Planning a trip to Mexico and want to know what holidays, festivals and long weekends are coming up? This month-by-month guide lists all major Mexican holidays, public holidays, and the most popular cultural events in Mexico, with a special focus on San Carlos and Sonora festivals. Whether you’re scheduling travel, avoiding bank closures, or looking for the best local celebrations, this Mexico events calendar gives you the dates, descriptions and links you need to plan ahead.
From Semana Santa to Día de los Muertos, Independence Day, Carnaval, and regional events like ExpoGan Hermosillo and Festival del Pitic, you’ll find the country’s biggest holidays explained in an easy, traveler-friendly format. Use the table of contents below to jump to any month and explore what’s happening across Mexico so you can time your visit for the experiences you don’t want to miss.
Mexican Holidays, Festivals, and Fiestas: 2025 – 26
January
Jan 1 — Año Nuevo / New Year’s Day
National holiday. Many businesses close; expect local fireworks & malecon gatherings in San Carlos.
Jan 6 — El Día de Reyes (Three Kings Day)
Traditional family celebrations and rosca de reyes. Great cultural experience for visitors—look for local processions and bakeries selling rosca.
February
First Monday in Feb — Día de la Constitución
Official public holiday commemorating Mexico’s Constitution. Many institutions close; plan ahead for banks and government offices.
Día de la Constitucion (Constitution Day) is February 5, but is observed the first Monday in February which in 2026 is February 2.
Late Feb — Carnaval Guaymas
Carnaval Guaymas (parades, floats and street parties). Multi-day events held in coastal towns — best for lively parades and family-friendly fiestas.
In 2026, Carnaval Guaymas will be February 12 – 17.
March
Third Monday in March — Benito Juárez Birthday (observed)
Official public holiday honoring Benito Juárez (national ceremonies in major cities). Local memorials and civic events may occur.
The observed date for Benito Juárez’s Birthday in 2026 is Monday, March 16, 2026.
April
Semana Santa (Easter week)
Semana Santa — a major travel week with religious processions, special masses and beach crowds.
March 29 to April 5, 2026: April 2, Maundy Thursday. April 3, Good Friday. April 5, Easter Sunday. April 6, Easter Monday.
Late April–May — ExpoGan (Hermosillo)
ExpoGan — agricultural fair and palenque in Hermosillo (livestock, rodeo, concerts). Good day-trip option from San Carlos, Sonora.
April 23 – May 17, 2026. ExpoGan Sonora and Palenque in Hermosillo, Sonora.
May
May 1 — Día del Trabajo (Labor Day)
National holiday; expect closures and parades in municipal centers.
May 5 — Cinco de Mayo
Celebrated with local fiestas in some regions. Note: more extensively observed in Puebla and by international visitors.
May 10 — Mother’s Day (Not a public holiday)
Widely celebrated culturally — restaurants and venues may have special events; reservations recommended.
May 3 — Día de la Santa Cruz
Also known as Builders’ Day, construction workers decorate and mount colorful crosses on unfinished buildings to bless the site and ensure safety. Many crews celebrate with food, music, and workplace gatherings.
May 15 — Teacher’s Day (Día del Maestro)
A national day recognizing teachers across Mexico. Schools often hold ceremonies, students give small gifts, and many educators receive the day off as institutions operate with limited schedules.
May (late) — Festival del Pitic (Hermosillo)
Festival del Pitic — arts, music and local food in Hermosillo. Family-friendly and cultural exhibitions.
In 2026, Festival del Pitic will be May 21 – 24.
June
June 1 — Día de la Marina (Navy Day)
Official maritime holiday with ceremonies in ports. If you’ll be in a port town, expect naval parades and coastal events.
Third Sunday in June — Father’s Day
Popular family celebration (not a public holiday). Father’s Day in 2026 is June 21.
July
July 18 — Anniversary of Benito Juárez’s death
Commemorative events and historical remembrances in civic spaces. Benito Juárez lived March 21, 1806 to July 18, 1872.
July 30 — Anniversary of Miguel Hidalgo (not a national holiday)
Historical remembrance; local observances may occur. Miguel Hidalgo, leader of the Mexican War of Independence lived May 8, 1753 to July 31, 1811.
August
Aug 8 — Emiliano Zapata Anniversary
Commemorative date for Emiliano Zapata; cultural and historical notes in some regions.
September
Sept 1 — State of the Union
Annual presidential address; not usually a traveler-focused event but widely covered in national media.
Sept 13 — Los Niños Héroes
Commemorations for national heroes Los Niños Héroes, Hero of the Mexican-American War 1847 — civic ceremonies occur in plazas and schools.
Sept 15–16 — El Grito & Día de la Independencia
Major national celebrations with parades and fireworks. Best places to celebrate include central plazas and boardwalks in coastal towns such as San Carlos, Sonora.
October
Oct 12 — Día de la Raza
Observed in many regions; history-focused events and cultural activities.
Oct 31 — Halloween / Parties
Increasingly celebrated with themed parties and family events (not an official Mexican national holiday).
November
Nov 1–2 — All Saints Day & Día de los Muertos
Día de los Muertos is a major cultural festival with altars, processions and community events. Expect cemetery vigils and colorful celebrations—highly recommended for cultural travelers.
Third Monday in Nov — Día de la Revolución (Revolution Day)
Official holiday (banks closed). Parades and civic commemorations mark the Mexican Revolution of 1910.
Monday, November 17, 2025. Monday, November 16, 2026.
December
Dec 12 — Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe
National religious pilgrimage — large crowds at shrines and special masses.
Dec 16–24 — Las Posadas
Nine days of festivities leading to Christmas — processions, songs and community gatherings.
Dec 24–25 — Nochebuena & Navidad
Christmas Eve and Day — major family holidays; many businesses close Dec 25–26 (official holidays).
Dec 28 — Día de los Santos Inocentes
Day for pranks, similar to April Fools; lighthearted cultural fun.
Dec 31 — Fin de Año / New Year’s Eve
Fireworks and celebrations on the malecon and town centers — lively nightlife and family gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning around Mexico’s holidays and events can bring up a lot of practical questions—everything from bank closures to festival dates. These FAQs cover the most common things travelers and residents want to know so you can plan your days, trips, and celebrations with confidence.
When is Semana Santa 2026 in Mexico?
Semana Santa 2026 runs from March 29 to April 5, with Good Friday on April 3 and Easter Sunday on April 5. Expect heavy travel, beach crowds, and religious processions.
Are banks closed on Día de la Revolución?
Yes. Día de la Revolución is an official public holiday, and banks, government offices, and many institutions close. In 2025 it is observed on November 17; in 2026 on November 16.
Is Cinco de Mayo a national holiday in Mexico?
No. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated regionally—mainly in Puebla—but it is not a national public holiday. Businesses and banks remain open.
What happens during Las Posadas in December?
Las Posadas (December 16–24) features nightly processions, songs, piñatas, and community events reenacting Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging. It’s a major festive season leading into Christmas.
When is ExpoGan Hermosillo in 2026?
ExpoGan Sonora 2026 is scheduled for April 23 to May 17, with livestock events, rodeo shows, food stands, and nightly palenque concerts.
Is Mother’s Day a public holiday in Mexico?
No. Mother’s Day (May 10) is not a public holiday, but it is widely celebrated. Restaurants and venues are busy, and many schools hold ceremonies.
What should travelers expect on Mexican Independence Day?
Independence Day (September 15–16) includes “El Grito,” fireworks, parades, and large celebrations in central plazas. Expect traffic closures and busy tourist areas.
When is Carnaval Guaymas in 2026?
Carnaval Guaymas 2026 takes place February 12–17 and features parades, floats, concerts, and family-friendly street parties along the waterfront.
Are businesses closed on New Year’s Day in Mexico?
Yes. January 1 is a national holiday, and many businesses close. Tourist areas like San Carlos still host fireworks and waterfront celebrations the night before.
What happens on Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe?
December 12 is a major religious pilgrimage day with masses, parades, and gatherings at churches and shrines. Expect large crowds and ceremonial events nationwide.
Ready to Celebrate?
Mexico’s holidays and festivals offer an unforgettable way to experience the country’s culture, traditions, and community spirit. Whether you’re planning a trip around major celebrations like Semana Santa, Día de los Muertos, Independence Day, or simply want to know when public offices and banks may close, keeping this Mexico holiday and events calendar handy will help you make the most of your time here.
If you’ll be visiting San Carlos or Sonora, be sure to check our local guides for current events, restaurant recommendations, and things to do. New celebrations, concerts, and community fiestas are added throughout the year, so feel free to return to this page anytime for updates.
Enjoy the fiestas — and enjoy Mexico!
All year long, there’s something fun going on in the beach towns of San Carlos Sonora.
