New Year’s Day
Those spending Año Nuevo (New Year's Day) in Mexico are in for a treat as festivities carry on from New Year’s Eve. In San Juan Chamula, Chiapas, the celebration includes the change in tribal governors and culminates in Chamula Indian traditional dances.
The Fiesta of Saint Sebastian
The Fiesta of Saint Sebastian the Martyr takes place in Chiapa de Corzo. You will find many people in regional costumes and a re-enactment of a naval battle on the river.
The Blessing of the Sea Festival
This festival takes place in San Blas, Nayarit. Celebrations include regional dancing and horse racing events.
Candlemas
Día de la Candelaria or Candlemas is a religious holiday celebrated around Mexico with parades, dancing and bullfights. The best places to see this festival is San Juan de los Lagos, Jalapa; Talpa de Allende, Jalisco; and Santa Maria del Tuxla, Oaxaca.
Carnival
Carnival in Mexico begins the weekend before Lent and is widely celebrated with parades, floats and dancing in the streets. The best places to participate and watch the festivities are port towns such as Ensenada, La Paz, Mazatlán and Veracruz. In Veracruz, there are big floats, dancing in the plaza and lots of live entertainment; while Mazatlán’s party lasts a full week before Lent, with parades and crowds of party-goers.
Day of Our Lord of Xalpa
This day is especially important in Taxco with local Indian dances such as Los Tlacololeros, Santiagos, Diablos and Pescaderos.
Benito Juárez’s Birthday
March 21st is the birthday of Benito Juárez, a famous Mexican president and national hero. He was from Guelatao, Oaxaca which is where the best celebrations can be experienced.
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday celebrations are held throughout the country with huge arts and crafts displays as well as local markets selling a variety of local products.
Semana Santa
Semana Santa is the holy week that ends the 40-day Lent period. During this time, it is the Mexican custom to break confetti-filled eggs over the heads of friends and family.
Cuernavaca Flower Fair
While travelling in Cuernavaca, Morelia you can join in the Flower Fair. There are exhibits and competitions in floriculture and gardening, as well as performances by popular entertainers.
The San Marcos National Fair
This giant commercial and handicrafts fair is marked by live sports and theatrical events along with marimba contests.
Cinco de Mayo
This is one of the largest Mexican national holidays and celebrates the Mexican victory over the French army at Puebla de los Angeles in 1862. Businesses close and friends and family get together to feast and drink.
Guaymas
This celebrates Mexican Navy Day with a re-enactment of a naval battle complete with fireworks. It is taken very seriously as the Mexicans are very proud of their army. It is a very impressive celebration that suitable for all of the family.
Corpus Cristi Day
The celebrations of Corpus Cristi Day and the Vanilla Festival include performances of the famous Flying Pole dancers of Mexico. There is always much laughter, fun and dancing – not to mention excellent food.
Guelaguetza
The last two weeks of July in Oaxaca are marked by this famous festival. Dancers from throughout the country gather to perform for large crowds. Stalls are set up serving delicious traditional food and the street parties often go on all night.
Cuauhtémoc Day
This celebrates the last Aztec emperor by organising dances and ceremonies at Cuauhtémoc Circle. Families and friends get together to remember their ancestors. Many fairs are held for this one day along with street parades and feasts.
Independence Day
Mexicans across the country celebrate the day that Miguel Hidalgo delivered El Grito de Dolores, and announced the Mexican revolt against Spanish rule. It is a time for celebrating and the Mexicans all know how to throw a good party. Celebrations can go well into the night.
Día de los Muertos
An important holiday in Mexico, Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, takes place at the end of October and beginning of November. Altars are erected for the dead, with marigolds and offerings of food and drink. People head out to the cemetery for all-night vigils and sing and pray for the souls of the dead. During the day, markets sell crafts and special items made for the festival.
Gourmet Festival
Food lovers won’t want to miss the Gourmet Festival held in Puerto Vallarta in mid-November. Here, some of the world's finest chefs create delicious menus in the town's top restaurants. Additionally, there is a gourmet food expo, cooking classes, as well as tequila and wine-tasting.
Día de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
This is also known as the day of the Virgin of Guadalupe and is celebrated with a feast honouring Mexico’s patron saint on December 12. The basilica just outside of Mexico City features the largest celebration; however, the best place to join in the festivities is in Puerto Vallarta, where they continue for 12 days.
Las Posadas
From mid December to early January, Las Posadas celebrates Joseph and Mary's search for shelter in Bethlehem with candlelight processions that end at various nativity scenes.
New Year's Day: 1 January
Anniversary of the Constitution: 5 February
Benito Juárez Day : 21 March
Labour Day: 1 May
Battle of Puebla Day: 5 May
President's Address: 1 September
Independence Day: 16 September
Dia de la Raza/Columbus Day: 12 October
Dia de los Muertos/Days of the Dead: 2 November
Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution: 20 November
Virgin of Guadalupe: 12 December
Christmas Day: 25 December
Semana Santa: date varies each year
Easter: date varies each year
The hotel is undergoing some refurbishment, but still provides all comfort to guests, except for elevators to upper floors (had to carry all luggage up and down stairs). Still highly recommended....
