There are a couple of dates you should know about as a foreigner visiting Mexico. Below we tell you a little more about each one.
1. Día de los Reyes – January 6
A religious celebration based on the story of the Three Wise Men visiting baby Jesus. On this day you will see Rosca’s everywhere around Mexico. A Rosca is a circle-shaped sweet bread with candied fruit on top. Mexicans will celebrate it with friends, family, and even at their work with colleagues. Baked inside the bread are small figures representing the baby Jesus. Whoever finds the figure in their slice of bread is expected to host a party on February 2nd, which is Día de la Candelaria.
2. Women’s Day – March 8
Since 2020, the 8th of March, women have started an initiative of “one day without us”. Women’s Day in Mexico is not celebrated, it is commemorated, where all women in Mexico take a stand in memory of those women who were victims of murder, rape, violence, kidnapping, and basic rights. On the 8th of March, women go out on the streets to protest in colors of purple, and on the 9th of March, they “disappear from earth” where they won’t go out on the street, don’t go to work, and don’t go to school to show the importance of women in society.
3. Día de la Independencia – September 16
Independence Day in Mexico starts on the night of September 15th with the Cry of Delores in many town squares all over Mexico, ending with Hidalgo’s own words screamed at the top of their lungs “¡Viva México!” and “¡Viva la Independencia!”. These days are incredible to spend in the city of Guanajuato where many people come together and the town is decorated with the colors of Mexico.
4. Día de Muertos – November 2
On this day, Mexicans celebrate the dead. It is different from Halloween, which is known from all over the world. However, in Mexico, it is overshadowed by the Day of the Dead. On this day all of Mexico unfolds in an explosion of color and life-affirming joy. The purpose is to demonstrate love and respect for deceased family members. This way the dead are kept alive in memory and spirit and during this day, the deceased temporarily return to earth. People often dress up on this day as Catrin or Catrina and they paint their faces with colorful paintings resembling skulls. On this day many people visit the state of Michoacan or the state of Oaxaca. In Michoacan specifically, places like Morelia, Isla de Janitzio, and Tzintzuntzan are very popular. Read more about Día de Muertos in Oaxaca in our separate blogpost.
5. Posadas – The whole month of December
While December is known for Christmas and celebrating the New Year, in Mexico it is also the month where “Posadas” are organized. This is where you get together with friends to have a night full of self-made meals and drinks just like you would have with your family on Christmas.
To see all the important dates in Mexico, you can have a look on Wikipedia here.