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Mexico - Culture

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One of the keys to a successful expatriation is a fundamental understanding of the country's culture. So, from children's festivals to opera and museums, to a good book or the appreciation of local customs, here is some help to get your foot in the door. Are you ready for it? Paguro has the information you need!

Ethnic events

Local events at a glance (not to be confused with the national holidays, even though they may coincide)

January 6
Epiphany or the "Feast of the Three Wise Men". A Catholic Holiday traditionally celebrated by all Mexicans. Mexican families gather to have dinner at night, usually consisting of tamales, hot cocoa, and a “rosca”, which is a ring-shaped, sweet pastry with sugar-coated fruit on top. This “rosca” contains two or more small plastic children, hidden inside. Each member of the family slices the pastry and if his/her slice has the plastic child, then he/she has to throw a small party on February 2nd (“La Candelaria” day). Additionally, children receive toys from the “Santos Reyes” (Three Wise Men), just like from St. Nicholas in other countries.
February 2
Feast of the Candelaria in Xochimilco
March/April
Easter Tuesday: Flower Fair in Xochimilco.
Good Friday: Performance of the Passion Play and silent procession in Iztapalapa.
Silent procession in Colonia Roma.
Good Saturday: burning of Jude effigies in several city plazas, where Altars of Sorrows may also be installed. Children play with water on the streets.
April
Corpus Christi Thursday: visits by 'little mules' and communal blessing of figures of baby Jesus in the Cathedral and La Villa.
May 2
Day of the Holy Cross: construction workers celebrate in buildings under construction.
May 10
Mother's Day celebrations. Make your restaurant reservations in advance and prepare for heavy traffic around the meal times, as many people invite their mothers out to eat.
June 24
Feast of San Juan in the Coyoacan parish.
July 6
San Carmen Fair in San Angel
August 15
Assumption of the Virgin day
September
1 Presidential address to Congress.
15 Popular festivities and 'Cry of Independence' ceremony in the Zocalo (Mexico City historic district, downtown).
16 Military parade through the downtown area.
29 Feast of the parish of San Miguel (Downtown).
October 4
Celebrations in the Church of San Francisco of Mexico.
November
1-2 Altars in honor of All Souls and All Saints erected in public and private sites and homes. Children may knock on your door asking for candy (just like Halloween in the United States).
2 Visits to cemeteries such as San Fernando or Mixquic.
20 Sports parade to honor the Mexican Revolution.
December
12 Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe at La Villa.
16-24 'Posadas' (Jesus birth processions) in private homes and meeting places, followed by a live party with piñatas and typical food and candy.
24 Christmas Eve
31 New Year's Eve