Most important holidays celebrated in Mexico

Mexico celebrates its history, traditions, and communities through holidays that bring people together. From honoring loved ones who have passed away to celebrating national pride and religious traditions, the holidays celebrated in Mexico reflect the country’s strong family values and cultural heritage.

Whether you’re learning about Mexican holidays, planning a celebration with family, or looking for ways to support family and friends from afar, understanding these important dates can help you stay close throughout the year.

Major holidays celebrated in Mexico at a glance

Some of the most important holidays in Mexico include:

1. Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) – November 1 and 2
2. Mexican Independence Day – September 16
3. Semana Santa (Holy Week) – The week leading up to Easter
4. Las Posadas – December 16 through December 24
5. Navidad (Christmas) – December 25

Each holiday has its own traditions, foods, and celebrations, but all share a common focus on family, community, and connection.

Día de los Muertos traditions

Celebrated every year on November 1 and 2, Día de los Muertos is one of the best-known holidays celebrated in Mexico. Rather than focusing on loss, families gather to celebrate the lives and memories of family and friends who have passed away.

Building an ofrenda

The centerpiece of many celebrations is the ofrenda, a special altar created in honor of family members and friends.

A traditional ofrenda often includes:

• Photographs of those who matter most
• Marigold flowers, known as cempasúchil
• Candles and incense
• Favorite foods and drinks of the departed
• Sugar skulls, or calaveras
• Pan de muerto, a traditional Day of the Dead bread

Families may also decorate gravesites, share meals, and tell stories about the people they are remembering.

For families living in different countries, this holiday can be an important time to help people who matter most prepare for gatherings, purchase decorations, or honor family traditions together.

Mexican Independence Day traditions

Mexico celebrates Independence Day on September 16, marking the beginning of the country’s struggle for independence from Spain in 1810.

Celebrating El Grito

The celebration begins on the evening of September 15 with El Grito, a reenactment of Miguel Hidalgo’s famous “Cry of Dolores.”

Across the country, leaders ring bells and lead crowds in patriotic cheers before fireworks become part of celebrations in many communities.

Independence Day celebrations

Common traditions include:

• Mexican flags and patriotic decorations
• Fireworks displays
• Mariachi music and live performances
• Community festivals and parades
• Family gatherings

Many people also enjoy traditional foods such as:

• Pozole
• Chiles en nogada
• Tacos
• Tamales
• Elote

Independence Day remains one of the largest national celebrations in Mexico, bringing together generations of family and friends.

Semana Santa traditions

Semana Santa, or Holy Week, takes place during the week leading up to Easter and is one of Mexico’s most important religious observances.

Churches across the country hold special services and processions that commemorate the final days of Jesus Christ’s life.

Holy Week celebrations

Popular Semana Santa traditions include:

• Religious processions
• Passion plays
• Family meals
• Regional celebrations
• Family travel during school holidays

Because many families travel during this period, it is often one of the busiest times of the year for gathering with relatives and participating in local traditions.

Las Posadas traditions

Held from December 16 through December 24, Las Posadas commemorates Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter before the birth of Jesus.

Throughout the nine-day celebration, neighbors gather for evening processions while singing traditional songs. Participants visit homes that symbolically offer or deny lodging before everyone comes together to celebrate.

Las Posadas celebrations

Common traditions include:

• Candlelight processions
• Piñatas
• Holiday music
• Community gatherings
• Traditional seasonal foods

Popular foods often include:

• Tamales
• Atole
• Other holiday treats shared among family and friends

Las Posadas highlights hospitality, generosity, and the importance of community.

Christmas traditions in Mexico

Christmas, or Navidad, is celebrated on December 25, although the holiday season extends over several weeks.

Celebrating Nochebuena

Many families gather on Nochebuena, or Christmas Eve, for a large family dinner before attending midnight Mass.

Christmas Day is often spent visiting relatives, relaxing together, and exchanging gifts.

Traditional Christmas foods

Popular Christmas dishes may include:

• Roast turkey
• Bacalao
• Tamales
• Ponche navideño
• Buñuelos

For many families living abroad, the Christmas season is also a time to provide support by helping those who matter most with holiday meals, celebrations, gifts, or seasonal expenses.

Celebrating together across borders

Millions of people with family ties to Mexico celebrate these holidays while living in other countries. Whether helping with travel costs, holiday meals, decorations, or family gatherings, supporting family and friends remains an important part of many celebrations.

If you need to send money to Mexico, Western Union offers several convenient options to support everyone you care about when it matters most.

Ways to send money to Mexico

• Send money online: Begin a money transfer
• Use the Western Union app: Download the app
• Explore transfer options: View ways to send money
• Send to eligible mobile wallets: Learn more

You can also learn more about options to send money to Mexico on the dedicated country page: Send money to Mexico

Celebrate every season with Western Union

The holidays celebrated in Mexico reflect the country’s rich history, strong traditions, and deep family connections. Whether honoring relatives or friends during Día de los Muertos, celebrating Independence Day, observing Semana Santa, participating in Las Posadas, or gathering for Christmas, these occasions help bring families and communities together.

When distance keeps families apart, Western Union helps you support relatives and friends with convenient ways to send money, including online transfers, the mobile app, and transfers to eligible mobile wallets.