Mexico’s 2026 Holiday Calendar: Public Holidays, Cultural Festivals, and Travel Tips

1. Official Public Holidays in Mexico (2026)

Mexico’s official public holidays, known as días festivos (public holidays) or días de descanso obligatorio (mandatory rest days), are observed nationwide. On these dates, banks and government offices typically close, while travel demand often increases.

Calendario de Días Festivos 2026

These holidays apply across the country and form the backbone of Mexico’s annual holiday calendar.

2. Cultural and Religious Observances That Shape Travel in Mexico

Not all important dates in Mexico are official public holidays. However, several religious and cultural observances have a major impact on travel patterns, school schedules, and business operations. For travelers, these periods are just as important to understand as federal holidays.

Semana Santa (Holy Week)

Semana Santa (Holy Week) is one of the most significant periods in Mexico’s calendar and one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.

Observed in the weeks leading up to Easter, Semana Santa commemorates the final days of Jesus Christ. While not every day is an official public holiday, many schools close for extended breaks, and large numbers of Mexicans travel domestically.

Key days include:

• Jueves Santo (Holy Thursday)
• Viernes Santo (Good Friday)

During Semana Santa, beach destinations such as Cancún, Puerto Vallarta, and Acapulco become especially crowded, while historic cities host religious processions and reenactments. Transportation sells out quickly, and accommodation prices often rise.

For international visitors, Semana Santa is both a culturally rich time to visit and one that requires early planning.

Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos)

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is one of Mexico’s most iconic cultural traditions, observed primarily on 1 and 2 November.

Unlike Halloween, Day of the Dead is a celebration of life and remembrance. Families honor deceased loved ones by creating ofrendas (altars) decorated with flowers, candles, photographs, and traditional foods. Cemeteries, city streets, and public squares become spaces of reflection, color, and community.

While 2 November is not always an official public holiday nationwide, many schools and some workplaces close or operate on reduced schedules. Major cities such as Mexico City and Oaxaca host parades, exhibitions, and public events that attract visitors from around the world.

For travelers, Day of the Dead offers a unique cultural experience, but it also brings higher demand for flights and accommodations, particularly in regions known for traditional celebrations.

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo (5th of May) marks the Battle of Puebla and is often misunderstood as Mexico’s Independence Day. In Mexico, it is not a federal public holiday and is primarily observed in the state of Puebla.

However, limited local events and increased international attention can still influence travel in central Mexico during early May.

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3. Long Weekends and Peak Travel Periods in 2026

Mexico frequently observes certain holidays on Mondays, creating puentes (long weekends). These extended breaks encourage domestic travel and can significantly affect availability and pricing.

In 2026, long weekends occur around:

• Constitution Day in February
• Benito Juárez’s Birthday in March
• Mexican Revolution Day in November

During these periods, popular destinations experience heavier crowds, while flights and long-distance buses tend to sell out earlier than usual.

4. What Remains Open During Public Holidays in Mexico

For travelers, public holidays in Mexico do not mean everything shuts down.

Generally:

• Airports, hotels, and public transportation continue operating
• Restaurants, cafés, and tourist attractions usually remain open, sometimes with adjusted hours
• Shopping malls and supermarkets often stay open
• Banks and government offices typically close on official public holidays

During major national celebrations such as Independence Day or Christmas, reduced schedules are more common, especially outside tourist areas.

5. Seasonal Travel Considerations in Mexico

Mexico’s public holidays and cultural observances shape travel patterns throughout the year.

• Spring (March–April): Semana Santa creates one of the busiest travel periods nationwide
• Summer: Fewer public holidays, but school vacations increase travel demand
• September: Independence Day celebrations bring local events and domestic travel
• November: Day of the Dead and Revolution Day drive cultural tourism and long weekends
• December: Christmas and year-end travel lead to higher prices and limited availability

Understanding these seasonal patterns enables travelers to select the optimal time to visit, tailored to their preferences for crowds, pricing, and cultural experiences.

6. Stay Connected While Traveling in Mexico with Eskimo

Public holidays, festivals, and long weekends often mean crowded airports, busy streets, and slower local networks. With Eskimo eSIM, you can stay connected across Mexico without needing to search for a local SIM card or relying on public Wi-Fi.

If you’re new to Eskimo, you can even try it for free. New users receive 500 MB of free global data, valid in over 100 countries, allowing you to test the service before committing to a full plan. Once you’re ready, you can choose a plan that fits your trip, from a Mexico eSIM to a Latin America or Global eSIM, ideal for multi-country itineraries. It’s a flexible option for travelers who want reliable connectivity without the hassle of physical SIM cards.

FAQs

How many public holidays are there in Mexico in 2026?

Mexico has seven official public holidays in 2026 that are observed nationwide. These dates, known as días festivos oficiales (official public holidays), are established by Mexican labor law and typically involve closures of banks and government offices, while travel activity often increases.

Is Semana Santa a public holiday in Mexico?

Semana Santa (Holy Week) is not fully classified as an official public holiday, but it is one of the most important travel periods in Mexico. Many schools close for extended breaks, and some businesses operate on limited schedules. As a result, domestic travel increases significantly, especially to beach and cultural destinations.

Is Day of the Dead a public holiday in Mexico?

Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) is not a nationwide public holiday, but it is widely observed across the country. In many places, 2 November is treated as a rest day by schools and some workplaces. Travel demand rises during this period, particularly in cities known for traditional celebrations.

Is Mexico's Independence Day the same as Cinco de Mayo?

No. Mexico’s Independence Day is celebrated on 16 September and is a major national holiday. Cinco de Mayo, observed on 5 May, commemorates the Battle of Puebla and is not a federal public holiday. Cinco de Mayo has greater recognition outside Mexico than within the country.