Victor Hugo Padilla Jimenez

What Are the Main Mexican Holidays?

A quick, friendly guide to Mexico’s biggest days off.

Want to plan your year like a pro? Let’s make it easy. Mexico has special days when many people rest, cheer, and eat great food. Think music, family, and fireworks. Ready? Let’s circle the big dates now.

Short answer: The main Mexican holidays are New Year’s Day (Jan 1), Constitution Day (first Monday in February), Benito Juárez’s Birthday (third Monday in March), Labor Day (May 1), Independence Day (Sept 16), Revolution Day (third Monday in November), and Christmas Day (Dec 25).

Quick Answer: The Main Holidays (Easy List)

January 1 — New Year’s Day
First Monday in February — Constitution Day (Feb 5 observed)
Third Monday in March — Benito Juárez’s Birthday (Mar 21 observed)
May 1 — Labor Day
September 16 — Independence Day
Third Monday in November — Revolution Day (Nov 20 observed)
December 25 — Christmas Day

Why Some Dates Move (Hello, Long Weekends)

Mexico loves “puentes,” or long weekends. Some holidays shift to Monday. This helps families rest, travel, and celebrate safely. It also makes planning simple. More tacos, less stress.

New Year’s Day (Jan 1)

Fresh start! People sleep in, hug family, and share food. Fireworks may pop the night before. Goals feel big. Plates feel full.

Constitution Day (First Monday in February)

This day honors the 1917 Constitution. Parades and school events are common. It is a calm, proud day. A good time for a short trip.

Benito Juárez’s Birthday (Third Monday in March)

Benito Juárez was a respected president. He stood for law and fairness. People honor his life and ideas. Many enjoy a quiet long weekend.

Labor Day (May 1)

Workers shine today. Unions march. Families rest. It’s about respect for work and workers.

Independence Day (September 16)

Big party energy! Towns light up with green, white, and red. The “Grito” happens the night of Sept 15. On Sept 16, there are parades, music, and pride. It’s the heart of the year.

Revolution Day (Third Monday in November)

This remembers the 1910 Revolution. You may see parades and school shows. It’s a good last “puente” before the holidays.

Christmas Day (December 25)

Family first. People gather, share dinner, and open gifts. Some attend church the night before. It’s warm, kind, and cozy.

Big Days People Celebrate (But Not Always Days Off)

Day of the Dead (Nov 1–2) — Altars, marigolds, and sweet bread. Not a federal day off, but very important. Some schools and offices may close on Nov 2.
Cinco de Mayo (May 5) — Battle of Puebla. Big in Puebla and in the U.S., but not a national day off in Mexico.
Virgin of Guadalupe (Dec 12) — Pilgrimages and faith. Huge devotion. Not a nationwide day off.
Holy Week (dates vary) — Many people take off Good Friday and sometimes Holy Thursday. Travel spots get busy.
Mother’s Day (May 10) — Schools celebrate moms. Flowers everywhere.
Teacher’s Day (May 15) — Students thank teachers. Some schools pause classes.
Flag Day (Feb 24) and Children’s Day (Apr 30) — Fun events, school activities.

How to Plan Like a Local

Book early for long weekends. Hotels fill fast.
Check hours for banks, schools, and offices. Some close on non-federal days.
Enjoy plazas and parades. Free fun is everywhere.
Try local food tied to the season: pan de muerto, romeritos, pozole, and more.

Fast FAQ

Is Day of the Dead a day off? It’s not a federal day off, but many people still pause to honor loved ones, and some schools or offices may close on Nov 2.

Is Cinco de Mayo a day off? Not nationwide. It’s a bigger holiday in Puebla and in the U.S.

What’s a “puente”? A long weekend when a holiday lands on Monday. Pack your bags!

Bottom Line

The main Mexican holidays are Jan 1, first Monday in Feb, third Monday in Mar, May 1, Sept 16, third Monday in Nov, and Dec 25. Mark them now. Plan fun. Celebrate culture. And save room for dessert.