New Year: like most places throughout the world, New Year’s Day is a public holiday and a chance for people to relax after the celebrations of the night before. Mexicans like to party throughout New Year’s Eve, and then sleep for most of the next day.

Three Kings Day: every year on 6th January, Mexican’s exchange gifts. This is the day that the Three Kings arrived in Bethlehem to give their gifts to baby Jesus. Traditions involve serving a cake known as rosca de los reyes, which has a small doll placed inside. If you receive the slice of cake with the doll inside, you must host a party on Candlemas Day in February.

Candlemas Day: held on 2^nd February, this day marks the end of winter in Mexico. Feasts are held and streets come to life with music and entertainment. Many people hold parties, and those who received dolls on Three Kings Day are usually the hosts.

Carnival: carnival time in Mexico is a raucous affair, with most people taking to the streets for parties and parades. It is a great time to be in the city, as spirits are high and cultural activities abound.

Easter: the actual date of Easter changes every year, but the nature of the celebration remain the same. If you are in Mexico City during this religious festival, you will see processions, firework displays, street parties and may even be invited to feast with the locals. Every Good Friday, there is an annual re-enactment of the Passion of Christ which is watched by over four million people. Almost the entire city takes part in this spectacular event.

Benito Juarez' Birthday: celebrated nationwide, 21st March marks the birthday of one of Mexico’s most loved leaders is a national holiday. Juarez came from humble beginnings, but went on to become one of the greatest rulers Mexico has ever had, introducing free mandatory education and separated the church and the state.

Mexico City's Annual Festival: this two-week long event showcases local talent in the field of art and culture. It is one of the liveliest festivals in the country and features performances from opera singers, orchestras, theatre groups, dancers and singers.

Children's Day: this nationwide celebration sees gifts being given to children across the country on 30th April every year.

Labour Day: schools, government offices and banks close on 1st May every year and political and union activists take to the streets.

Day of the Holy Cross: this event, held on 3rd May every year, dates back to colonial times and sees religious crosses throughout the country decorated with flowers and mounted onto buildings which are under construction. Picnics are held at the building sites and firework displays are held in the evenings.

Mother’s Day: 10^th May is a chance for children to thank their mothers for caring for them. It is a time when mothers across the country are spoilt and honoured with special performances at schools.

Father's Day: 15^th June sees fathers getting their share of attention. On this day dads are given presents, just like on children and mothers are given gifts on Children’s and Mother’s days.

Fiesta de San Juan Bautista: celebrated throughout Mexico, the festival for St John the Baptist is held every year on 24th June. Mexico City boasts fairs, street parades, and water fights (as St John is associated with water).

Ascension Day: this religious festival is one of the most important in the whole of Mexico. On this day the image of the Virgin Guadalupe can be seen throughout Mexico City and Mass—attended by hundreds of worshippers—is held in honour of her at the Basilica de Guadalupe.

Independence Day: on this national holiday, thousands of people congregate in Zócalo Square to hear the president speak. He starts by shouting the names of the heroes who lost their lives in the Mexican War of Independence. It is an incredibly patriotic day, with the National Palace showing off spectacular illuminations at night.

Day of the Dead: deceased relatives are remembered throughout the country, with many family members making their way to the cemeteries where their loved ones are buried. Bread and fruit is brought to the graves and sugar skulls are placed in houses to signify the skulls of the deceased.

All Saints Day: carrying on from 31^st October, All Saints Day honours family members who are no longer living and remembers their lives in an upbeat celebration.

Revolution Day: the Mexican Revolution of 1910 is remembered on 20^th November every year. Street parades can be seen throughout the city and celebrations take place inside the home along with family meals and games.

Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe: Mexico City celebrates the country’s patron saint every December with Mass and feasts.

Posadas: during the last two weeks of December, there are a number of street processions throughout Mexico, with the most fun being had in Mexico City. These processions signify the journey Mary and Joseph made to Bethlehem. Each procession ends with a house party, which is known as a posada. The main event is the posada, held on Christmas Eve; the end of the journey. There is usually a late night feast and much merriment.