There is a lot to see and do in Mexico in February. The first Monday of the month (February 6) is a national holiday in honor of Constitution Day. Carnaval celebrations take place mid-month 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 4 and 5
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 6, 2012 (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.
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
International Organ and Early Music Festival
Oaxaca, Oaxaca and nearby villages, February 15 to 20, 2012
The Institute of Historic Oaxacan Organs hosts this festival, now in its 8th edition. Events planned include concerts on seven restored organs, offering a unique opportunity to appreciate the richness and diversity of Oaxaca´s collection of baroque instruments, as well as three all-day field trips to visit 12 unrestored instruments in village churches, most of which are usually inaccessible to the public.
Website: International Organ and Early Music Festival
Oaxaca City Guide
Carnival - Carnaval
Various locations, February 15 to 21, 2012
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.
Mayakoba Golf Classic
Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo, February 22 to 26
The only PGA tournament in Mexico features a one-day Pro-Am competition followed by a four-round professional tournament contested on the Greg Norman-designed El Camaleόn golf course at Mayakoba.
Website: Mayakoba Golf Classic
Fairmont Mayakoba | Rosewood Mayakoba | Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Todos Santos Film Festival
Todos Santos and La Paz, Baja California Sur, February 23 to March 3
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
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 27 to March 3
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 |
