Holidays in Mexico are an integral part of the country’s rich cultural heritage and history. Celebrated with immense joy and enthusiasm, they often feature colorful parades, vibrant traditional music, lively dance performances, festive rituals, and delicious regional cuisine.

In Mexico, there are 3 major kinds of public holidays:

  • statutory holiday
  • civic holiday
  • festivities

Statutory holidays in Mexico

Statutory holidays in Mexico are legislated by the federal government and hold nationwide observance. On these days, employees are entitled to a full day off with regular pay, while public and private schools, along with most government offices, remain closed.

  • If a statutory holiday falls on Sunday, it moves to Monday.
  • If a statutory holiday falls on Saturday, it moves to Friday.

Statutory holidays:

  • New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo) – January 1
  • Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución) – February 5
  • Benito Juárez Day (Día de Benito Juárez) – March 21
  • Labor Day (Día del Trabajo) – May 1
  • Independence Day (Día de la Independencia) – September 16
  • Revolution Day (Día de la Revolución) – November 20
  • Christmas (Navidad) – December 25

Election days set by federal and local laws are also statutory holidays.

Civic holidays in Mexico

Civic holidays in Mexico are observed nationwide as important dates of remembrance and celebration. Unlike statutory holidays, employees are not entitled to a paid day off, and public and private schools, along with most workplaces, continue their normal activities.

  • February 20 – Mexican Army Day (Día del Ejército)
  • February 24 – Flag Day (Día de la Bandera)
  • March 18 – Anniversary of the Oil Expropriation (Aniversario de la Expropiación Petrolera)
  • April 21 – Heroic Defense of Veracruz (Heroica Defensa de Veracruz)
  • May 5 – Fifth of May (Cinco de Mayo)
  • May 8 – Miguel Hidalgo’s birthday (Natalicio de Miguel Hidalgo)
  • June 1 – National Maritime Day (Día de la Marina)
  • September 13 – Anniversary of the “Boy Heroes” or “Heroic Cadets” (Día de los Niños Héroes)
  • September 16 – Cry of Dolores (Grito de Dolores)
  • September 27 – Consummation of the War of Independence (Consumación de la Guerra de Independencia)
  • September 30 – Morelos’ birthday (Natalicio de José Mª Morelos y Pavón)
  • October 12 – Columbus Day (Día de la Raza)
  • November 23 – Mexican Navy Day (Dia de la Armada de Mexico)

Festivities in Mexico

Traditional holidays that honor religious events, such as Carnival, Holy Week, and Easter, as well as public celebrations like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and other culturally significant days filled with customs, joy, and communal gatherings.

  • January 6 – Epiphany (Día de los Reyes Magos)
  • February 2 – Candlemas (Día de la Candelaria)
  • Thursday to Tuesday before Ash Wednesday – Carnival (Carnaval)
  • February 14 – Valentine’s Day (Día del Amor y la Amistad)
  • March 8 – International Women’s Day (Día Internacional de la Mujer)
  • March or April – Holy Thursday (Jueves Santo)
  • March or April – Good Friday (Viernes Santo)
  • April 30 – Children’s Day (Día del Niño)
  • May 10 – Mother’s Day (Día de las Madres)
  • May 15 – Teacher’s Day (Día del Maestro)
  • May 23 – Students’ Day (Día del estudiante)
  • Third Sunday of June – Father’s Day (Día del Padre)
  • November 1 – All Saints’ Day (Día de Todos los Santos)
  • November 2 – Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos)
  • December 12 – Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe)
  • December 16–24 – Las Posadas (Las Posadas)
  • December 24 – Christmas Eve (Nochebuena)
  • December 25 – Christmas (Navidad)
  • December 28 – Holy Innocents Day (Día de los Santos Inocentes)
  • December 31 – New Year’s Eve (Víspera de Año Nuevo)

Mexico also observes additional regional and local holidays that may not be recognized nationwide. Many dates can vary from year to year, so it is recommended to check current information if you plan to visit or participate in celebrations across different regions.

Holidays in Mexico offer an opportunity for people to connect with their cultural roots, honor historical events, and come together as a community. Visitors can enjoy vibrant parades, music, traditional cuisine, and the lively spirit that defines Mexican celebrations.