Our 3 Favorite Festivals to Celebrate in Mexico

One of the best ways to discover another culture is to experience their holiday festivities. Immersing yourself in the excitement and traditions that come with national holidays will instantly give you a newfound respect for the culture.

Mexico's national holidays are well known around the globe and even celebrated in other countries. However, if you want a feel for the real thing, it's best to book a trip to Mexico and experience it first-hand!

Día de Muertos

Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is one of Mexico's most celebrated holidays. In the United States, it is related to Halloween, but they are entirely separate! Celebrated from October 31 - November 2 each year, Day of the Dead is when families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drinks, and celebration. People decorate home altars all across the country, have parades, and hold a graveside candlelight vigil for their deceased loved ones.

Dia de la Independencia

Independence Day in Mexico is a festival that marks the start of Mexico's decade-long war of independence against Spain. The festivities begin a week before September 16, with towns putting on art shows, concerts, parades, and dressing the streets in the national colors of green, white, and red. The celebration culminates in the local plazas at midnight for El Grito, when a local functionary shouts "Viva Mexico!" signaling the start of a firework display and a large party!

Cinco de Mayo

While you don't have to go to Mexico to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, it's still a celebration worth traveling for. Cinco de Mayo celebrates a Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Much like Dia de la Independencia, the city of Puebla does mark the week before with music and cultural events. On May 5, the Mexican Army units led a parade of local people dressed in period costumes.

Regardless of which festivity you travel for, celebrating an authentic Mexican holiday in Mexico is an experience you won’t soon forget!