HOLIDAYS

September is the most important month for Mexican history. Las Fiestas Patrias, or Homeland Celebrations, include La Noche del Grito, Mexican Independence Day, and el Día de Los Ninos Héroes de Chapultepec. All are celebrated in mid September making it an important month for Mexican National heritage. Find out how Las Fiestas Patrias originated, or read about the activities that surround this festive day.

May 10th marks Mother's Day, and since mothers are so important to the Mexican culture, this day marks a very significant celebration. Since Mexico is 90% Catholic, the religious holidays of Lent and Christmas are major events too. Semana Santa is the last week of the 40-day Lent period and includes Good Friday and Easter. Easter is traditionally celebrated by cracking confetti-filled egg shells, called cascarones, over the heads of friends and family. Christmas, called Navidad, is a huge event and almost everyone takes off the last two weeks in December to celebrate it. There are many events of religious significance and they vary somewhat from region to region.

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