May is one of the busier months of the year, with a plethora of festivals and events. It seems like students barely set foot in school this month - what with labor day on the first, then Cinco de Mayo, Mother's Day and Teacher's Day following in quick succession. There's no shortage of cultural festivals, either, so you won't run out of things to do this month! May in Mexico is warm, and rainy season in central and southern Mexico often starts this month. Here's a look at the major holidays and festivals in Mexico in May:
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.
Mexico City Festival - Festival de Mexico en el Centro Historico
Mexico City, May 2 to 20
One of Latin America's most vibrant international arts festivals, this festival features unique and innovative events including opera, concerts, theater, art exhibits and dance productions. Proceeds from the festival go toward the rescue and restoration of the art and architecture of Mexico City's historic downtown area.
Web Site: Festival de Mexico
Actividades de Mayo - May Festival
Oaxaca, Oaxaca, May 3 to 13
A cultural festival that includes art exhibits, concerts, plays and film screenings. In its 2012 edition, the festival's theme is the eradication of violence against women.
Info: Mayo en Oaxaca
Official program: Mayo en Oaxaca (PDF)
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 public holiday commemorating the battle in Puebla of 1862 in which the Mexican army defeated the French. Celebrations in Puebla recreate the battle. 2012 marks the 150th anniversary of the battle of Puebla, and the the city of Puebla will be celebrating en grande.
Read more about Cinco de Mayo in Mexico.
Cinco de Mayo in Puebla
Throw a Cinco de Mayo party
Puebla City Guide
Rosarito - Ensenada Fun Ride
Rosarito to Ensenada, Baja California, May 5
Over 7,500 cyclists participate in this scenic 50-mile ride along the Free Road that starts in downtown Rosarito Beach and finishes in Ensenada with a fiesta from noon to sunset at Plaza Ventana al Mar on the waterfront.
Website: Rosarito Ensenada Fun Ride
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.
Festival Cultural de Mayo - May Cultural Festival
In Jalisco state, May 11 to 27
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.
Website: Festival Cultural de Mayo
Guadalajara City Guide
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
Travesia Sagrada Maya - Sacred Mayan Journey
Xcaret, Cozumel and Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, May 17 to 19
Recreating the pilgrimage of the ancient Maya to worship the Goddess lxChel, canoeists in pre-hispanic-style vessels race from Xcaret Park to Cozumel, a journey of approximately 17 miles.
Website: Sacred Mayan Journey
More about Xcaret and the ancient Maya.
Festival del Caballo, Arte y Vino - Horse, Art and Wine Festival
Ensenada, Baja California, May 20
Horses, art and wine may seem like a strange combination, but these are 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, food, wine and art.
Website: Día del Caballo
Morelia en Boca - Gastronomy Festival
Morelia, Michoacan, May 25 to 27
This food and wine festival will focus on three aspects of gastronomy: the traditional cuisine of the state of Michoacan, Mexican wine, and avant-garde cuisine (with dinners and cooking demonstrations from renowned Mexican and international chefs). Events will be held in the Centro Cultural Clavijero, a beautiful 17th century building in the heart of Morelia's historical center.
Website: Morelia en Boca
Morelia City Guide
Festival de la Paella - Paella Festival
Ezequiel Montes, Querétaro, May 26 and 27
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 80 pesos entrance fee (no admission fee for children under 12).
Website: Festival de la Paella
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Mexico Calendar of Festivals and Events
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