Dia del Trabajo - Labor Day
Nationwide, May 1st
This is a national public holiday in Mexico. There are political and labor union marches and official speeches. Schools, banks and government offices are closed.
Humanitas, Fiestas de Mayo - May Festival
Oaxaca, Oaxaca, May 2 to 11
A cultural festival that includes art exhibits, concerts, plays and film screenings.
Web Site: Humanitas
Oaxaca City Guide
Dia de la Santa Cruz - Day of the Holy Cross
Nationwide, May 3rd
This celebration dates back to colonial times. Construction workers decorate crosses with flowers and mount them on buildings under construction, and have picnics at the site, followed by fireworks.
Cinco de mayo, Batalla de Puebla - Commemoration of the battle of Puebla
Throughout the country, but particularly in Puebla, May 5th
A national public holiday commemorating the battle in Puebla of 1862 in which the Mexican army defeated the French. Celebrations in Puebla recreate the battle.
Read more about Cinco de Mayo in Mexico.
Throw a Cinco de Mayo party
Puebla City Guide
Festival Cultural de Mayo - May Cultural Festival
In Jalisco state, May 9 to June 6
This festival includes cultural events such as concerts, exhibits, film screenings, dance performances and gastronomic tastings. Many of the events will be free admission. Events will take place at many locations in the state of Jalisco, including many in Guadalajara's Teatro Degollado. This year's guest country is Germany.
Web Site: Festival Cultural de Mayo
Guadalajara City Guide
Dia de la Madre - Mother's Day
Nationwide, May 10
Mother's Day is always celebrated on May 10th in Mexico, regardless of the day of the week (unlike in the U.S. where it is celebrated on the second Sunday in May). Mothers are held in very high esteem in Mexican culture and on this day they are celebrated in style. The day may start off with serenades of Las Mañanitas, schools have festivals in honor of the mothers of students and restaurants are packed as moms take the day off from cooking and are treated to a meal out with their families.
Treat your Mom to a Mother's Day Getaway in Mexico
Día del Maestro - Teacher's Day
Nationwide, May 15
Usually classes are suspended on this day - so teachers get the day off, or there will be a small party and students give their teachers gifts as a sign of their appreciation.
Restaurant Week in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta, May 15 to 31
Puerto Vallarta's best restaurants offer spectacular three-course menus (with three options each) discounted by up to 50%. So enjoy your favorite restaurants at the fixed prices (no beverages or tips included).
Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Week
Puerto Vallarta City Guide
Jornadas Alarconianas
Taxco, Guerrero, May 22 to 31
This annual cultural festival is held in honor of Juan de Alarcon (1581?-1639), a playwright from Taxco. Festivities include plays, literary events, dance performances and concerts.
Web Site: Jornadas Alarconianas
Taxco City Guide
National Wine and Cheese Fair
Tequisquiapan, Queretaro, May 23 to June 1
Local producers of wine and cheese present the best of their products. Events include cultural events and concerts, wine tastings, conferences, a sommeliers contest, cheese making demonstrations and activities for children. The town of Tequisquiapan, a two-hour drive north of Mexico City, is famous for its spas with thermal waters.
Web Site: Feria Nacional del Queso y del Vino
Festival del Caballo, Arte y Vino - Horse, Art and Wine Festival
Ensenada, Baja California, May 24
What do horses, art and wine have in common? They're all things for which Baja California is famous. This annual event is held at the equestrian facilities of Adobe Guadalupe Vineyards & Inn. The day is filled with exhibitions of equestrian arts combined with art, food and wine.
Web Site: Día del Caballo
Contemporary Art Festival - Festival de Arte Contemporaneo
Puerto Vallarta, May 28 to June 1
An annual contemporary art festival that brings together international artists to participate in a series of exhibitions, public art projects and panel discussions. This year's theme is "Extended Borders: Shifting Cartographies" and will include the participation of artists from Los Angeles in dialogue with Mexican artists about globalization, extended borders and hybrid identities.
Web Site: Puerto Vallarta Arte Contemporaneo
Festival de la Paella - Paella Festival
Ezequiel Montes, Querétaro, May 30 and 31
Paella is a popular rice-based dish from Spain that has a number of delicious and interesting variations. The Cavas Freixenet holds an annual paella festival where you can sample different versions of this popular dish. A glass of wine is included in the 50 pesos entrance fee (no admission fee for children under 12).
Web Site: Festival de la Paella
Festival del Desierto - Festival of the Desert
San Luis Potosí, May 30 to June 6
This cultural festival includes music, dance, and theater performances, as well as a children's program. Events will be held at different locations throughout the city.
Web Site: Festival del Desierto
