Calendar
of Events and Traditions
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Calendar
of Events and Traditions
|
|
New Year's Day. National Holiday
Dia de los Santos Reyes or Reyes Magos. This is the day
when
Mexicans exchange Christmas presents in accordance with the arrival of
the
three gift bearing wisemen to Jesus Christ. This day ends the 'holiday
season'
officially.
Constitution Day. Official speeches and ceremonies are
conducted nationwide on this holiday.
Flag Day. Official holiday that commemorates Mexico's constitution.
Carnaval!
Carnaval is an official Mexican holiday that kicks off a five-day celebration of the libido before the Catholic lent. Beginning the weekend before Lent, Carnaval is celebrated exhubrantly with parades, floats and dancing in the streets.There are a lot of local events that begin before the public celebrations are seen. As soon as the Christmas festivities are over, the carnaval participants begin preparations. The dancers begin practicing their dances, the designers begin their creations.
The biggest events are the parades which are Saturday, Sunday, and Tuesday, before Ash Wednesday. The parade begins at the south part of town behind the municiple building, goes down the beachfront 'Malicon' to the airport road, and then back. Most parades begin about 6:30 and end about 9:00. The last one is usually the longest and best as that is the float competition night.
Carnaval 2008
Carnaval is an official Mexican holiday that kicks off a five day
celebration of the libido before the Catholic lent. Cozumel is
one of the top three celebrations for Carnaval in the world.
There are many dances all over town and at the hotels, with parades at
night. The best traditional foods are set up as restaurants all
over the main square and everyone is in Carnaval. The parade is
usually best on the last night, which is Tuesday, Fat Tuesday
before lent.
This is Cozumel's best celebration and takes many weeks of preparations.
Valentine's Day is celebrated as "El Dia de la
Amistad"
which is Day of Friendship. The lovers celebrate this day as do
neighbors,
friends, teachers, parents, etc. It is totally proper to give
flowers,
chocolates and cards or take someone out for dinner that you are close
to,
even if not romantically.
Benito Juarez's Birthday. Mexico observes a national holiday to honor one of the country's most beloved presidents and leader of the 19th century Reform movement.
Vernal Equinox. Visitors gather on the vernal and autumnal equinoxes at the main temple at Chichen Itza to witness the spectacular descent of the plumed serpent, Kukulcan. The ancient Maya constructed the pyramid-shaped temple on such a way that, during the equinox, a beam of sunlight creates a dramatic serpentine shadow that moves down the steps towards the earth, like a real snake slithering down the face of the temple. The twice-yearly occurrence is supposed to ensure a good harvest.
Holy week and Easter. "Semana Santa"During the days
leading up to and including Easter, Mexicans hold celebrations and
somber
processions in observance of Christ's resurrection. This is a
holy
week that ends the 40-day Lent period. This week includes Good Friday
and
Easter Sunday. It is Mexican custom to break confetti-filled eggs over
the
heads of friends and family.
Día del Niño. Children's day. Parents and schools prepare many surprises and presents for their kids. They have parties, and go to events that Cozumel offers through out the town. If you make friends with families that have children, you will be rewarded with big smiles if you think to bring them a treat on this day.
Primero de Mayo is the Mexican national holiday that is equivalent
to the U.S. Labor Day.
Holy Cross Day. 'Dia de la Santa Cruz", when constructiono workers decorate and mount crosses on unfinished buildings, followed by fireworkds and picnics at the construction site.
Cinco de Mayo. This national holiday commemorates Mexico's 1862 defeat of the French in the Battle of Puebla.
Cozumel's national Billfish Tournament.
Mother's Day. Due to the importance of the mother in Mexican culture, Mother's Day is an especially significant holiday. There are many programs at schools, and moms get flowers at restaurants and stores.
Fathers Day.
Annual State of the Union. Mexican president speaks to the
nation. Date may vary slightly year to year.
Independence Day. Mexico observes its 1821 independence
from Spain with speech-making, flag-waving, fireworks, horse races,
mariachi bands, and an abundance of decorations in red, green and
white: Mexico's national colors.
Autumnal Equinox. The shadow pattern of the plumed serpent
Kukulcan descends the main pyramid of Chichen Itza, just as it does in
the vernal equinox.
"Dia de la Raza" celebrates Columbus' arrival to the Americans, and the historic origins of the Mexican race.
Day of the Dead, or All Souls' Day. "Dia de los Muertos".
This Mexican holiday merges Pre-Columbian beliefs and modern
Catholocism.
Europe's All Saints' Day and the Aztec worship of the dead contribute
to
these two days that honor Mexico's dead.
Deceased friends, relatives, and ancestors are remembered and honored
in
a traditional Mexican celebration that includes graveside picnics,
skeleton-shaped
candy and dolls, and a party-like atmosphere. It was traditionally
believed
that the spirits of the dead return to earth on this day.
Anniversary of the Mexican revolution. Parades, speeches,
and patriotic events recall the Mexican Revolution of 1910.
Christmas Week celebrations. Festivities include a two-day
feast commemorating the Virgen de la Soledad, nightly "posadas"
(re-enactments of Joseph and Mary's search for lodging), breaking of
piñatas, and candle-light processions.
Santa visits too.
