¡Viva México! If there's one thing that will really fascinate you about Mexicans, it's how they throw a fiesta! Mexico has one of the most colorful cultures in the world. During any of its holidays, it's a fiesta all day long! The streets burst with color and life as if you're in another world or something! And speaking of holidays, this country has a good many, more than the popular ones like Christmas or New Year's. A handful are religious while others pertain to significant historic events. You ought to know more about them if you have plans of going to Mexico yourself!
Constitution Day (February 5)
Often also called the 'First Monday of February,' Constitution Day is one of the most important holidays in Mexico. It commemorates the promulgation of both the 1857 and 1917 constitutions of the country which, incidentally, both happened on May 5th. Though it does have a fixed date, at times, Mexicans celebrate it on the first Monday of the month, turning it into a long holiday for the benefit of those who might want to rest more. But on the day itself, oftentimes the country's leaders go out and give speeches or prepare statements to remember these historic events.
Natalicio de Benito Juárez (March 21)
Benito Juárez, the 26th president of Mexico, is perhaps one of, if not the most beloved president in the country's history. So much so that his own birthday, March 21, has become a public holiday in the country. Born March 21, 1806, he became the head-of-state of Mexico in 1858, holding that position for a good 14 years until his death in 1872. Throughout his presidency, he defined and strengthened Mexican nationalism, was able to control the influence of the Catholic Church in the country, and prevented other countries from conquering the territory. It's no wonder Mexicans hold him to such high regard.
Cinco de Mayo (May 5)
Arguably Mexico's most famous holiday, Cinco de Mayo is the country's biggest holiday in May, perhaps even of the entire Spring season. It commemorates the victory of the Mexican army against French forces in 1862, bringing the country one step closer to full independence. That victory was led by Ignacio Zaragoza, one of the country's most historic general officers, politicians, and a national hero in his own right. As the most celebrated holiday among Mexicans, it's even become a
significant holiday in the US, a country where many Mexicans have moved to over the years. You'll see that many states with big Mexican-American communities celebrate it as significantly as Mexico itself does.
Cry of Dolores (September 15)
It's safe to say that only Mexico has its own holiday that anticipates its Independence Day. Held on the night of September 15, '
Grito de DoloresI,' or 'Cry of Dolores,' remembers the moment Mexico waged their 'Independence War' against Spain. The 'Dolores' in the name refers to a chapel in Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, where Mexican national hero, sparked the country's first rebellion against their Spanish conquerors in 1810. Today, Mexicans celebrate this eve holiday by donning traditional attire and eating authentic Mexican cuisine as the President rings the bells of the exact same church where it all started a hundred years or so ago.
Independence Day (September 16)
Just like Bastille Day in
France or the 4th of July in the US, Mexico has its own Independence Day. Held every September 16, it commemorates the start of the Independence War between Mexico and Spain. Though it went on for years and was mostly made up of various regional conflicts instead of an all-out national battle, it was still the first step the country took to gaining sovereignty over its own territory. And just like Cinco de Mayo, Mexicans celebrate it by holding grand fiestas, either at home, on the streets, in the entire province, and more!
Day of The Dead (November 1 - 2)
Apart from Cinco de Mayo, Mexico's other famous holiday is 'Día de Muertos,' or the 'Day of the Dead.' At least, that what other countries have come to know about it. But in reality, this holiday spans two days, November 1 and 2. The former is more accurately called '
Día de Todos Los Santos,' or All Saints' Day. While the latter is the '
Día de Muertos,,' or All Souls' Day. In actuality, Mexico isn't the only country that celebrates these holidays. Other Catholic-dominant countries also observe these holy days. It's just that Mexico does it the most festive, so much so it inspired
a Disney film!
Revolution Day (November 20)
Día de la Revolución, or 'Revolution Day,' commemorates the day the Mexican Revolution began on November 20, 1910. Though similarly to Constitution Day, while it's set on a specific date, many times, the country observes it on the third Monday of November, allowing for a long weekend. But whether it's on a Monday or on November 20 itself, Mexicans celebrate the holiday proudly. They hold big fiestas, don traditional attire, dance their national dances, and more! The whole country lights up and shows off its culture in more ways than one.
If you want to see a real Mexican fiesta, you'd probably want to go to Mexico when they're celebrating and observing a national holiday. They have plenty in their calendar and bring out the best of their colorful, exciting, and vivacious culture during these days!
If you ever wound up in Mexico during any of these holidays, let's hope you're staying in a nice
luxury apartment while you're there!
