Travel calendar
Mexico's long weekends and holidays 2026–2027
Every long weekend and school holiday of the next twelve months, with dates and the Pueblos Mágicos that suit each: towns with a fiesta those days, towns at their best for weather, and towns close to your city. These are the weekends Mexicans travel, so book early.
Día de Muertos 2026: the calendar, day by day
October 28 – November 2
Día de Muertos is officially November 1 and 2, but in much of Mexico the dead start arriving a week earlier, and in some regions they leave only at the end of the month. Here is who is expected when.
The pueblos in our guide
Key night: November 1 into November 2.
September 29 to the end of November; peak October 31 to November 2.
October 30 to November 2; cemetery visit on November 1.
October 31 to November 2, with the biix around November 8.
Día de Muertos 2026 in Huaquechula and Atlixco
October 28 – November 2
In a farming town an hour from Puebla, every family that lost someone this year builds a white altar as tall as the room and opens its door to strangers. Here is how to visit with respect, day by day.
The pueblos in our guide
Valle de Catrinas October 2 to November 9, 2026; Catrinia until November 1; Huaquechula's altars October 28 to November 2.
Drive to Huaquechula on the afternoon of November 1 and back the same night.
Día de Muertos 2026 in Chignahuapan: the Festival de la Luz y de la Vida
October 30 – November 2
A torch-lit walk from the main square to the lagoon, then a show of light, dance and fire on the water that retells the soul's journey to Mictlán. Here is how the nights work, what tickets cost and how to get there.
The pueblos in our guide
Festival nights October 30 to November 2, 2026; torch walk Saturday October 31 at 7 pm.
Any day of the festival; the show itself is in Chignahuapan at night.
Día de Muertos 2026 in Tacámbaro
October 30 – November 2
An hour south of Lake Pátzcuaro, the town that built Michoacán's biggest altar now makes its own: a Gran Ofrenda down a street of steps, catrinas, pan de muerto and a legend staged at a crater lake.
The pueblos in our guide
Program from October 24 to November 2, 2026; Gran Ofrenda on October 31 at 20:00; Combate de las Flores on November 1 at 19:00.
Cemetery vigils the night of November 1 into November 2; crafts market from the last week of October.
Día de Muertos 2026 near Mexico City
October 31 – November 2
You do not need to fly to Michoacán or Oaxaca. Within two or three hours of the capital there are towns where families open their doors to visitors, light whole cemeteries and build altars taller than a person.
The pueblos in our guide
Recent editions: night parade November 1 at 8 pm, cartonería parade November 2 at midday (2025). Check the town hall for 2026.
The Calvario ofrenda is inaugurated in the last days of October; confirm the date with the town hall. Toluca's 57th Feria del Alfeñique runs October 3 to November 2, 2026.
Ocotepec's families go to the cemetery on the nights of October 31 and November 1; November 1 honors children and November 2 adults. The cereada visits are on the main days; ask locally for the hours.
Homes with an ofrenda nueva are open from October 28 to November 2; the municipal festival ran October 31 to November 2 in 2025.
Huaquechula's town hall has announced visits from October 28 to November 2, 2026. Atlixco's sixth Valle de Catrinas, on pre-Hispanic gods, opened October 2 and runs to November 9, 2026, with 19 figures in town; most are free, the one in Amatzcalli lake park costs 50 pesos.
Recent editions: October 30 to November 2 (2025) and October 31 to November 2 (2024), shows after dark. The 2026 dates had not been published when we checked.
The 2025 edition ran from late October (sources give October 24 or 25) to November 2. The 2026 dates had not been published when we checked.
Vigils the night of November 1 into November 2; festival events from the last week of October.
Día de Muertos 2026 near Guadalajara
October 31 – November 2
Jalisco celebrates the Day of the Dead with catrinas, parades and lakeside altars, and Michoacán's candlelit cemeteries are a half-day's drive away. Here is what happens where, and how to get there from the city.
The pueblos in our guide
In 2026 Tlaquepaque joins Jalisco's Festival de las Almas (October 24 to November 15) with about 80 activities, the most of any venue, and a 25-square-meter clay ofrenda by local master potters. Check the town hall for the parade date.
Recent editions: October 30 to November 2, with the angelitos parade on November 1 at 5 pm and the main altars, catrina parade and lake offerings on November 2 from the afternoon.
November 2 in recent editions (2024), from midday into the night. The 2026 program had not been published when we checked.
In 2024: October 26 to November 2. Check the town hall for 2026 dates.
School catrina parades on October 31 and November 1; altars and verbenas on November 1 and 2.
Flaming-ball game around 7 pm on November 1; cemetery vigil from nightfall on November 1 to the morning of November 2.
Festival events from the last week of October; the vigils are the night of November 1 into November 2.
Día de Muertos 2026 near Monterrey
October 31 – November 2
The north keeps the Day of the Dead more quietly than the south. Here is what the towns within a day's drive of Monterrey actually do, and when it is worth driving further.
The pueblos in our guide
In 2025 the program ran October 30 to November 2, evenings in Plaza Ocampo, with the catrina parade on November 2; the 2026 program had not been published in mid-October. El Venadito's cempasúchil field is open daily from September 19 to November 8, 2026, 8 am to 7 pm, 100 pesos per adult.
Altar exhibition at the Presidencia Municipal on November 1 from 6 pm (2023 edition); confirm the 2026 program with the town hall.
The 2025 Camino de las Flores ran October 17 to November 2; cemetery tours and altars around November 1 and 2. Confirm 2026 dates with the town hall.
November 1 in the Plaza de Armas and November 2 at the Museo de la Memoria Viva (2024).
The Alumbrada is held on the night of the Day of the Dead; confirm the exact night for 2026 with the town hall.
November 2, 2025, at 7 pm on the Explanada de la Plaza Principal; confirm 2026.
Comparsas and cemetery visits peak October 31 to November 2.
Comparsas mostly on November 1 and 2.
Día de Muertos 2026 in San Andrés Mixquic
October 31 – November 2
Mexico City's most famous Day of the Dead happens in an old chinampa village at the far southeastern edge of the city, where thousands of candles light the graves around a 16th-century church.
Día de Muertos 2026 in Naolinco: La Cantada
October 31 – November 2
On the night of November 1, this shoemaking town above Xalapa opens its doors and sings to its dead, house by house, until the small hours. Here is what happens, when, and how to be there.
The pueblos in our guide
La Cantada is the night of November 1, from about 8 pm into the early hours of November 2. Altars are on view from October 31; families visit the cemetery on November 2.
The 2025 Festival de Catrinas ran October 25 to November 2; check the town hall for 2026 dates. Cemetery candles on the night of November 2.
October 31 to November 2. The 2024 parade was October 31 at 7 pm; the 2025 food and crafts festival ran October 31 to November 2.
Día de Muertos 2026 in Oaxaca and the pueblos around it
October 31 – November 2
Base yourself in Oaxaca city and go out to a different pueblo each night: a candlelit cemetery on October 31, a masked muerteada on November 1, a Zapotec farewell on November 2.
The pueblos in our guide
October 30 to November 2, with recent programs running to a closing comparsa on November 3.
October 30 to November 2; there is no published program.
Día de Muertos 2026 in Pátzcuaro and Janitzio
October 31 – November 2
The Noche de Muertos around Lake Pátzcuaro, village by village: when to be where, how the boats to Janitzio work, and what the town itself puts on in the days before.
The pueblos in our guide
Tianguis Artesanal October 24 to November 3, 2026; vigils the night of November 1 into November 2.
Bells at midnight on October 31; cemetery vigil from nightfall on November 1 to the morning of November 2.
Día de Muertos 2026 in Mexico's Pueblos Mágicos
October 31 – November 2
Where to go for the Day of the Dead: thirteen small towns where the tradition is lived, not staged, with the dates, the rituals and the practical part of getting there.
The pueblos in our guide
The vigil begins the night of November 1 and runs into the small hours of November 2. Janitzio is the most crowded spot; Tzintzuntzan, Tzurumútaro, Ihuatzio and Cucuchucho are quieter. Festival events from October 27.
Cultural week in the days before; flaming-ball game around 7 pm on November 1; cemetery vigil from nightfall on November 1 to the morning of November 2.
Expo Ofrenda October 24–28; the Noche de las Mil Luces at Laguna La Magdalena and the parade on October 30; the Gran Ofrenda at 8 pm on October 31, with the bread and atole festival through November 2.
The comparsas are out most on November 1 and 2; the regional season starts with the first offerings on September 29 and the altars go up October 30 and 31.
Offerings from September 29; comparsas and cemetery visits peak October 31 to November 2.
October 30 to November 2; the cemetery visit is on November 1. Order pan de muerto a few days ahead or buy it in the market from late October.
October 30 to November 2, with the comparsa and altars centered on November 1 and 2.
The 30th edition runs four nights, October 30 to November 2, 2026, with the torch walk on Saturday, October 31 at 7 pm. Tickets are sold online only, from 400 to 1,500 pesos by zone.
Houses with altars are open October 28 to November 2; the dead are welcomed with the church bells at 2 pm, and November 1 is the busiest afternoon.
La Cantada is the night of November 1; altars and the calavera exhibition are up from October 31 through November 2.
Ritual calendar October 18 to November 30; altars up October 30 and 31; the key days are October 31, November 1 and 2. The town festival runs roughly October 28 to November 2.
October 31 (children), November 1 (adults), November 2 (all souls); the souls' farewell, the biix, comes around November 7 and 8.
October 30 to November 2 in the cemeteries; the night of November 1 is the fullest.
Hanal Pixán 2026 in Yucatán
October 31 – November 2
Food for the souls: how the Maya of Yucatán receive their dead, with a buried tamal instead of pan de muerto, candles along the stone walls, and a second farewell a week later.
The pueblos in our guide
Altars October 31 to November 2; festival events at Cenote Zací in the days around them; biix around November 8. Check the town hall for the 2026 program.
October 31 to November 2, with activities at the convent; ask the town hall for the 2026 program.
Ninín 2026: the Totonac Día de Muertos in Papantla
October 31 – November 2
In the Totonacapan the dead do not come for two days. They come for forty-two, from San Lucas to San Andrés, and they are fed from an altar that hangs in the air so they never touch the ground.
The pueblos in our guide
Ritual calendar October 18 to November 30; children's souls arrive at noon on October 31, adults at noon on November 1, and leave on November 2. The town festival has run from about October 28 or 29 to November 2 in recent years.
Xantolo 2026 in the Huasteca Potosina
October 31 – November 2
The Huasteca's Day of the Dead is danced as much as it is prayed: masked comparsas in the plazas, flower arches in every house and a season that runs from late September to the end of November.
The pueblos in our guide
Offerings from September 29; comparsas in the plaza at the end of October; family altars October 31 and November 1; cemeteries November 2. Ask the town hall for the 2026 program.
Comparsas and altars in the center from October 30 or 31 to November 2; check the town hall for the 2026 program.
Revolution Day long weekend 2026
November 14 – 16
The Revolution Day holiday moves to Monday, November 16: three days off, Saturday, November 14 to Monday, November 16.
Pueblos Mágicos for this long weekend
The Feria Regional runs from November 6 to 22.
Best months: January, March, April, and November.
Best months: January, February, November, and December.
Best months: January, February, November, and December.
Best months: January, March, November, and December.
Best months: January, March, April, and November.
Best months: January, April, May, and November.
Best months: February, April, May, and November.
Getaways near your city:
Near Mexico City Near Guadalajara Near Monterrey Near Puebla Near QuerétaroDecember holidays 2026
Mid-December to January 6
Winter school holidays run roughly from December 20 to January 6, with posadas, Christmas, New Year and Three Kings' Day. It is the dry, cool season: good for mountain towns, for the beach and for the year-end fairs.
Pueblos Mágicos with a fiesta in these dates
The Virgin of Guadalupe is honored from January 4 to 13.
January 4 to 6 brings a balloon launch and Three Kings parade.
On January 1 a pilgrimage arrives from Pachuca with the Santo Niño de Praga.
Other dates include the Holy Week Passion play, Santiago Apóstol on July 25, a monumental Day of the Dead altar, and the Día del Paisano on December 28, with a pickup truck parade and charreada.
The Santo Niño de Atocha from December 31 to January 6.
The Fiesta de la Preciosa Sangre de Cristo on January 4 closes a novenario with the Danza de Pastores e Indios.
The fiestas open on December 27 with the feast of San Juan Evangelista.
The year opens with the Feria del Maíz on January 6.
Constitution Day long weekend 2027
January 30 – February 1
The Constitution Day holiday moves to Monday, February 1: three days off, Saturday, January 30 to Monday, February 1.
Pueblos Mágicos for this long weekend
The Candelaria neighborhood fiesta runs from January 26 to February 3.
The Fiesta de la Candelaria follows from January 24 to February 5.
Best months: February, March, April, and July.
Best months: January, February, March, and April.
Best months: January, February, November, and December.
Best months: January, February, March, and December.
Best months: January, February, March, and April.
Best months: January, February, March, and December.
Getaways near your city:
Near Mexico City Near Guadalajara Near Monterrey Near Puebla Near QuerétaroBenito Juárez long weekend 2027
March 13 – 15
The Benito Juárez's birthday holiday moves to Monday, March 15: three days off, Saturday, March 13 to Monday, March 15.
Pueblos Mágicos for this long weekend
The Feria de Tayahua is held March 14 to 20.
Best months: February, March, April, and July.
Best months: January, February, March, and April.
Best months: January, March, April, and November.
Best months: January, February, March, and December.
Best months: January, February, March, and April.
Best months: January, February, March, and December.
Best months: February, March, April, and December.
Getaways near your city:
Near Mexico City Near Guadalajara Near Monterrey Near Puebla Near QuerétaroHoly Week and Easter 2027
March 21 – April 4
Holy Thursday and Good Friday (March 25 and March 26) are days off almost everywhere, and schools usually close for two weeks, Holy Week and Easter week. It is the busiest season of the year at beaches and Pueblos Mágicos, with processions and Passion plays: book early.
Pueblos Mágicos with a traditional Holy Week
The Fiesta Grande is the Feria de la Primavera y de la Paz, the week after Holy Week.
Holy Week brings ten major processions between Palm Sunday and Easter.
During Semana Santa the Tarahumara hold their own Holy Week celebrations.
At nearby Chalma, Holy Week draws tens of thousands of pilgrims to the sanctuary of the Black Christ.
During Holy Week and Easter week the historic center hosts the Feria del Pan, Ponche y Café, where local producers set out bread, ponche, coffee, cookies, mezcal, ice cream, hats, huaraches, furniture and traditional clothing.
Holy Week brings the Santo Entierro procession, San Francisco is honored on October 4, and the cemetery vigil runs through the night of November 1.
During Holy Week, pilgrims from the Huasteca walk to the sanctuary of El Contadero, between Tula and Ocampo, to sing to an image of the Virgen de Guadalupe carved into a small grotto.
Las Caladitas is held on Good Friday, and the Feria del Albañil honors stonemasons and the Holy Cross on May 3.
Labor Day 2027
May 1 – 2
This year Labor Day falls on a Saturday, so there's no long weekend, but it's still a good excuse for a weekend away.
Pueblos Mágicos for this long weekend
The Santa Cruz is honored in the Cruz Verde barrio from April 23 to May 3 with jarana dancing.
The fiesta of the Santa Cruz, May 1 to 5, includes the climb with the cross, a marathon, and the mask contest.
San José María Robles Hurtado is celebrated from May 1 to 3.
Besides the donkey fair on May 1.
Best months: January, April, May, and November.
Best months: March, April, May, and December.
Best months: February, March, April, and May.
Best months: February, March, April, and May.
Getaways near your city:
Near Mexico City Near Guadalajara Near Monterrey Near Puebla Near QuerétaroSummer holidays 2027
Mid-July to the end of August
Mexico's public schools break from mid-July to the end of August; exact dates change every school year. Central and southern Mexico are in the rainy season: mornings are usually clear, afternoons bring storms and waterfalls run full. Beaches, lakes and towns celebrating their patron saint are the favorites.
Pueblos Mágicos for the summer
A week that also commemorates the sinking of the Cruz de la Bahía on August 17.
The novenas open with an alborada on July 15.
Guadalupe is celebrated December 1 to 12, the city's founding on March 31, and nearly every barrio has its own feast, such as San Cristobalito on July 25.
The Virgen del Carmen has her feast on July 16.
Best months: February, March, August, and November.
Best months: January, February, March, and April.
Best months: January, March, April, and November.
Best months: January, February, November, and December.
Independence Day 2027
September 16 – 19
Independence Day falls on a Thursday: take the Friday and it's four days, Thursday, September 16 to Sunday, September 19.
Pueblos Mágicos for this long weekend
The Fiestas Patrias fill September 4 to 20.
The main charreadas take place on March 10, the anniversary of the municipality's founding, September 16, and December 8, the feast of the town's patron saint, each with music, dances, craft displays and regional food.
The Fiestas Patrias on September 15 and 16.
Independence celebrations on September 15 and 16 end with a mock battle in the street.
Best months: May, June, September, and October.
Best months: April, May, September, and October.
Best months: September, October, and November.
Getaways near your city:
Near Mexico City Near Guadalajara Near Monterrey Near Puebla Near QuerétaroDays off are the official ones in Mexico's federal labor law; school holidays follow the public school (SEP) calendar, which shifts a little every year. Fiestas come from each pueblo's page: check the dates before you go. More fiestas, month by month, in the festival calendar.