Back to Annual Events

Semana Santa, (Holy week) is the most important holiday in Mexico, surpassing even Christmas. A popular Semana Santa customs is breaking brightly colored eggs stuffed with confetti on the heads of family and friends. Since there is a two week Easter holiday for schools many Mexican families go on vacation especially to the beach resorts. In the smaller villages and more traditional cities there will be Passion plays staged that include a reenactment of the procession by penitents and the crucifixion. 

April Anniversary of the founding of Cancun. Singing, dancing and other cultural events celebrate the founding of Cancun throughout the month.

Late April to early May The Sol a Sol International Regatta, launched from St. Petersburg, Florida, arrives in Isla Mujeres. The whole island celebrates with dances, fairs, live music and performances of regional dance. 

April 30: Día de las Niños, (Children's Day). This holiday is strictly for the children. Special events such as puppet shows and musical shows performed by clowns are held throughout villages and cities accompanied by a free lunch and gift for every child who attends. 

May 1: Día del Trabajo (International Worker's Day) is celebrated with a big parade. Offices, schools and banks are closed. 

May 5: Cinco de Mayo (5th of May) celebrates the 1862 victory at Puebla when the Mexican army defeated Maximilian and the French army. This rare event (the Mexican has not won many of its battles) is marked with patriotic parades and fireworks. Schools, government offices and some banks are closed. 

May 20-22: IASTED International Multi-Conference on control and Application. This conference provides an opportunity for prominent specialists, researchers, and engineers throughout the world to share their latest research in control and its applications in industry.This conference will be held in conjunction with the 5th IASTED International Conference on Computers and Advanced Technology in Education (CATE 2002).

May 10: Día de las Madres (Mother's Day) is celebrated with a breakfast for Mom. Stores give out small gifts and people stop mothers in the street to wish them well and thank them for their hard work.