Mexico is a festive country and when they have a holiday, it’s generally a fun one. From the high mountains to coastal beaches, holidays in Mexico typically involve world class cuisine, friendly people and no shortage of festivities.
I have great memories of accidentally camping on Baja beaches during major holidays. The locals lined up and down the beach, setting up tents and barbecue stations. Every camp neighbor would invite me and my dog over to eat, join in conversations and feel like part of the family.
This list is a combination of official government holidays alongside unofficial ones that we all celebrate. There are more that are celebrated but not necessarily by everyone. The following list is based on the 2024-2025 calendar year and it represents the staples in the Mexican holiday season lineup.
January Holidays
January 1 – New Years Day kicks off the year around the globe and Mexico is no different. Reign in the new year with a big party or visit to a resort or bar. Locals celebrate this holiday at home or with gatherings in many places.
January 6 – Three Kings (Reyes Magos) – This represents the day that the three kings brought gifts to Jesus. In Mexico, one family will host a party for the larger family group along with friends.
February Holidays
Feb 5 – Constitution Day – This is a national holiday and many people will have a day off work.
March Holidays
March 18 – Benito Juarez Day – Another official holiday that celebrates this Mexican hero. He modernized the constitution and resisted foreign influence and occupation within Mexico. This also is a day where many government workers and other officials have the day off.
April Holidays
April 13-20 – Semana Santa (Holy Week) – Let’s be real here, it’s pretty much a holy month in Mexico. This is a major celebration that involves prayer groups, meals, camping trips and more. It’s a serious event and the entire country joins the fun. It might be the biggest and longest lasting holiday in the country. Much of Latin America partakes in this holiday. I’ve spent many in Mexico and one in Colombia and it was equally revered in both countries.
May Holidays
May 1 – Labour Day – Another official holiday. It’s one of only 10 government sanctioned holidays.
May 10 – Mother’s Day – Every country should have a day to celebrate their mother. Mexico is no exception and
June Holidays
June 2 – Elections – This is when elections are held across the entire federal government for legislature positions. The president is elected on a six year cycle and this election was completed in 2024.
July Holidays
No official holidays in the month of July.
August Holidays
August is also void of official holidays. It’s also the peak heat season in the coastal and low lying regions of the country.
September Holidays
September 16 – Independence Day – Mexico was a territory of Spain and this holiday celebrates the independence from Spanish rule. It was more than a decade of fighting in the early 1800’s to gain independence as a country.
October Holidays
Oct 1 – Change of Federal Government Day – This coincides with election years on the 6 year cycle.
November Holidays
Nov 1-2 – Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a major Mexican holiday and one that is highlighted through photos and traditions around the world. While this isn’t a sanctioned government holiday, it’s celebrated intensely by the entire country. The cemeteries are filled with families as they visit burial sites of loved ones for prayer and a major show of love and respect.
Nov 20 – Revolution Day is an official government holiday that celebrates the beginning of the Mexican revolution.
December Holidays in Mexico
Dec 12 – Dia de La Virgen de Guadalupe isn’t a government holiday but it’s widely celebrated as an important religious event. Many residents flock to Mexico City for the event but most celebrate at home and in local churches.
Dec 24-25 – Christmas is celebrated for several days with meals, gatherings and gifts. Much like the United States, this is an important holiday for families.
Planning Around Mexican Holidays
While it’s nice to know when these holidays occur and what they represent, there is another layer for travelers to consider. Holidays make it more difficult to vacation in some places. During Semana Santa, the beaches are packed, business hours are shortened or closed and the country is less focused on tourism. Take this into account when planning your personal vacation. I’ve had some wonderful holidays in Mexico while joining the locals but many visitors might prefer fewer crowds and times between these important dates.
