Bicultural Services

When: January 6

About: Marking the beginning of the end of the Christmas celebrations, Epiphany sees many Mexicans eat rosca de reyes (king’s cake). This oval-shaped treat is meant to represent the Three Kings in the form of a crown and it might have a little figurine inside which symbolizes Jesus. They say the person who finds the Jesus in their slice should hold a fiesta on Día de la Candelaria.

When: First Monday in February

About: A day off for Mexican workers, Día de la Constitución marks the day in 1917 when the country’s constitution came into law. You’re likely to see celebrations across the country, including picnics, parties, family gatherings, and festivals.

When: February 19

About: Mexican Army Day honors two significant events in Mexico’s history: the creation of the Mexican Army in 1913 and the Loyalty March of 1911, when Cadets of the Military College led the president, Francisco Madero, to the National Palace. Mexican Army Day is your chance to see military parades, flag raising ceremonies, and tributes to the fallen.

When: February 24

About: Dia de la Bandera is a day of patriotism where you will likely see many, many Mexican flags hung across the country. You may also see a parade or two in which the crowds will salute the flag as it passes.

When: April 30

About: On Children’s Day, parents might buy presents for their little ones while schools will throw mini celebrations for their pupils. Children enjoy games, eat candies, and generally have fun.

When: May 5

About: Often confused with Mexican Independence Day by the rest of the world, Cinco de Mayo actually marks the Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla. While the Cinco de Mayo celebrations are big in the United States of America, the largest celebrations in Mexico are typically focused in Puebla, where the actual battle took place. Here you will find a great celebration, replete with parades, battle reenactments and more.

When: May 15

About: Teachers’ Day has been celebrated in Mexico since 1918. On May 15, schools will either close completely or hold a day of fun activities for the kids and teachers. Youngsters may also bring in presents for their teachers as a way of thanking them for their hard work.

When: May 23

About: Students’ Day in Mexico is a chance for the population to celebrate the freedom to be educated.

When: September 15

About: More the beginning of Independence Day than a holiday in its own right, El Grito honors the moment independence leader Miguel Hidalgo rang his church bell and called the Mexican people to rise against the Colonial occupation. Now, the Mexican president will lead El Grito de Dolores from the balcony of the National Palace in Mexico City. Sometimes, however, the shout may take place in the Dolores Hidalgo, where the original call to arms was made. If you head to other Mexican cities and towns, you may hear local government officials reenacting their own El Grito.

When: September 16

About: After El Grito the night before, Independence Day in Mexico is marked in a spectacular celebration of sound, light, and color. Expect street parties, fireworks, flowers, and lots of flags across the country.

When: October 12

About: The Day of the Race, an alternative to Indigenous People’s Day, celebrates the indigenous people of Mexico. In some parts of Mexico, native communities come together in their traditional clothing to celebrate the day.

When: November 1 to 2

About: The main Day of the Dead celebrations take place on November 2. On this day, families pay tribute to their lost loved ones by visiting the cemeteries where they are buried and leaving them flowers, their favorite food, and tributes. Throughout the day, Mexican families will also come together to eat food and drink. You may also see special parades with floats and people in highly elaborate costumes.

November 1 is known as Día de los Angelitos (Day of the Little Angels) and pays tribute to children and infants who have died.