There is a lot to see and do in Mexico in February. The first Monday of the month (February 4, 2013) is a national holiday in honor of Constitution Day. Carnaval celebrations kick off on the 6th in many destinations. In terms of the weather, this is generally one of the driest months of the year and temperatures are warming up. February marks the peak for Monarch butterfly season, so it's an ideal time of year to visit Mexico's monarch butterfly reserves, and it's also prime whale watching season in Baja California. Here are some of the most important festivals and events that take place in February in Mexico:
Candlemas - Día de la Candelaría
Nationwide, February 2nd
It's Groundhog Day in the United States, but in Mexico, this is Día de la Candelaría, a religious holiday that marks the end of the Christmas season in the church calendar. On this day folks dress up images of the baby Jesus and take them to the church to be blessed.
- Candlemas / Día de la Candelaria.
- Photos of Dia de la Candelaria celebrations.
Grey Whale Festival
Puerto Adolfo Lopez Mateos, Baja California Sur, February 2 and 3
Between January and March gray whales make their annual trek to Baja California where they mate and breed. During the whale festival you can not only go on a whale-watching expedition, but also enjoy the festival atmosphere while you learn about the gray whale.
Grey Whale Festival
Baja California Sur Travel Information
Constitution Day - Día de la Constitución
Nationwide, February 4, 2013 (first Monday of the month)
Originally celebrated on February 5th, this holiday is now observed on the first Monday of February. It's a national holiday to commemorate the constitution of 1917 that was put in place by Venustiano Carranza following the Mexican Revolution.
Carnival - Carnaval
Various locations, February 6 to 12, 2013
A week of revelry leading up to Ash Wednesday. Brazil may be better known for Carnaval, but you don't have to go that far - many Mexican cities celebrate Carnaval with great fanfare.
Read more about Carnaval in Mexico.
Mexican Carnival Destinations.
See photos of Carnaval in Veracruz.
Chinese New Year
Mexico City's China Town, February 10, 2013
Ring in the year of the Snake in Mexico. Chinese New Year celebrations are hosted by Mexico City's China Town, located on Dolores Street in the historical center (near Bellas Artes metro).
Read more about Chinese New Year.
Valentine's Day - Día del Amor y la Amistad
Nationwide, February 14th
In Mexico this day is to celebrate friendship, as well as love. Friends and lovers exchange cards, gifts or flowers.
More: Valentine's Day in Mexico
Romantic Vacations in Mexico
Todos Santos Film Festival
Todos Santos and La Paz, Baja California Sur, February 20 to 26
This festival offers an impressive collection of films that reflects the excellence of Latino cinema throughout the world featuring local and Mexican filmmakers. More than 25 feature, documentary and short films from Argentina, Cuba, Chile, Mexico, Spain, El Salvador and special events on Baja California, its "Ranchero" culture will be shown at this year's festival.
Website: Todos Santos Cine Fest
San Pancho Music Festival
San Francisco, Nayarit, February 22 to 24
Founded in 2001, this event began as a small gathering of locals, but by 2006 the lineup included 116 artists, and has grown even more since then. The festival includes performances by musicians from the region of Riviera Nayarit, as well from the United States and Latin America. Free concerts are held in the Plaza del Sol starting at 5 pm each day of the festival.
Website: San Pancho Music Fest
Flag Day - Día de la Bandera
Nationwide, February 24th
Civic ceremonies take place to honor the Mexican flag, the tri-color. Read about the history and meaning of Mexico's flag.
Mexican Tennis Open
Acapulco, February 25 to March 2
This tennis tournament is the largest event of its kind in Latin America and attracts international tennis champions looking to score points and money. Matches held at the Fairmont Acapulco Princess.
Official Web Site: Abierto Mexicano
Acapulco City Guide
January Events | Mexico Calendar | March events
Mexico Calendar of Festivals and Events
| Mexico Events by Month | |||
| January | February | March | April |
| May | June | July | August |
| September | October | November | December |
