Principal Festivity Dates in Mexico
- January 6. Epiphany, also known in Spanish as Dia de los Reyes Magos. ...
- February 2. Dia de la Candelaria – Candle mass. ...
- February 14. ...
- April 30. ...
- May 10. ...
- May 15. ...
- Third Sunday in June. ...
- November 1 & 2. ...
- December 12. ...
- December 16-24. ...
What Holiday is celebrated on January 6th in Mexico?
Three Kings Day in Mexico
- Arrival of the Magi. In the days preceding Three Kings Day, Mexican children write letters to the three kings requesting a toy or gift that they would like to receive.
- Rosca de Reyes. ...
- Bring a Gift. ...
- End of Christmas Break. ...
Is January 6th the real Christmas?
Yes, this is the original Christmas . . . January 6 is the date that Christians originally observed it, so Merry Christmas to all. Since I'm Armenian, I get to celebrate it twice . . . once on the 25th, then a second time. But we pleaded for our gifts on the 25th, so the neighborhood kids didn't think us odd or something.
What Holiday is celebrated on January 6th?
- Gold (fit for a king).
- Frankincense (used to worship at a temple).
- Myrrh (used for embalming, as well as a salve for irritations such as diaper rash).
What are the most popular holidays in Mexico?
The 10-pound package of salt cod is always the most popular item at the Trinity Historical Society ... Saurette brought it to its final destination — Mexico City. Saurette, whose wife is originally from Mexico City, used the cod to create Bacalao ...
What do Mexicans do on Kings Day?
On Kings Day it is customary for families and friends to gather to drink hot chocolate or atole (a warm, thick, usually corn-based drink) and eat Rosca de Reyes, a sweet bread shaped like a wreath, with candied fruit on top, and a figurine of a baby Jesus baked inside.
What do Hispanic countries celebrate on January 6?
the Feast Of The EpiphanyThe Three Kings' Day, also known as the Feast Of The Epiphany, is a Christian festivity that takes place on January 6 and celebrates the birth of Jesus.
What is celebrated on January 6th?
When is Epiphany? Epiphany is observed on January 6 by Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, and Christians of other Western traditions. Eastern traditions that follow the Julian calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar celebrate Epiphany on January 19, since their Christmas Eve falls on January 6.
Why do Latinos celebrate Three Kings Day?
Also known as Epiphany, Three Kings' Day for Catholics, and particularly Hispanics, celebrates the arrival in Bethlehem of the Three Wise Men bearing gifts for the baby Jesus.
What do Spanish people do on 6 January?
6 January is much like Christmas Day: many shops and businesses are closed and families generally celebrate in the privacy of their own homes, feasting and exchanging gifts. For breakfast, people typically eat a special Kings' Day cake or bread called the Roscón de Reyes.
How do the Spanish celebrate Three Kings Day?
Celebrating Three Kings Day in Spain today On January 5, parades take place throughout the country to celebrate the arrival of the kings. Spanish families line the streets of their hometown to get a glimpse of the cabalgata de los reyes magos, or Three Kings Day parade. These parades are truly a sight to behold!
Does Mexico celebrate Three Kings?
For some, the Christmas holidays end after December 25, but in Mexico, the celebration continues through January 6, Dia de Reyes, Three Kings Day. In some parts of the world, this day is known as Epiphany, and churches use it to celebrate the Christ child and the three Wise Men of the Christmas story.
Who celebrates Christmas January 6?
During the “Armenian Christmas” season, the major events that are celebrated are the Nativity of Christ in Bethlehem and His Baptism in the River Jordan. The day of this major feast in the Armenian Church is January 6th.
What are some traditions for Three Kings Day?
On January 5, the Three Kings are added to nativity decorations and children leave their shoes out over night waiting for a visit from the wise men. When they wake up in the morning, they will find that the Kings have left them gifts inside and near their shoes.
What food is eaten on Three Kings Day in Mexico?
Traditional Mexican Food on Three Kings Day Atole is a corn-based drink served rich, thick, and warm. These are usually served with the Rosca de Reyes. Other traditional foods for the feast of the Epiphany are black beans and rice, soups, and salads that highlight yucca, nopales (cactus leaf), and plantains.
What is 3 Kings Day called in Mexico?
Día de ReyesMexico traditionally closes out its festive season known as 'Guadalupe-Reyes' on January 6th —"Día de Reyes"— Kings' Day. Never a country to shirk its festive responsibilities, Mexico traditionally closes out its Christmas and New Year celebrations on January 6th, Día de Reyes or Three Kings Day.
What is the meaning of the Rosca de Reyes?
During Día de Los Reyes, Mexicans serve Rosca de Reyes, or King’s Cake. “Rosca” means wreath and “reyes” means kings. The Rosca de Reyes has an oval shape to symbolize a crown and has a small doll inside, which represents baby Jesus. The doll figure symbolizes the hiding of the infant Jesus from King Herod’s troops.
Why are roscas decorated with dried fruits?
Traditionally, roscas are adorned with dried and candied fruits to symbolize the many jewels that a crown would have. The person who gets the slice with the doll must host a party on Día de la Candelaria in February. Related: Winter Quotes.
What is the day of the dead?
What Is Day of the Dead? And How Is it Different from Halloween? In Mexico, Día de Los Reyes (known elsewhere as Epiphany) is celebrated on January 6 to honor the Three Wise Men. This holiday represents the day the Three Wise Men (Los Tres Reyes Magos) gave gifts to Jesus Christ, and the day closes the Christmas festivities.
What happens on Three Kings Day?
Children in Latin America and Spain receive the majority of their gifts from the Three Kings, rather than from Santa Claus at Christmas.
Who is Yvette Muy Bueno?
Yvette founded MuyBuenoCookbook.com in 2010. She also is a professional recipe developer and food writer, and is the co-author of Muy Bueno: Three Generations of Authentic Mexican Flavor. You can watch a trailer for the book here. Here’s how long it takes to cook the perfect ham. Pop Kitchen Newsletter.
When is the day of the Holy Kings in Mexico?
Day of the Holy Kings in Mexico. Epiphany, also known as the Day of Holy Kings ( Día de los Santos Reyes ), is celebrated on January 6 in remembrance of the biblical story of the three kings’ visit to Jesus.
What is the day of the Holy Kings?
Celebrate the Day of the Holy Kings. In addition to getting presents from baby Jesus on Christmas Eve, Mexican children receive gifts from the three wise kings ( Reyes Magos) on January 6. Streets in major cities are packed with food stalls, gifts, and outdoor parties. It is also customary to eat Rosca de Reyes, ...
Who visited Jesus on the day of the Holy Kings?
About the Day of the Holy Kings. Christians believe that three kings (or wise men) – Melchor, Gaspar and Baltazar – visited the child Jesus and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This Epiphany story is celebrated in churches across Mexico and worldwide.
Is the day of the holy kings a federal holiday?
The Day of the Holy Kings is a religious observance and not a federal public holiday in Mexico. Access to streets in some cities and towns may be difficult for vehicles due to Epiphany related festivities on January 6.
What are the birds that are in San Blas?
Birds you're likely to see include boat-billed herons, northern jacanas, purple gallinules, mottled owls, and white ibises. There are also cultural festivities in the central plaza, such as traditional dance performances, singing, and other special events.
What is the most popular month to visit Mexico?
January Festivals and Events in Mexico. Suzanne Barbezat is a freelance writer specializing in Mexican travel, culture, and food. January is one of the most popular months to visit Mexico. This is high season for travel as folks from colder climates seek the warm weather and sunshine found south of the border.
What birds are in the Central Plaza?
Birds you're likely to see include boat-billed herons, northern jacanas, purple gallinules, mottled owls, and white ibises. There are also cultural festivities in the central plaza, such as traditional dance performances, singing, and other special events. 11 of 11.
What is the capital of Yucatan?
Mérida, the capital of Yucatan state, is a city with a bustling cultural scene year-round, but never more so than during the annual arts festival when the city is bursting at the seams with cultural events, concerts, theatrical presentations, food tastings, and art exhibits.
What is the significance of January 6th?
January 6th is Epiphany in the Christian church calendar, and this day commemorates when the three kings (also known as the Magi) visited Jesus bearing gifts. Traditionally, this is the day when Mexican children receive presents, which are brought by the three kings rather than delivered by Santa.
Where is Sayulita in Mexico?
63728 Sayulita, Nayarit, Mexico. Get directions. The Festival Sayulita is a film festival held at the end of January in the bohemian surf town of Sayulita on Riviera Nayarit. This festival appeals to lovers of Mexico, film, music, food, tequila, and surf.
Where is the January festival?
Chiapa de Corzo, Chis. , Mexico. Get directions. Also known as the January Festival or "Fiesta de Enero," this is a folk and religious festival with processions and dancing in the streets of Chiapa de Corzo in Chiapas state by people wearing masks and colorful outfits.
What is the Mexican tradition of a nativity?
According to Mexican tradition, the Nativity representation must be kept on Candlemas Day , candles are brought to bless and Baby Jesus is presented at the church of your election, the child's godfather should dress it and at night all the family comes together to eat tamales and atole at the expense of those who have found the Baby Jesus in the famous Rosca de Reyes.
What day is the baby Jesus on Candlemas?
These days, the tradition orders to hide a Baby Jesus like main figure, generally a plastic one. And whoever finds it should invite those present on February 2, the Candlemas Day, delicious tamales. This day the Virgin Mary, mother of God, is commemorated.
What is the tradition of the Three Kings of the East?
The Three Kings of the East tradition is one of the oldest in Mexico since the time of Spanish colonization and even today many families keep celebrating this special day where children are certainly the main protagonists. In despite of that in recent years the character of Santa Claus has become more significant.
When is the Three Kings Day?
Every January 6 we celebrate in Mexico the so-called Three Kings Day where the children wake up very early in the morning and run to open the gifts that the Three Kings of the East have left at the Christmas tree or near the representation of the Nativity.
What is the most important holiday in Mexico?
About: One of the most important festivals in the Mexican calendar, Mexico’s Easter-time celebrations are divided into two very special weeks: Semana Santa and Pascua. Businesses and schools often close during this religious period, while families will take the chance to have a vacation together.
What is the anniversary of the Expropiación Petrolera?
About: Aniversario de la Expropiación petrolera celebrates the day that former Mexican president Lázaro Cárdenas signed an order that took control of the majority of the foreign oil companies working in Mexico.
What is the significance of the Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe?
About: Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe marks the day when a man named Juan Diego met the Virgin Mary in Mexico City in 1531 . It’s said that Mary instructed Juan Diego to arrange for a church to be built on Tepeyac Hill. Now, celebrations take place across Mexico to honor this miracle, while the followers of Catholicism will attend church.
What is Dia de la Bandera?
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.
What is the 3rd Monday of March?
About: A public holiday in Mexico, the third Monday of March marks the birthday of Benito Juarez, a celebrated politician and democracy advocate. Indigenous Zapotec, Juarez, went on to become the 26 th president of Mexico and brought about several political and social changes.
What is Candlemass in Mexico?
About: A deeply religious day, Candlemass sees loved ones come together in Mexico to share a meal of tomales. More religious families may also dress a baby Jesus and take it to their church.
When is Mexican Navy Day?
Mexican Navy Day (Dia de la Armada de Mexico) When: November 23. About: Not to be confused with National Maritime Day, Mexican Navy Day celebrates the country’s navy with a series of parades and ceremonies. Head to the coastal towns for the best celebrations.
What is Cinco de Mayo?
John and many other characters. 5 DE MAYO. The origination for Cinco De Mayo, The Fifth Of May, commemorates the defeat of the French army by the Mexicans at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862.
Why is tradition important in Mexican culture?
Within Mexican culture the value of family, religion, and tradition is extremely important. The holidays in Mexican culture are a time to celebrate and gather with family, honoring the importance of the occasion. Preserving the purpose of the holiday in Mexican culture is crucial; this is why tradition is essential to celebrating.
What is Mexican culture?
Mexican Culture: Celebrate the Mexican Holidays. Every part of the world has holidays that celebrate special moments in history. Mexican culture celebrates holidays similarly to the United States; however, there are different customs. Holidays in Mexican culture have extreme symbolism and importance. Their holidays are routed in religion and past ...
What is the significance of Mexican holidays?
Each Mexican holiday has a significant meaning in Mexican culture; honoring a religious or historical moment special to the culture. From decorations, to food, to music, holidays are lively, spiritual, and joyous time to be with friends and family in Mexican culture. Our Casa Blanca restaurants value the importance of Mexican culture.
What is the meaning of Semana Santa?
Semana Santa, or Holy Week, celebrates the Christian holiday of Easter. Mexico is nearly 90 percent Catholic, so this religious holiday takes on a special meaning that the entire community shares and participates in. Live representations of the Jesus Christ’s Crucifixion take place in many little towns.
What is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe?
The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is celebrated on December 12th with a mass celebrated with a Mariachi band. Every country celebrates holidays for religious or historical reasons. However, in Mexican culture, holidays are very significant and meaningful. Within Mexican culture the value of family, religion, and tradition is extremely important. ...
What is the Mexican holiday of the dead?
Mexican Holidays. The Day of the Dead, is a celebration that represents the unity between life and death. It emphasizes death as part of the cycle of life and was borne from the merging of the Catholic feast of All Soul’s Day (a day to remember the dead with prayer) and with Indian rituals of death.
What is the significance of the Dia de la Independencia?
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.
What is the most important religious holiday in Mexico?
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.
What is the Epiphany?
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.
What is the day of loyalty?
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.
How many statutory holidays are there in Mexico?
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.
Why is Mother's Day important in Mexico?
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.
Why is Cinco de Mayo celebrated?
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.#N#See Blog: Cinco de Mayo in Mexico
What is the national holiday on December 12?
December 12 - Día de Guadalupe (Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe) Besides the national holidays, there are many important civic holidays and religious fiestas throughout the year, for example, Flag Day on February 24, and Mother's Day on May 10, are not official holidays, but are widely celebrated. To learn more about what holidays ...
What are the major holidays in Mexico?
Mexico's population is in the vast majority Catholic and the country's major holidays correspond to the church calendar: Christmas and Easter are of prime importance, and in some areas, Day of the Dead is also a major celebration. A few civic holidays are also celebrated to a great extent, particularly Mexican Independence Day, in September.
What is the Mexican labor law?
In 2006 the law was changed to modify the dates of certain holidays, which are now celebrated on the closest Monday, creating a long weekend, thus allowing Mexican families to travel and visit other areas of Mexico.
Where is Easter celebrated in Mexico?
Easter celebrations in Taxco, Mexico. Aaron Mccoy / Getty Images. Suzanne Barbezat is a freelance writer specializing in Mexican travel, culture, and food. Mexico's population is in the vast majority Catholic and the country's major holidays correspond to the church calendar: Christmas and Easter are of prime importance, and in some areas, ...
When is Christmas Day in Mexico?
December 25 - Christmas Day (Navidad) Mexican workers have the day off on election days. Federal elections are held on the first Sunday in June; the date of state elections vary. Every six years when a new president is sworn in to office, December 1 is a national holiday. Gabriel Perez / Getty Images.
When is Labor Day in Mexico?
His birthday was March 21, 1806, but the holiday is observed every year on the third Monday in March. May 1 - Labor Day (Dia del Trabajo).
Is Cinco de Mayo a national holiday?
Contrary to what you might expect, Cinco de Mayo is not of major importance: the city of Puebla marks the occasion with a parade and some other festivities, but elsewhere in Mexico it is a minor civic holiday. There are only a handful of official national holidays in Mexico, but there are a great many regional celebrations.
Celebrate The Day of The Holy Kings
Public Life
- The Day of the Holy Kings is a religious observance and not a federal public holiday in Mexico. Access to streets in some cities and towns may be difficult for vehicles due to Epiphany related festivities on January 6.
About The Day of The Holy Kings
- Christians believe that three kings (or wise men) – Melchor, Gaspar and Baltazar – visited the child Jesus and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This Epiphany story is celebrated in churches across Mexico and worldwide.
Did You Know?
- The person who finds the figurine of baby Jesus inside his or her share of the sweet bread, Rosca de Reyes, symbolically “becomes” Jesus’ godparent.
About Day of The Holy Kings in Other Countries
- While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.