end of February)

With the picturesque coastal town of San Pancho as a setting, the San Pancho Music Festival showcases a delightful blend of musical talents. 

This annual festival transforms the tranquil village into a hub of musical talent.

Local and international artists come together to perform various genres that go from folkloric tunes to contemporary beats.

27. Vive Latino – CDMX (March)

Vive Latino is one of Mexico’s most important music festivals. 

An extensive lineup of Latin American artists gathers in Mexico City for this annual multi-day event that pulsates with energy.

Music enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds unite to listen to their favorite artists while celebrating the evolving Latin music scene.

28. Festival de México en el Centro Histórico – CDMX (March/April)

Festival de México en el Centro Histórico, which takes place in the spring, is one of the most important cultural celebrations in Mexico City. 

This cultural extravaganza unfolds with Mexico City’s historic landmarks as a backdrop. As a group of artists displays theater, dance, music, and visual art, the festival pays homage to Mexico’s artistic heritage and evolution.

29. Día de los Locos – San Miguel de Allende (May)

Dia de los Locos, or Day of the Crazies, is a unique carnival that takes place every year in San Miguel de Allende to honor San Juan Bailón, the patron saint of orchards.

With a unique blend of prehispanic traditions, Catholic influences, and a good dose of rebelliousness, Dia de los Locos sees locals dressed up in elaborate costumes and masks parading through the streets.

30. Los Cabos open of surf (June)

Mexico is the proud host of several exciting sports events and competitions. 

One of these events is the Los Cabos Open of Surf, which attracts world-class surfers to the crashing waves of this tourist spot in Baja California Sur.

Aside from the competition, Los Cabos Open of Surf fosters a sense of camaraderie among surf enthusiasts from around the globe while promoting environmental responsibility and the conservation of Mexico’s coastal gems.

31. International mariachi festival – Guadelajara (August)

The International Mariachi Festival, held annually in Guadalajara, is a merry tribute to Mexico´s iconic musical tradition that attracts mariachi bands from all of Mexico and other countries.

This festival showcases the mariachi’s heritage and its evolving influence on contemporary music.  

Aficionados from diverse backgrounds gather to listen to the sounds of trumpets, guitars, and violins that characterize this music genre that originated in the state of Jalisco.

32. Guelaguetza Festival (Mondays on the Hill) – Oaxaca City (2^nd half of July)

A centuries-old celebration in Oaxaca, Guelaguetza is a scintillating spectacle of dance and color seeped with culture. 

Indigenous communities from the region get together to perform traditional dances while wearing elaborate costumes.

Guelaguetza gives performers from the rest of the state the opportunity to share their rich heritage, rooted in indigenous customs, with locals and visitors alike. 

33. Fiestas de Octubre – Guadalajara (October)

The bustling city of Guadalajara is the scenario for yet another cultural festival named Fiestas de Octubre, lasting the whole month of October.

During the month-long cultural celebration, a wide array of events takes place, including musical concerts, contemporary art displays, theatrical performances, folkloric dances, and culinary events.

34. Festival International Cervantino  – Guanajuato (2^nd half of October)

Held annually in the historic city of Guanajuato, Festival Internacional Cervantino is a dream come true for art, theater, literature, and music lovers.

This art festival, which was named after Miguel Cervantes Saavedra – the author of Quijote de la Mancha – promotes artistic innovation as well as cultural exchanges, attracting artists and audiences from all over the world. 

The city´s charming streets come alive with performances, international collaborations, and profound exhibitions.

35. Morelia Film Festival – Morelia (2^nd half of October)

This world-acclaimed festival in the colonial city of Morelia is a premier platform for showcasing Mexican and international cinema. 

Portraying the screening of an ample selection of films, the Morelia Film Festival fosters forums, dialogues, and workshops that nurture the country´s film culture.

The festival organizers screen films from acclaimed artists as well as the works of emerging talents, which provides great opportunities for them to display and promote their works. 

Mexican Traditions

Mexican traditions are as culturally rich and varied as Mexico itself. 

People across the country are well aware of the uniqueness and rich heritage of their traditions, which have managed to remain amidst an ever-changing world.

Mexicans proudly embrace and preserve them across generations. 

36. Piñatas

Piñatas are colorful, festive symbols of celebration deeply rooted in Mexican culture. 

Skillfully crafted by artisans to later be filled with fruit, candy, and other treats, they come in all shapes and sizes, often depicting animals, cartoons, and movie characters.

Piñatas hold a special place in children’s birthdays, baptisms, Children’s Day, and other festivities with little ones involved.

Culturally speaking, the original piñata comes in the shape of a 7-point star, with each pointed cone representing one of the original sins. 

Participants take turns hitting the piñata that hangs from above, trying to break it. Once someone succeeds, sweets fall, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the rewards brought upon them.

37. Siestas

Put simply, siestas are naps, a much-cherished tradition in the old days. 

Today’s fast pace does not allow many people to pause in the day to take a siesta and refuel their energy before resuming activities, especially in urban areas.

In rural areas of Mexico, people still take siestas, even closing down shop for a couple of hours to have lunch and take their naps. 

This is especially true in southeastern states, where the heat and humidity make it impossible to work in the fields under the midday sun.

38. Alebrijes

Alebrijes are fantastic creatures created by artisans’ vivid imaginations. 

These amazing figures are crafted from papier-maché or carved from wood, showcasing a whimsical fusion of animals and mythical beings.

Originally from the state of Oaxaca, these charming artworks have become iconic symbols of Mexican folk art, holding a special place in Mexican culture. 

Their uniqueness, beauty, and skillful craftsmanship have become widespread and made alebrijes popular all over the world.

39. Jarabe Tapatio (Mexican Hat Dance)

Jarabe Tapatío, also known as Baile del Sombrero or Mexican Hat Dance, is a traditional folk dance that originated in the western state of Jalisco.

The steps showcase the courtship between a man and a woman, with the male dancer throwing his hat in front of the female dancer for her to step on it if she accepts him.

Jarabe Tapatio involves intricate footwork, colorful costumes, and the iconic moment when the male dancer lavishly throws his sombrero in front of her.

40. Papantla Flyers

Papantla Flyers or “Voladores de Papantla”, as the name suggests, are performers from the Papantla region in the state of Veracruz. 

They carry out a stunning ritual that originated in prehispanic Mesoamerican cultures.

Five individuals carry out the “flying” performance, with one of them standing atop a very high pole. 

Meanwhile, the rest of them tie ropes that are secured to the top of the pole around their waists. 

The act begins when they gracefully descend, slowly rotating to simulate a flight while playing traditional music.

41. Mariachi

Mariachi is an iconic Mexican musical tradition involving a group of musicians proudly wearing elegant charro attire. 

Mariachi bands usually involve trumpets, guitars, violins, and other instruments to perform mariachi music, rancheras, corridos, and ballads. 

It is common to see them playing in special celebrations, ceremonies, cultural events, and festivals. 

It is not uncommon to see them singing under a woman´s window or balcony, as some romantic partners still splurge on hiring a mariachi band to sing to their loved ones to show their love.

Moreover, a lot of them do it after they know they did something wrong in an attempt for their partner to forgive them (but don’t!)

42. Lucha Libre (Mexican Wrestling)

Lucha Libre is Mexico’s world-famous professional wrestling, characterized by high-flying acrobatics, dramatic narrating inside the ring, and flamboyant masks.

Mexican wrestlers, called “luchadores”, don their colorful attires and masks, then go out to entertain their audience with their athletic skills and dramatic flair. 

A lucha libre session is an entertaining blend of sport, theater, and cultural expression that captivates fans in Mexico and beyond.

43. Charrería (Mexican Rodeo)

Charreria is Mexico’s traditional equestrian sport, often considered the country’s national sport.

Skilled horsemen called “charros” proudly showcase their horsemanship, roping, and cattle-handling expertise in public events, preserving an important part of Mexican heritage.

Final Thoughts: Popular Mexican Holidays and Traditions

Traditional festivities in Mexico are vibrant and diverse, celebrating different aspects of the country throughout the year.

Each holiday in Mexico honors relevant historical events and cultural traditions that bring people together to celebrate. 

At the same time, each festivity and festival is an opportunity for Mexicans to cherish the past and embrace the present.