The Ultimate Guide to Mexican Holidays

In Mexico, holidays are a time for family, friends, and community. From the Day of the Dead to Christmas, there are a variety of traditions that are celebrated throughout the year. This guide will explore some of the most popular holidays in Mexico and provide insight into their history and meaning. Whether you’re looking to learn more about Mexican culture or simply want to know how to celebrate like a local, this guide is for you.

How To Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is a very popular holiday. It is celebrated on the fifth of May and commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla. There are many ways to celebrate this holiday, but some of the most popular include throwing parties, attending parades, and eating traditional Mexican foods.

Cinco de Mayo is a great time to get together with friends and family to celebrate Mexican culture. If you’re throwing a party, be sure to have plenty of traditional Mexican foods and drinks on hand. Decorate your home with colorful papel picado (paper cut-outs) and piñatas, and don’t forget to play some mariachi music!

How To Celebrate Dia de los Muertos
The Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a time to celebrate and remember loved ones who have passed away. Families decorate altars with photos, flowers, and favorite foods and drinks of the deceased, and often hold all-night vigils at grave sites. Day of the Dead is a joyful occasion, with colorful costumes and festivities that include music, dancing, and feasting. It is a time to honor ancestors and to teach children about their heritage and traditions.

How to Celebrate El Nino
In Mexico, El Nino is one of the most popular holidays. It is a time for family, friends and community to come together and celebrate. There are many ways to celebrate El Nino, but some of the most popular include:

Decorating your home or office with festive décor.
Making a special holiday meal to share with loved ones.
Attending or participating in a parade or other community event.
Giving gifts to family and friends.

El Nino is a time to come together and celebrate all that is good in life. By decorating, sharing a meal and giving gifts, we can all join in the festivities and create memories that will last a lifetime.

How To Celebrate Los Posadas

The religious holiday of Los Posadas celebrates the journey that Mary and Joseph made looking for shelter in Bethlehem. In modern Mexico, the feast is re-enacted by singing traditional nativity songs known as villancicos. Families visit neighborhood Posadas (caravans of song and story) to commemorate the journey and the birth may occur in rented halls or even in the outdoors. Popular dishes for Los Posadas include tamales and mole.

How To Celebrate Mexican Independence Day

El Diez y Sept de Septiembre, Mexican Independence Day, is a time to celebrate the anniversary of when Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla proclaimed liberty for his country in 1810.  Festivities include parades, mariachi bands, soccer tournaments and school closures. At home, families may choose to watch celebratory television programs or films or may organize a family picnic. 

How To Celebrate Christmas In Mexico

Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays in Mexico, in part because of its strong Catholic heritage. Most Christmas festivities and traditions follow the same schedule as in the United States, beginning with Advent and culminating with Noche Buena and El Día de los Reyes. Christmas trees are relatively rare in Mexico due to religious restrictions but Santa Claus (Spanish: Papá Noel) is a beloved figure, with full beard and cheerful demeanor. He often arrives with  gift-filled sacks on his donkey, on Christmas Eve. The Christmas carol “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” was adapted into Spanish as Rafael, el renacuajo de brillante cabeza, and is also popular in Mexico.

For Christmas Day lunch or dinner, the main meal usually consists of turkey, tamales, chile colorado, arroz a la Mexicana and pan de muertos. Popular side dishes include chunky Mexican guacamole, salsa de casa (homemade tomato salsa), refried beans and charros beans. For dessert there is always pan dulce Santa Claus shapes and Natilla (similar to crème brûlée). 

How To Celebrate New Year’s Eve In Mexico

New Year\’s Eve is celebrated in much the same way as in the United States with friends, family and delicious food. There are no set traditions for this day and  menus vary greatly depending on location. Some popular New Year\’s Eve dishes in Mexico include chile relleno with guajillo chile sauce, lobster tacos, roasted pig, grilled steak and chicken enchiladas with mole sauce. For desserts: Tres leches cake, flan and caramelized apples topped with cinnamon.

How To Celebrate Other Mexican Holidays

There are many ways to celebrate Mexican holidays. One way is to decorate your home or office with traditional Mexican decorations. Another way is to wear traditional Mexican clothing. You can also cook traditional Mexican food, or listen to traditional Mexican music. If you want to really get into the holiday spirit, you can even learn to dance the traditional Mexican dances. Whatever way you choose to celebrate, make sure you do it with lots of enthusiasm and joy! 

Mateo Sibila

Content Writer