Carnival - Carnaval
Various locations, January 30 to February 6
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.
Gray Whale Festival
Lopez Mateos and Guerrero Negro, Baja California, February 1 to 15
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.
Tourist information about La Paz, Baja California
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.
- Read more about Dia de la Candelaria.
- See photos of Dia de la Candelaria celebrations.
Todos Santos Art Festival
Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, February 4 to 10
Graphic art as well as the performing arts are celebrated with art shows, concerts, handicraft demonstrations and workshops in this week-long festival.
Visit the Todos Santos Art Festival Web Site.
Constitution Day - Día de la Constitución
Nationwide, February 5th
A national public holiday to commemorate the constitution of 1917 that was put in place by Venustiano Carranza following the Mexican Revolution.
Chinese New Year
Mexico City's China Town, February 7
Chinese New Year celebrations are hosted by Mexico City's China Town, located on Dolores Street in the historical center (near Bellas Artes metro).
Valentine's Day - Día del Amor y Amistad
Nationwide, February 14th
In Mexico this day is to celebrate friendship, as well as love. Friends and lovers exchange cards, gifts or flowers.
Mexico City's International Contemporary Film Festival
Mexico City, February 19 to March 2
Activities included in this annual festival: screenings, competitions, round-table discussions at cinemas and venues throughout the city. Films shown in categories including fiction, documentary, retrospectives on themes/directors, Mexican cinema, European cinema (a different country focus each year) and shorts.
Visit the FICCO Film Festival Web Site
Flag Day - Día de la Bandera
Nationwide, February 24th
School children get the day off and banks and government offices are closed. Civic ceremonies take place to honor the tri-color, Mexico's flag.
