November 1 st - 2nd: Day of the Dead, or All Saints Day and All Souls Day
This is a 2 day celebration, November 1 st honouring saints and deceased children, and November 2nd honouring deceased adults. Grave sites of the beloved departed are decorated. Homes are decorated as well, and feasts prepared to welcome the return from the spirit world of loved ones. This celebration is a combination of ancient beliefs and more modern Christian religion. It seems the two have become intermingled down through the years.

December 12th: Our Lady Of Guadalupe
While celebrations go on starting from December 1 st , it culminates on this day. All over Mexico, people celebrate this day and pay homage to the patron saint of Mexico. You will see many trucks, busses and runners carrying torches as these pilgrims make their way to the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City where the miraculous image of the Virgin is kept. The day is celebrated with fireworks from dusk to dawn, as the people offer up their prayers to the Virgin.

December 16th - 25th: Posadas and Christmas Holidays
Celebrated throughout the country where, in certain areas, starts with a week long series of fireworks, parties and special celebrations, ending on Xmas eve with the breaking open of candy -filled piñatas. The Posadas begin on the 16th and represent the long and tiring trip taken by Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. In many areas, the neighbours join together to recreate this historic joumey, to depict the trials of Mary and Joseph as they try to find lodging. The house finally chosen offers food and shelter and of course the Piñata at midnight. Don't expect to get much sleep, you may miss out on some fun!

January lst: New Year's Day
Celebrated throughout the region. Time for family and friends both old and new.

January 6th: The Day of the Kings
Celebrated with fireworks and pageants in some areas. This holiday commemorates the visit of the Three Kings who brought gifts for the Christ Child. A special ring-shaped coffee cake is baked (called a Rosca) wherein are hidden several little figurines of the Baby Jesus. Each person cuts their own piece of cake, and if you find one of the dolls in your piece you must host a party for everyone there, to be held on February 2nd which is Candelaria Day.

February 2nd: Candelaria Day
The figurines of the Baby Jesus are taken from the various Nativity scenes to the church to be blessed. The Nativity scenes are then put away for the next year. All those who attended the Three Kings party , reunite to share special food at a party hosted by the recipient of the doll found in the Rosca.

February - March: Carnival
Takes place the week before Lent, with costume parties and many parades. Merida is one of the more lively party spots for a week long celebration. It is not unusual to see people in costume walking the streets. Colours are riotous and merry- making abounds.

March 21st - September 21st: Equinox
At Chichen Itza, Kukulcan, the sacred serpent appears to emerge from his temple atop the pyramid of El Castillo to slither to the ground below, and to return to his temple at the fall equinox. It is the mathematical precision of the construction of the temple and the play of light and shadow which produces this phenomenon twice a year. Take note that these are the most popular times of the year at Chichen Itza and accordingly, the place will be very crowded.

May 1 st: Labour Day
Celebrated nationwide. There are workers' parades countrywide and shops, banks, government offices are closed up for the day.

May 5th: Cinco de Maya
On this day, in 1862, General Ignacio Zaragoza lead an ill equipped army of native Mexicans to victory as they successfully repelled an attack by the French army. The French were on their way to Mexico City to take control of the country and had to pass through the state of Puebla to get to the capitol.

May lOth: Mothers Day
Moms are given their due on this day, which is a fixed holiday rather than the movable one. The restaurants are usually full of families honouring their mothers. Family in the Yucatan, is highly important.

September 15th -16th: Independence Day
Celebrated throughout Mexico with fireworks and parties. This commemorates Mexico's independence from Spain and is celebrated throughout the country with impressive military parades, downtown buildings draped in the national colours, and patriotism running high.