Mexican Vacation Festivals, Carnivals and Special Events
JANUARY
New Year’s Day – Festivities all over the country;
rural areas hold agricultural fairs. People throughout the region
celebrate the New Year with a midnight dance and the burning of
an effigy representing the old year.
Feast of the Ephiphany, or Three Kings’ Day – Children
receive their presents from the three wise men on this traditional
day of gift-giving. The traditional cake Rosca de Reyes (King’s
cake) is served.
FEBRUARY
Candelmas – During the first week of February, many villages
mark the end of the Christmas season celebrating with candlelight
processions. On February 2, the person who found the small Jesus
figurine (El Nino) in their piece of King’s cake hosts this
final Christmas party where traditional food and drink is served.
Constitution Day – February 5 is a National holiday commemorated
with speeches and ceremonies.
Flag Day – “Dia de la Bandera” In mid-February,
the streets are filled with Mexican flag vendors, and then on
February 24, everyone places flags on their cars and children
sing patriotic songs in a flag ceremony.
MARCH
Carnival – Cancun celebrates this pre-Ash Wednesday event
during the first half of March. All over town, locals dress in
elaborate costumes and celebrate with parades, floats, and street
parties.
Vernal Equinox – In late March, visitors go to the main
temple at Chichen Iza to witness a phenomenon of light and shadow
which represents the descent of the serpent Kukulkan.
APRIL
Anniversary of the Founding of Cancun – On April 20, throughout
the downtown area, residents celebrate the origin of their city
with parades and street parties.
Holy Week and Easter – During the Easter holiday, there
are celebration and processions in observance of Christ’s
resurrection.
MAY
Cinco de Mayo – A national holiday commemorating Mexico’s
defeat of the French in 1862 is celebrated on May 5 with parades
and fireworks.
Mother’s Day — On May 8, 2005, stores throughout
the city give out small gifts and people stop mothers In the street
to thank them for all their hard work.
Cancun Jazz Festival – Each year, the best jazz musicians
in the world perform live, free nightly concerts throughout the
city both downtown and in the Hotel Zone. The festival culminates
with an enormous evening beach bash.
JUNE
Caribbean Hotel International Congress – An exposition
of various foods and services that are offered throughout the
area is held during the last week of June at the annual meeting
of Caribbean hotel proprietors.
JULY
Mayan New Year – July 16 starts the Mayan New Year which
is celebrated at the ruins at Chichen Itza.
SEPTEMBER
Viva Mexico! – September 1-22 celebrate everything Mexican
during this colorful 3 week festival of food, music, sports, and
fun.
Independence Day — On September 16th residents celebrate
the liberation of Mexico with festivities downtown and on Isla
Mujeres.
Autumn Equinox at Chichen Itza – The sun casts its rays
on the Chichen Itza pyramid creating the illusion of a serpent
moving down the steps. Thousands of people flock to the site five
days prior and up to five days after the passing of the equinox.
OCTOBER
Race Day – “Dia de la Raza” is on October
12. This celebration traditionally commemorated the arrival of
Columbus, but now it is an effort to celebrate the Hispanic heritage
of the Americas and the multicultural heritage of everyone that
contributed to it.
Eve of All Souls Day – On October 31, residents bring
flowers and candles to the graves of their loved ones.
NOVEMBER
All Souls Day and Day of the Dead are November 1-2. Throughout
Mexico, there are graveside and church ceremonies in a festive
atmosphere and a family meal is eaten at the gravesite.
International Gastonomic Festival – Taste cuisine from
around the world at Cancun’s gastronomic event in paradise!
International Caribbean Cultural Festival — Held in November
and hosted by the state of Quintana Roo. Performers come from
all over parts of the Caribbean to participate in this annual
event of poetry dance and song. All the major salsa groups throughout
the Caribbean come to perform.
Movie Festival – During the month of November, international
cinema enthusiasts gather and screen the world’s best new
independent films.
Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution – On November 20,
the Mexican Revolution of 1910 is celebrated with parades, speeches
and ceremonies.
DECEMBER
Early December — The Most Beautiful Marathon in the
world. An international running event is put on by the city of
Cancun The route starts off at the Hotel Zone and goes through
downtown and ends up back in the Hotel Zone.
Festival of the Immaculate Conception – “Fiesta
de la Concepcion Immaculae” is observed for six days throughout
the villages of Quantana Roo with processions, folkloric music
and dance, fireworks, and bullfights.
Christmas Festivities – “Las Posadas” Nine
days before Christmas the streets come alive with street fairs,
piñata breaking, colorful Nativity scenes, and participation
in plays that portray Mary and Joseph in their search for Christ’s
birthplace.
Christmas Week – “Navidad” From December 16-25,
throughout the Yucatan, Christmas is celebrated with processions
and mass. Children go door to door singing Christmas songs and
asking for donations.
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