Public holidays in Mexico

by admin · Published September 4, 2023 · Updated September 18, 2023

Holidays in Mexico are an integral part of the country’s rich cultural heritage and history. These holidays are celebrated with great enthusiasm and often involve colorful parades, traditional music, dance, and delicious cuisine.

In Mexico there are 3 major kinds of public holidays:

• statutory holiday
• civic holiday
• festivities

Statutory holidays in Mexico

Statutory holidays are legislated through the federal government. On this day employees are entitled to a day off with regular pay and schools (public and private) are closed for the day.

• If a statutory holiday falls on a Sunday, then Monday is considered a statutory holiday
• If a statutory holiday falls on Saturday, then Friday is considered a statutory holiday

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

In addition to these dates, election days designated by federal and local electoral laws are also statutory holidays.

Civic holidays in Mexico

Civic holidays are observed nationwide, but employees are not entitled to a day off with pay, and schools (public and private) still continue.

• 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

Festivities are traditional holidays to honor religious events, such as Carnival, Holy Week, Easter, etc., or public celebrations, such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, etc.

• 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 has additional regional and local holidays that may not be observed nationwide. Additionally, some holidays may be subject to change, so it’s a good idea to check the latest information if you plan to visit or celebrate in Mexico.

Holidays provide an opportunity for Mexicans to connect with their cultural roots, remember their history, and come together as a nation. Visitors to Mexico during these times can experience the festive spirit that defines the country’s holiday celebrations.