Holidays & Festivals
To many people holidays are not voyages of discovery, but rituals of reassurance. Philip Andrew Adams, Australian Most of Mexico’s festivals and holidays have religious significance. In the Yucatán, these aren’t solemn occasions but spirited celebrations that, in some cases, blend Mayarituals and culture with the Catholic religion. Local people dress up and enjoy dancing, music, feasts and fireworks. For more details on any of these events, you can call the Mexico Government Tourist Office, 800-44-MEXICO.
JANUARY
1 Jan: New Year’s Day.
6 Jan: Día de los Reyes Magos: Day of The Three
Kings. Gifts are often exchanged this day instead
of Christmas.
FEBRUARY
2 Feb: Candeleria (religious holiday).
5 Feb: Flag Day/Constitution Day (legal holiday).
Feb/March: Carnival. This is especially festive
on Cozumel.
MARCH
Around 21 March: Vernal Spring Equinox. The
shadow of a serpent appears to undulate down
the steps of the pyramid of Kukulcán at Chichén
Itzá.
21 March: Birthday of Benito Juárez.
March/Apr: Easter Sunday. Perhaps the most
holy day in Mexico. The week preceding is La
Semana Santa (Holy Week).
APRIL
End of Apr/beginning of May: International
Yacht Races, Isla Mujeres.
El Cedral Fair, Cozumel.
MAY
1 May: Labor Day (legal holiday).
2-3 May: International Deep-Sea Fishing Tournament, Cozumel.
5 May: Cinco de Mayo. This holiday commemorates the Battle of the Puebla (1862), in which the
Mexican Army defeated invading French troops.
17-27 May: Jazz Festival, Cancún.
JUNE
4 June: Festivities, Valladolid.
24 June-9 Aug: Saints Peter & Paul, Cozumel.
JULY
25 July: Saint James the Apostle, Rio Lagartos.
AUGUST
17 Aug: Cruz de la Bahia celebrates the founding of Isla Mujeres in 1854. A bronze cross weighing approximately one ton, 39 feet in height and 9¾ feet wide, was planted into the Manchones Reef between Isla Mujeres and the coastline in 1994. The “Cross of the Bay” is the island’s tribute to all the men and women of the sea. Scuba divers celebrate with a mass dive.
SEPTEMBER
15 Sept: Independence Day (legal holiday).
23 Sept: Autumnal Fall Equinox, Chichén Itzá.
29 Sept-9 Oct: Saint Miguel Archangel, Cozumel.
OCTOBER
2nd weekend Oct: Music Festival, Isla Mujeres.
12 Oct: Columbus Day (legal holiday).
31 Oct: All Souls’ Eve. Boo!
NOVEMBER
1-2 Nov: All Souls’ Day/All Saint’s Day/Day of the Dead.
Graveside and church ceremonieshonor the memory of departed loved ones. Instead of a somber occasion, the Day of the Dead is a happy celebration with a fiesta atmosphere. As well as sugar skulls and candy skeletons, a family meal is eaten at the gravesites and favorite food
is left for the departed souls. A haunting experience for visitors. Be sure to join in if you’re here.
Mid-Nov: Cozumel Marathon Race. The 26.2- mile race attracts runners fromthe US andMexico. End of November-beginning of December: Expo-Cancún. Arts and crafts, exhibits and folk dancing.
DECEMBER
8 Dec: Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
12 Dec: Our Lady of Guadalupe. A big holiday in honor of Mexico’s patron saint.
Mid-Dec: International Marathon Cancún. Begunin 1996.
25 Dec: Christmas Day.
31 Dec: New Year’s Eve. Party time.
2 comentarios:
Thanks for your complete review
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Interesting information about the festivities that take place in Cancun , Thanks.
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