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HOLIDAYS
Whether you work in Mexico or are just on holiday, it is quiet important to know the national holidays and to know what days you will not have to work.
Moreover, you have to keep in mind that on the national holidays the beach, mall, restaurants etc. will be overcrowded because everyone has the day off. In the not-commercial areas in the cities the shops will be closed during the holidays so please take this into account. However, in most cases, the groceries stores will be open.
Additionally, in some cases when the holiday is taking place during the week, the day off is being moved to the Monday in the week of the holiday. This allows people to have a longer weekend instead of being off during one day in the week.
January 1
The day at the end of a year is celebrated and in addition a new year is received, with music and good wishes. Accompanied by relatives and friends, this can be at home or in different places, such as restaurants, nightclubs etc.
This is a national holiday so it means the day off
6 January
Día de Reyes (day of the Kings), to honour the Three Wise Men. This holiday represents the day the Three Wise Men gave gifts to Jesus Christ. During this day, Rosca de Reyes, or King’s Cake is served. The Rosca de Reyes has an oval shape to symbolize a crown and has a small doll inside which represents baby Jesus. This symbolizes the hiding of the infant Jesus from King Herod’s troops. The person who gets the slice with the doll must host a party on Día de la Candelaria on February 2.
Depending on the company if you have the day off
February 2
Día de la calendaría, celebrating the presentation of the child god in the Christian religion and marks the end of the holiday season. Also the person who got the 'doll slice' of the Rosca de Reyes hosts a party on this day.
This is a national holiday but you don't get the day off
February 28 to March 4
Every year at this time Carnival is held in Cancún, it is a festival of joy and fun where parades are going through the streets, people are dancing to Caribbean rhythms and wearing costumes full of colour and brightness.
The last two days of the carnival you will have the day off
February 5
Anniversary of the promulgation of the Mexican constitution that dictates to all Mexicans, regardless of race, creed, social status or political freedom of thought and belief.
You have the day off
March 21
Natalicio de Benito Juarez. Benito Juarez was president of Mexico, who is also known as 'Father of the Americans'. On this day, the phrase “Among individuals, as among nations, respect for the rights of others is peace” is very important.
Moved to Monday to have the day off
First week of April
In this week Mexican people do not eat any red meat like pork and beef, only fish, chicken and vegetables. This is also a custom from the Catholics prior to Semana Santa.
April 2 and 3
The Thursday and Friday before Easter.
This is a national holiday so it means the day off
April 17 to 20
Easter is celebrated (Semana Santa), this is the commemoration of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Kids that are in school will have 2 weeks of holiday and university students have 1 week (sometimes 2)
Most Mexican people will take the week of to go on holiday or spend with their kids, but no official days off.
May 1
El Día internacional de los Trabajadores (International Labour Day), is the feast of the World Labour Movement.
This is an international holiday so it means the day off, but it depends because your boss can move it to the Monday after.
May 10
Día de las madres (Mother's Day) is a celebration honouring mothers by their work every day.
No day off
May 15
El día del maestro (the day of the teacher), this day is a celebration to honour the education, all teachers and professionals in this particular area.
No day off, only in school, kids have the day off.
September 16
El Grito (The Scream) is a big Mexican festivity. On this day Mexicans all over the world celebrate Mexico's independence from the Spanjards. This is a day full with music, dancing, traditional food, and fireworks.
This is a national holiday so it means the day off, but it is moved to Monday
October 12
Día de la Raza (Columbus Day), the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus is celebrated.
This is not an official holiday but probably you will get the day off
November 1 - 2
Is The Day of the Death, known by locals as 'Hanal Pixan'. Where the souls of the departed ones return to earth once a year to enjoy the pleasures and comforts they had in their earthly life. This is an event the Catholics celebrate.
This is not an official holiday but probably you will get the day off
November 20
El Aniversario de la Revolución Mexicana (the Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution) that began in 1910 and ended up 1920. On this day Mexicans gather together to watch the traditional sports Parade.
Official day off
December 12
This day is important because the appearance of the Virgin Mary is celebrated on the Tepeyac hill. Catholics perform walks to honour her.
This is a holiday for the Catholics, but you will not get the day off
December 24
La Navidad (Christmas) is celebrated, and prior to the birth of the child of god. Families gather together and have a nice Christmas meal.
Christmas evening, you will not have the day off.
December 25
In the evening Christmas is still celebrated and the gifts under the Christmas tree are getting unwrapped.
This is a national holiday so it means the day off
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