Mexican Events in Cancun
Any excuse for a party!
Mexico possesses a unique history and, coupled with deep Catholic values and strong family ties, this gives rise to some great Mexican fiestas.
Mexicans are never ones to be shy about holding a party or drinking to celebrate something. Below are just a few of the most popular Mexican events in Cancun that are celebrated annually.
Some are national holidays, while others are family traditions or local events. In Cancun, the downtown celebration and what you see at a Hotel Zone resort can be very different.
Independence Day in Cancun – 15/16 September
This is the biggest single event in the country and commemorates the beginning of Mexico’s war of independence with Spain. In 1810 a group of Mexican nationals hatched a plan to overthrow the brutal regime of the Spanish that had occupied their country for the last 300 years.
The plan was that the Mexicans would rise up against the Spanish in a War of Independence that would begin on 2 October. However, their plans were uncovered by the Spanish early in September and a decision had to be made quickly: either abandon their plans or start the revolt early.
Father Hidalgo rang the bell in his small church in the early hours of 16 September 1810 to call the faithful to church. There they listened to his speech, now known as ‘El Grito de Dolores’, shouting “Viva Mexico” and “Viva la Independencia!” These famous words have been remembered and are said each year at the Independence Day celebrations.
Armed with inferior weapons such as clubs, knives, stone slings, and ancient guns, they fought as they marched to Mexico City. The following year Father Hidalgo was captured and executed but some 10 years later the people of Mexico finally won their Independence. Viva Mexico!
As in every town and city in Mexico, Independence Day events in Cancun take place at the main Government office. In Cancun this is on Ave. Tulum, downtown. The plaza outside City Hall is called Plaza de la Reforma.
Tens of thousands of locals wait to hear the bell rung and to hear ‘El Grito’ re-enacted by the senior government official. Thereafter, there often follows a fantastic firework display and much partying, dancing, mariachi music, folk dancing and, of course, drinking. The exact programme, including fireworks, is announced locally each year.
If you do decide to venture to the Government Building on Independence Day there are a few things you should be aware of:
- The surrounding streets may be closed off several hours before the ceremony; you may have to walk a fair distance to reach the celebrations. El Grito is held in the evening, but check the year’s official programme for the time. Crowds can build hours beforehand.
- The area will be very crowded, it is not a place for young children. Given the number of people in a confined space you should be wary of pickpockets. Public transport and taxis will be at a premium after the ceremony; you may have to wait a while before you can get back to your hotel.
If you choose to stay in the Hotel Zone area though, don’t worry. El Grito from Mexico City is often relayed to screens in some Cancun hotels and nightclubs in the Hotel Zone and even if you are having a quiet night in at your hotel bar you may not be able to miss this one. Check what your particular venue has planned.
Children’s Day in Cancun – 30 April
El Día de los Niños or Children’s Day is one of the widely observed events in Cancun and across the rest of Mexico too. As if they don’t get enough, it’s one more opportunity for parents to buy presents for their kids!
Usually there will be some form of celebration at school and local businesses often get in on the act such as offering free kids meals. In some places there are parades where the kids dress up and march through the streets.
For visitors, keep an eye out for family activities and offers, but check individual venues rather than counting on a particular promotion or parade. It is not usually a day that changes a Cancun sightseeing plan.
Cinco de Mayo in Cancun – 5 May
Well, sorry to disappoint but Cinco de Mayo is just like any other regular day here in Cancun. However, I thought I’d include an entry about it as many people expect parties and some kind of event in Cancun, when that’s not the case.
In fact, Cinco de Mayo is far more widely celebrated in the US than it is in Mexico.
It does, of course, have Mexican origins though. Cinco de Mayo celebrates the victory of the Mexicans over the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
In Mexico though it is most strongly associated with Puebla where the victory took place.
It is not Mexico’s Independence Day: that is 16 September, with El Grito the evening before. A Cancun bar may put on a Cinco de Mayo promotion, but you should not expect the downtown Independence Day celebrations or the same disruption to travel plans.
Day of the Dead in Cancun – late October to 2 November
The 1st November is to remember young people who died and the 2nd is to remember the older generation. The exact timing varies by community, and public activities can start in late October.
The commemoration dates back to indigenous culture and later Catholic traditions. In many families it is believed that the dead are allowed to inhabit the earth once again to enjoy the things they once did. Far from being a scary and macabre event it’s a day of celebration.
As far as events in Cancun it used to feel very low key. Oaxaca is the State famous for its large celebrations though. More recently, Cancun has also held sizeable public Janal Pixán celebrations around Puerto Juárez, Parque de las Palapas and other downtown venues. Check the current city programme for the places and dates rather than assuming they will be the same every year.
In Cancun, it’s quite a personal thing and tends to consist of families visiting and tidying the graves of family members. You will find if you visit a cemetery that the graves will be decorated with flowers, food and toys for the little ones.
Families have a special dinner with candles etc. and, of course, a few drinks to commemorate a lost loved one.
Day of the dead food often consists of meat dishes in spicy sauces, pan de muerto, a special sweet bread, cookies, chocolate, and sugary confections in a variety of animal or skull shapes. In this part of Mexico you may also hear the Maya name Janal Pixán, often translated as “food for the souls.”
The public festivities are a good place for a visitor to see altars, food and performances. A cemetery visit is more personal: give families room and ask before photographing people or graves. Busy public evenings can also slow traffic nearby.
Christmas in Cancun – 24 and 25 December
Yes, that’s correct! In Mexico, many families hold their main Christmas celebration on the evening of the 24th, Nochebuena. Christmas Day itself is still the 25th. Traditionally, Cancunenses will prepare their family meal for late in the evening on the 24th. Although often celebrations carry on well into the 25th and sometimes the 26th too!
Posadas are another part of the Christmas season in Mexico. If you are here over Christmas, check restaurant hours and reserve a special meal early; what is open on the 24th and 25th varies by venue.
Three Kings Day in Cancun – 6 January
Three Kings Day on 6 January remembers the wise men bringing gifts to baby Jesus. Traditionally, this is when many Mexican kids receive gifts.
I’m not sure how widely observed this is in the more modern society that is today’s Cancun.
We for one tend to stick with Christmas for our kids presents, but hold one or two back for Three Kings Day.
As a visitor, roscas in bakeries are easier to count on than any particular public event. Some families celebrate Reyes, some focus on Christmas, and some do both.
Rosca de Reyes
During the Three Kings Day event in Cancun it is customary to eat a special kind of sweet fruity bread called Rosca de Reyes.
The bread contains small figurines representing the baby Jesus and the person who discovers the figure in their portion is expected to hold a party on February 2nd!