If you think Mexico is just one big party from December to January, you're kinda right, but also missing the point entirely. Most tourists land in Cancun or Mexico City expecting a specific "vibe" they saw on Instagram, only to realize the bank is closed, the streets are blocked by a three-mile parade, and nobody told them why. Understanding what are the holidays in mexico isn't just about knowing when to get a day off. It’s about navigating a culture where the secular and the sacred don’t just coexist—they collide, usually with fireworks involved.
Mexico doesn't do "quiet" holidays.
Even the somber ones have a layer of intensity that catches you off guard. Take Día de la Constitución. It sounds like a dry, bureaucratic footnote, right? Wrong. It’s a massive long weekend that kicks off the spring travel season. In Mexico, holidays are categorized into días feriados (statutory holidays where the law says you must get paid extra or get the day off) and festividades (cultural or religious celebrations that might not close the banks but will definitely close the streets).
The Heavy Hitters: Statutory Mexico Holidays You Can’t Ignore
Let's talk logistics because honestly, nothing ruins a trip like a closed ATM. Statutory holidays in Mexico are governed by the Ley Federal del Trabajo. If a holiday falls on a Sunday, it usually stays there, but many "official" days are moved to the nearest Monday to create a puente—a bridge weekend.
Año Nuevo (January 1st) is the obvious one. But while the rest of the world is nursing a hangover with juice and silence, Mexican families are often still eating recalentado (leftovers), specifically tamales and bacalao.
Then there’s Constitution Day. It’s officially February 5th, but the holiday moves to the first Monday of February. It marks the 1917 Constitution, a document born from the blood of the Revolution. While it's a "civic" day, for most people, it's the first real excuse of the year to head to the coast.
Benito Juárez’s Birthday hits in March (usually the third Monday). Juárez is the only individual with his own statutory holiday. He was the first indigenous president and basically the architect of modern Mexico. He’s a big deal. You’ll see his face on the 20-peso bill—or you would have, before they started phasing them out for the new ones.
The Spring Shift: Semana Santa
This is where it gets complicated. Semana Santa (Holy Week) is not technically a federal statutory holiday for everyone, but for all intents and purposes, the country stops. If you’re asking about what are the holidays in mexico, this is the one that will impact your travel the most.
Schools take two weeks off. The cities empty out as everyone flees to the beaches.
If you go to Iztapalapa in Mexico City during this time, you’ll witness the Representación de la Pasión. It’s a massive, visceral reenactment of the crucifixion. It’s not a "tourist show." It’s a grueling, emotional commitment by the local community that has been happening for over 180 years. It’s intense. It’s crowded. It’s deeply real.
Labor Day and the Cry of Independence
May 1st is Día del Trabajo. Unlike the U.S. Labor Day in September, Mexico sticks to the international date. Expect marches. Unions take to the streets in every major plaza (Zócalos). It’s less about BBQ and more about labor rights and political shouting.
Then we hit the big one.
Día de la Independencia on September 16th.
Wait. Stop.
It is not Cinco de Mayo.
If you tell a local that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day, they will politely (or not so politely) correct you. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla against the French. It’s mostly celebrated in the state of Puebla and, weirdly, in the United States.
The real party starts on the night of September 15th with El Grito. The President stands on the balcony of the National Palace and yells "¡Viva México!" while thousands scream it back. It gives you chills even if you aren't Mexican. The 16th is the actual holiday, characterized by military parades and a country-wide hangover.
The Misunderstood Magic of November
When people search for what are the holidays in mexico, they are usually looking for Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead).
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Here is the thing: It is not "Mexican Halloween."
It’s actually two days: November 1st (Día de los Inocentes, focusing on children) and November 2nd (Día de los Fieles Difuntos, for adults). It’s a homecoming. The belief is that the veil between worlds thins, and our ancestors come back to eat, drink, and listen to the music they loved.
- Ofrendas: These are the altars. They aren't just decorations. They are invitations.
- Cempasúchil: The marigolds. Their scent is believed to guide the spirits home.
- Bread: Pan de Muerto. It’s dusted with sugar and shaped like bones. Eat it with hot chocolate. Don't skip this.
Later in the month, on the third Monday, is Día de la Revolución. This marks the 1910 uprising against the dictator Porfirio Díaz. You’ll see kids in schools dressed up as "Adelitas" (revolutionary women) with painted-on mustaches and plastic ammunition belts.
The Marathon: Guadalupe-Reyes
The end of the year in Mexico isn't a day; it's a season. It’s called the Guadalupe-Reyes Circuit. It starts on December 12th with the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe and doesn't stop until January 6th.
December 12th is massive. Millions—yes, millions—of pilgrims descend on the Basilica in Mexico City. They often travel on their knees for the final stretch. Even if you aren't religious, the sheer scale of devotion is staggering.
Then come the Posadas (December 16–24).
These are nine nights of parties representing Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter.
There is always a piñata.
The traditional one is a seven-pointed star, representing the seven deadly sins. You break the sins with "blind faith" (the blindfold) to get the "blessings" (the candy) inside.
Navidad (December 25th) is actually quieter than the 24th (Nochebuena). On the 24th, families have a huge dinner at midnight. If you're looking for a party on Christmas Day, you'll likely find a ghost town because everyone is sleeping off the turkey and rompope.
Beyond the Official: Regional Festivals
Mexico is a patchwork of indigenous and colonial identities. This means some of the best holidays aren't on the federal calendar.
In Oaxaca, you have the Guelaguetza in July. It’s an indigenous cultural festival that is quite literally a "gift" (the meaning of the Zapotec word Guelaguetza). Different regions bring their traditional dances and throw local products—fruit, hats, textiles—into the crowd.
In San Miguel de Allende, there’s the Fiesta de locos (Festival of the Crazy People). People dress up in wild costumes—political figures, monsters, aliens—and parade through the streets throwing candy. Why? To celebrate San Antonio de Padua. It’s chaotic and brilliant.
Practical Insights for Navigating Mexico's Holidays
If you're planning a trip around these dates, you need a strategy. This isn't just about booking a hotel; it's about survival.
- Transport goes haywire. During Semana Santa and the December holidays, bus tickets sell out weeks in advance. The Primera Plus or ADO websites will be your best friends. Don't just show up at the station.
- The "Bridge" Rule. If a holiday is on a Thursday, many people "bridge" it by taking Friday off. Expect heavy traffic leaving major cities on Wednesday nights.
- Restaurant Reservations. On Mother’s Day (10 de Mayo), don't even try to eat out without a reservation. In Mexico, Mom is queen, and every restaurant in the country will be at 110% capacity.
- Bank Closures. Use the ATMs inside malls if you can. On bank holidays, street-side ATMs often run out of cash by the afternoon because everyone is withdrawing for the long weekend.
Mexico's holidays are a reflection of its history—a mix of pre-Hispanic roots, Spanish conquest, and a fierce revolutionary spirit. They are loud, colorful, and occasionally exhausting. But if you're there during one, don't just watch from the sidelines. Buy some elote from a street vendor, find a spot on the sidewalk, and just take it in.
Actionable Next Steps for Travelers
- Check the current year's calendar: Since many holidays move to Mondays, verify the specific dates for the puentes (bridges) for the year you are traveling.
- Book internal flights early: Prices for flights to beach destinations like Puerto Escondido or Sayulita triple during Semana Santa and the Christmas break.
- Pack for "Grito": If you're visiting in September, wear green, white, or red on the 15th. You'll fit right in.
- Respect the Altar: If you are visiting for Day of the Dead, remember that ofrendas in cemeteries are private family spaces. Ask before taking photos of people, though most are happy to share their traditions if you approach with genuine interest.
Understand that in Mexico, a holiday isn't just a day off—it's a way to remember who they are. Whether it's the somber silence of a Good Friday procession or the explosive joy of Independence Day, these moments are the heartbeat of the country.