Major Mexican Vacation Festivals and Holidays
If there is one word that can possibly describe the spirit of Mexico then it is none other than “party”. Mexico is a nation that is known to celebrate each occasion as a big party. To make the most of your Mexican Tour try planning it in such a way that you are able to celebrate its amazing festivals and holidays in all their glory. Read on to know about some major festivals and holidays celebrated in Mexico.
Mexican Spring Equinox
Nowhere else would you see Spring Equinox celebrated with such an enthusiasm, as it is celebrated in Mexico. Spring Equinox is celebrated with many traditions in Mexico. It takes place on March 20th, when the day and night have are equally long in duration. Mexicans consider this time as the time of fertility and rebirth and celebrate it by paying a visit to the Churches.
Holy Week and Easter in Mexico
The week leading up to Easter is celebrated as Holy Week or Semana Santa in Mexico. There are no fixed dates for the Holy Week and it is considered as a religious as well as a secular holiday in Mexico. Following are the main celebrations of the Holy Week:
- * Palm Sunday
- * Maundy Thursday
- * Good Friday
- * Holy Saturday
- * Easter Sunday.
Christmas in Mexico
Mexico follows many special traditions during Christmas time and is a great place to soak in the Yuletide spirit. So, if you are planning to tour Mexico, plan to visit it during Christmas time and be a part of various December festivities like:
- * Posadas
- * Naciemientos
- * Pastorelas
- * Villancicos
- * Nochebuena
- * Ano Nuevo
- * Dia de Reyes
- * Dia de la Candelaria
The Guelaguetza Festival in Oaxaca
Celebrated on the last two days of July, the Guelaguetza is a dance festival of Mexico. Also known as, the Lunes del Cerro, this festival is celebrated in the state of Oaxaca, which is a home to about 16 different ethno-linguistic groups. People from all these groups gather wearing their traditions dresses and present folk dances.
New Year’s Eve in Mexico
In case, you happen to visit Mexico during the New Year time, you will be glad to see its unique traditions on the New Year’s Eve. Mexicans are known to celebrate the New Year’s Eve by organizing late night dinners and street festivals. Not only these, they have a tradition of eating twelve grapes on the midnight of the 31st December to bring in good luck and prosperity in the New Year.
Mexican Film Festivals
Several film festivals take place in Mexico almost throughout the year. While some are internationally recognized, some are local festivals. Mentioned below are some popular Mexico Film Festivals:
- * Mexico City’s International Contemporary Film Festival (February 19 – March 2, 2008)
- * Guadalajara International Film Festival (March 19 – 27, 2009)
- * Short Expression Film Festival (Last Week of July)
- * Baja California International Film Festival (September end till October beginning)
- * Morelia International Film Festival (October)