Descriptions of Mexican Holidays and Observances

All Soul's Day/Day of the Dead
(Latin American, Catholic)
All Soul's Day is a time for the living to celebrate their connection with the immortal souls of the dead. In predominantly Catholic communities in Latin America, this festival is called the Day of the Dead. Graves are newly decorated, and there is a carnival atmosphere.

Cinco de Mayo (Mexican)
May 5 marks the victory of the Mexican Army over the French at the battle of Pueblo in 1862. Many Latin Americans celebrate Cinco de Mayo as the symbolic end to centuries of imperialism in Central and South America. Today, Cinco de Mayo is marked by parades, parties and celebrations of Mexican cultural heritage.

Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mexican Christian)
One of Mexico's most important religious holidays, it commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary in 1531 to a young Indian man named Juan Diego. This occurred on a hilltop near Mexico City called Tepeyac (widely known as Guadalupe). Millions of people annually visit the church now on this site.