Statutory public holidays in Mexico

There are currently ten statutory national holidays in Mexico; however, only nine are observed annually; the tenth one, on December 1, is only observed every six years—on the occasion of a Presidential inauguration.

Where a statutory holiday date falls on a weekend day in any given year, no additional compensation is given (by law) to employees, although companies may offer a day-off in lieu.

Long-weekend holiday dates

In 2006, Mexico’s Congress passed a new law creating ‘Bank Holiday Mondays’ —modeled on public holidays observed in the UK—whereby three of the ten existing holiday dates are observed on the nearest Monday, creating longer, three-day, weekends.

The move was particularly welcomed by Mexico’s tourism industry as well other retail and leisure businesses that have bolstered their trade through the advent of these long weekends.

Notwithstanding the three long weekends brought about by law, Mexicans have long been expert in creating so-called puentes (‘bridges’): the art of taking additional days either side of a holiday date to create a longer period of rest, usually involving a weekend.

Those who work get paid double-time

Official public holidays see banks, offices, and factories closing their doors.  However, leisure facilities, tourism services, and many shopping centers in bigger towns and cities remain open for business.  They must, however, pay their workers double-time for working on national holidays.  Many of the better employers pay double-time and, additionally, give their employees a day-off in lieu.

Civic holidays are different to national holidays

Mexico observes a good number of Civic Holidays, too.  These are not national holidays, although the law does allow for some states and municipalities to observe these Civic dates locally.  The Battle of Puebla, more commonly referred to as Cinco de Mayo, is a good example of a Civic Holiday that is observed in the state of Puebla, but nowhere else in Mexico.

Calendar of annual holiday events in Mexico

If you’re planning to visit Mexico, make a note of the public holidays as these dates often provide an opportunity to witness interesting cultural and historical events as well participate in lively parties and festivities.  It’s also essential to book ahead of time, as Mexicans often plan their own vacations around these dates: expect airplanes, buses, and hotel rooms to fill up.

You can find more detailed information about public and civic holidays on the Calendar of Festivals and Events in Mexico here on Mexperience.

It appears that many people in the U.S. think Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day, the equivalent of the Fourth of July.  May 5 isn’t an official national holiday in Mexico.  Schools and some commercial office workers have the day off, but businesses open.

Cinco de Mayo marks the Battle of Puebla in 1862, when the Mexican army led by Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza defeated French invaders.  The following year the Napoleonic troops, with reinforcements, were successful and later installed Austrian archduke Maximilian of Habsburg as emperor.

Mexico’s Independence Day is celebrated on September 16, and that is a national holiday.  The date marks the call to arms in 1810 by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, which set off a long war for independence from Spain.  Independence was finally achieved in 1821.

Revolution Day, which marks the anniversary of the start of the 1910-1917 Revolution, is November 20.

Statutory holidays are legislated at a Federal level and dates given as a holiday by statute are termed locally as “Dias Feriados.” There are currently ten statutory holidays in Mexico, as well as a range of civic holidays and regional/national festivities.

See also: When to visit Mexico: Seasons and Events

Statutory Public Holiday dates in Mexico

Statutory holidays are dates decreed as national holidays for all workers in Mexico. There are currently ten statutory holiday dates in Mexico, as follows:

January 1

Año Nuevo. New Year’s Day. Banks, offices and factories remain closed.

February 5

Dia de la Constitucion. This day celebrates the promulgation of the country’s 1917 Constitution The date is observed on the first Monday in February.
See also: Long weekend holidays in Mexico

March 21

Cumpleaños de Benito Juarez. The birth date of Benito Juarez, Mexico’s first and most revered President, is celebrated with a public holiday. The date is observed on the nearest Monday to his birth date every March.
See also: Long weekend holidays in Mexico and Benito Juarez
See also: Benito Juarez

March/April:

Semana de Pascua. Easter week holidays vary depending on each year: consult your calendar for details. In Mexico, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are designated public holidays.
See also: Easter in Mexico

May 1:

Dia del Trabajo. Mexico, like many other industrialized countries, Mexico celebrates Labor Day on May 1 every year, commemorating the advent of workers’ unions. All banks and offices close, but most shopping centers remain open for business.

September 16

Dia de la Independencia. This date commemorates the date when Father Miguel Hidalgo made his ‘cry for independence’ on September 16, 1810 in the town of Dolores Hidalgo — an event that ultimately led to Mexico’s independence from Spanish rule. Independence celebrations take place on the evening of September 15; September 16 is a public holiday.
See also: Independence Day in Mexico

November 2

Dia de los Fieles Difuntos. Mexico’s “Day of the Dead”, celebrations take place over 2 days (November 1st and 2nd) and contemporarily, October 31 is often included, taking-in Halloween. Mexico’s banks and businesses close on November 2, to observe this important religious holiday in Mexico.
See also: Day of the Dead in Mexico

November 20

Dia de la Revolucion. November 20 commemorates the start date of Mexico’s 1910 revolution, led by Francisco I. Madero. The date is observed on the third Monday in November.
See also: Mexican Revolution and Long weekend holidays in Mexico

December 1 (presidential election year)

Transmision del Poder Ejecutivo Federal. Mexico’s Federal Government and Presidency returns for re-election every six years. On the date of transition, which is December 1 every six years, Mexico observes a public holiday.
See also: Mexican Politics

December 25

Dia de Navidad. Christmas Day is observed with a public holiday in Mexico.
See also: Christmas in Mexico

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Civic holidays in Mexico

In addition to the national holidays decreed by statute, Mexico observes a number of other Civic Holidays. These are not holidays although some states and municipalities may observe them and offer workers time off in their locale.

February 19

Dia del Ejercito. Army Day, also known as Dia de la Lealtad (Day of Loyalty), commemorates the day when President Madero was escorted to the National Palace by cadets of the nation’s military college.

February 24

Dia de la Bandera. Flag Day was introduced by President Lazaro Cardenas, a man best known for having nationalized Mexican oil reserves in the 1930’s. The day commemorates Mexico’s current flag as well as previous ones. Schools often get children to undertake flag research projects for presentation on this day.

March 18

Anniversario de la Expropriacion Petrolera. This day commemorates the day in 1938 when President Lazaro Cardenas expropriated all oil reserves and declared oil a strategic Mexican national asset.

April 21

Heroica Defensa de Veracruz. The Heroic Defense of Veracruz commemorates the defense of Veracruz in 1914 when the port city was sieged the by the USA.
See also: Guide to Veracruz

May 5

Batalla de Puebla. The Battle of Puebla, or more commonly referred to as simply Cinco de Mayo, is observed as a public holiday in the state of Puebla, but nowhere else in Mexico. The date commemorates the victory of a small Mexican army against a French army double the size on May 5, 1862. The French re-took the city a year later and soon after installed Emperor Maximilian in 1864. The date is far more widely celebrated by people in the USA than in Mexico itself; possibly due to beer and liquor companies aligning themselves with the date as part of their US marketing. The date is sometimes mistakenly associated with Mexico’s Independence, which is September 16.
See also: Cinco de Mayo in Mexico

May 8

Cumpleaños de Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. Miguel Hidalgo is known as the “Father of Mexican Independence.” Although he and his conspirators were captured and executed by the Spanish for their insurgency against the Spanish Crown, his movement gave inspiration and created a political vacuum that eventually led to Mexico’s independence from Spain and, alongside Ignacio Allende and Jose Maria Morelos, is a revered personality in Mexico’s independence history.
See also: Mexico’s History

June 1

Dia de la Marina. Mexico’s Navy Day, acknowledging the nation’s maritime service men and women. The day is commemorated with various military parades.

September 13

Dia de los Niños Heroes. “Boy Heroes” (or Cadet Heroes); this day commemorates the events which took place at the Battle of Chapultepec, in modern-day Mexico City. The battle, which took place during the Mexican-American war in 1847, gave victory to US troops over Mexican forces defending Chapultepec Castle. According to military records, six cadets refused to fall back as the superior US forces moved to take the castle; choosing to fight to the death; the last of the six is said to have wrapped himself in a flag and jumped from the castle point. The event is also commemorated in a permanent monument of six pillars, which stands at the foot of the castle near the capital’s principal boulevard, Paseo de la Reforma.

September 27

Consumacion de la Independencia. Consummation of Independence; this date marks the end of the War of Independence, eleven years after Miguel Hidalgo’s ‘cry for independence’.

September 30

Cumpleaños de Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon. Birth date of Jose Maria Morelos, a general in the armed struggle for independence who took up leadership of the rebellion following the execution of Miguel Hidalgo. Jose Maria Morelos was captured and executed by the Spanish for treason in 1815. Following the execution his Lieutenant, Vicente Guerrero, continued the armed struggle against the Spaniards for Mexican independence. The city of Valladolid was later renamed in his honor to present-day Morelia.
See also: Guide to Morelia.

October 12

Dia de La Raza. Columbus Day; commemorates the Discovery of the New World by the Italian navigator, Christopher Columbus.

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Principal festivity dates in Mexico

These festivities are generally observed in modern-day Mexican culture, but they are not statutory or civic holidays in Mexico.

January 6

Epiphany, also known in Spanish as Dia de los Reyes Magos. In previous generations it was on this day that children received their holiday gifts; today, children receive their gifts at Christmas and sometimes an additional gift on this date. It’s also the date when Rosca de Reyes is taken, a sweet bread inside which is hidden a plastic doll. If your slice contains the doll, you host a party at your home on February 2, Candles mass, and serve Mexican corn tamales.

February 2

Dia de la Candelaria – Candle mass. This is the date when tamales, flavored (sweet or sour) corn paste wrapped in corn leaves and steamed, are eaten. If your slice of Rosca de Reyes contained the plastic doll, traditionally you serve tamales at a house party on this date.

February 14

Not traditionally a Mexican holiday, but with the Anglo-American influence February 14th is celebrated as Valentines Day — Dia del Amor y la Amistad — particularly in more urbanized places across the country.

April 30

Dia del Niño — Children’s Day is widely observed in Mexico. It’s not a holiday but children receive gifts from family members on this day.

May 10

Dia de las Madres — Mother’s Day is an important cultural date in Mexico, as the country has a strong matriarchal culture. Families take their mothers and grandmothers out to lunch. Restaurants are very busy on this date.

May 15

Dia del Maestro — Teacher’s Day, traditionally school-age children will take their home room teacher a small gift.

Third Sunday in June

Dia del Padre – Father’s day in Mexico. Children will buy a gift for their father and some families take their fathers out to lunch. Restaurants are very busy on this date.

November 1 & 2

Dia de los Muertos, also Dia de los Fieles Difuntos: All Saints Day and All Souls Day. One of the most important religious holidays in Mexico. November 1 is not a public holiday but November 2 is. Halloween (October 31) is often tied-in with the festivities these days.
See also: Celebrating Life on Day of the Dead in Mexico

December 12

Dia de la Virgen Guadalupe – Not a public holiday but an important religious holiday in Mexico.
See also: The Virgin Guadalupe and Juan Diego

December 16-24

Posadas Navideñas – Christmas processions begin on the 16th and run until Christmas Eve on December 24.
See also: Posadas Navideñas

December 24 & 25

Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) and Dia de Navidad (Christmas Day). Traditionally, Mexicans take their main Christmas meal and open presents on the evening of the 24th. Some families have taken up the Anglo-American tradition of eating on the 25th. The 25th is a public holiday, but the 24th is a normal working day in Mexico.
See also: Christmas in Mexico

December 28

Dia de los Santos Innocentes — Day of the Innocent Saints. This is a day when Mexicans traditionally play practical jokes on each other, similar to April Fool’s day in the Anglo traditions.

December 31

New Year’s Eve. New Year’s eve is a traditionally a family affair in Mexico, although the squares of main towns and cities will fill up with revelers celebrating the New Year.
See also: New Year Celebrations in Mexico

When to visit Mexico

Mexico offers visitors and foreign residents year-round opportunities to enjoy the climate, culture, and events taking place here. For details about seasons and events see the article about when to visit Mexico

Spain’s colonial influence remains remarkably notable in Puebla: from the moment you approach the city center, you see the dome-shaped roofs of churches and buildings, suggesting Spanish and Moor influences which arrived centuries ago and have remained here in Puebla ever since.

The city is known for one of Mexico’s most notable historic battles, which took place on May 5th 1862, against the French. Today Cinco de Mayo (fifth of May) is a holiday in the state of Puebla.

Puebla is famous for its cuisine, as some of Mexico’s most popular national dishes, including Mole and Chile Poblano were created in Puebla.

The colonial center is a colorful, vibrant and charming reflection of what Mexico’s colonial days looked and felt like. The main plaza is the central focus of the colonial city and weekends see the center packed with locals and visitors, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere, street performers and live bands.

When the Spanish arrived, they brought with them Talavera (itself a Moor craft), a very strong and hard-wearing ceramic, which was colorfully decorated and used primarily for tiles. Today, Talavera is still manufactured here; and while it’s not an inexpensive item anywhere you buy it in Mexico, you can find some of the lowest prices for it here in Puebla.

The state of Puebla is home Mexico’s most famous (and non-dormant) volcano: Popocatepetl. If you drive or take the bus to Puebla, you’ll see this magnificent tower of natural energy from the south side; it is sometimes capped with snow. In the 1970s you could see it from Mexico City, but today, air pollution blocks the view on most days. The best views of the volcano can be seen early in the morning; late mornings and afternoons bring heat that causes mist and obscures the view.

A short drive from Puebla is the colonial town of Cholula; famous for its churches and views of Popocatepetl and Iztaccíhuatl; see Key Attractions, below, for more details and related links.

Puebla is well connected by road with Mexico City, and also has an airport, so it’s very accessible. While you can see Puebla on a long day trip from the capital, we recommend staying longer to enjoy a better experience and gain a deeper appreciation of this beautiful and important colonial city.

Key Attractions

Colonial Center

The look, feel and atmosphere in Puebla’s colonial center is distinctly Spanish/Moor. The colonial center is well preserved, the streets are cobbled or laid with old-style paving stones. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the surroundings are colorful; the ambiance here is distinctly colonial.

Start your experience in the main plaza, the zocalo. The principal tree-lined square is surrounded by a selection of shops and restaurants; many people start their day by enjoying breakfast at one of the restaurants surrounding he square.

Puebla’s Magnificent Cathedral

On the south side of the city’s zocalo (main square) is the Puebla’s breath-taking cathedral.

The cathedral’s bell towers are 69 meters high (over 207 feet), making them the tallest bell towers of any cathedral in Mexico. The tone of the bells is truly exceptional, and the interior of the cathedral is spectacular; and includes the largest church organ in Mexico.

Adjacent to the cathedral, you’ll find the Casa de la Cultura which takes up a whole block and hosts, among other things, the oldest library in the Americas: Biblioteca Palafoxiana.

A lot of the architecture here features Talavera tiles – look out for them as you explore the various streets and plazas around this picturesque colonial city.

There are a couple of Temples you shouldn’t miss: Templo de San Francisco and Templo de Santo Domingo; both have excellent examples of 16th and 17th century architecture.

Learn Spanish in Puebla

There’s no better way to learn Spanish than by becoming immersed in it at a language school in Mexico. Puebla is one of Mexico’s finest colonial cities and is also well-known as a cultural and language center; there are number of fine language schools here. Read our guide to Learning Spanish in Mexico for more details and to find a language school in Puebla.

Cerro de Guadalupe

Away from the colonial center, up on the hill, you’ll discover one of Puebla’s main parks: Cerro de Guadalupe. Take a trip here if you’re looking for some nice views and some green surroundings. There is also a a couple of historical forts here and a museum as well.

Cholula

Just a fifteeen minute cab ride from the center of Puebla is the town of Cholula. Although the most famous attraction of Cholula is its famous archaeology park, the town itself provides an excellent base to explore nearby villages and procure some fine art and Talavera ceramic ware. Also, if you want to see the Volcanoes clearly, Cholula is the perfect place to stay overnight so that you can see the volcanoes clearly early in the morning. For more details, read our complete Travel Guide to Cholula.

Museums and Art in Puebla

Puebla has a good number of Museums to visit. The main ones include:

Museo Amparo – which is one of the best archaeological Museums in Mexico;

Museo Bello – situated in a colonial house in the historic center, the museum hosts fine art, furniture and antiques from around the world;

Museo de Artes Populares – (Popular Art Museum) offers a selection of Mexican Arts and Crafts, as well as a traditional kitchen, displaying native Mexican cuisine;

Museo de la Revolucion – (Revolution Museum) is house that staged the first battle of the 1910 revolution.

Museo del Ferrocarril – S (Locomotive Museum) hosts a couple of handful’s of vintage locomotives.

Golf in Puebla

The climate in Puebla is ideal for golf all year-round, and due to the influence of the high number of multi-national companies based here, there are several good golf courses where you can play.

Getting There & Around

Getting There

By Air – You can fly to Puebla from the US and and other points in Mexico including Mexico City, Guadalajara, Leon and Tijuana. Connect to the Mexperience guide about Air Travel in Mexico for more details.

By Bus – You can travel to Puebla on a luxury bus from Mexico City – the trip takes around 2 hours. Buses travel from the Southern Bus Terminal and also directly from the Airport. Connect to the Mexperience guide about Bus Travel in Mexico for more details.

By Car – Driving to Puebla is very fast and efficient on the high-speed road that connects the Capital to Puebla. Take Highway 150D South, or from Veracruz 150D, West. See the detailed Mexperience guide to Driving in Mexico and Mexico’s Toll Roads for full details.

Getting Around

From the Airport – The airport is about 10 miles west of Puebla and ground transportation is available into town; buy your tickets from the terminal building inside the airport.

Taxis – Puebla’s street taxis are not metered, so agree your price before you get in. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their rates on a board in the lobby. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a better price! Another good reason to Learn Spanish!

Rent a Car – If you plan to explore the region independently, renting a car would be a smart option as it will give you the freedom and flexibility to see more of the area and its surrounding attractions. Learn more about Renting in a Car in Mexico on our detailed guide. You can rent a car from Mexico City or the airport at Puebla: see the Travel Reservations Center for Car Rental in Mexico

Puebla Essentials

Telephone: Connect to the Communications in Mexico Page on Mexperience for full information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines are found throughout the downtown area of Puebla, especially in the areas around the main plaza (Zocalo). During business hours, they and the local Casas de Cambio will buy traveler’s cheques and cash from you as well. Read about currency exchange in Mexperience’s Money Section.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical cover and/or travel assistance cover when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Internet Access: Internet cafes can be easily found in towns and cities across Mexico and WiFi is increasingly commonplace–from cafes, shops, hotels, and some cities even offer free WiFi in some defined public spaces.

Active Volcano Alert: Popocatepetl is currently semi-active, although recent volcanic activity has settled down again. However the State of Puebla and in particular the immediate areas surrounding the volcano are on yellow alert. The city of Puebla, and Mexico City itself are not under immediate threat and it is quite safe to travel to both places. Constant monitoring of volcanic activity takes place, and if the situation changes, notice will be given.

What to Buy in Puebla

Puebla is the home of Talavera ceramic-ware, and you can buy a selection of items including colorful tiles, crockery and dinnerware made from this hard-wearing (and “unbreakable”) ceramic craft. The ceramic ware is not inexpensive anywhere, but Puebla is the best place to buy it, as it is among the least expensive of the places in Mexico that sells it. While you are here, be sure to savor Mole Poblano, a rich, dark savory sauce made with chocolate, bananas and spices. It’s traditionally served over chicken accompanied with Arroz a la Mexicana–delicious.

Local Climate

Puebla enjoys year-round, spring-like weather. The climate is ideal for taking part in a variety of outdoor sports and activities and for taking in the local culture, architecture and scenery. Rains are seldom a feature here; when they do come they tend to be during the months of April thru November, but as with most monsoon areas, the rains tend to be fierce and brief in the late afternoon, leaving the evenings dry and cooled off. You may need a wool pullover for cooler mornings and evenings, especially in the winter months.

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico