Mexico is a country full of traditions and culture, where patron saint festivals are a living expression of the faith, folklore and identity of each region. These celebrations, dedicated to patron saints of communities, towns and cities, are a mix of the religious, the festive and the traditional, bringing together locals and visitors in an atmosphere of joy and devotion. Below is a detailed calendar of the main patron saint festivals in Mexico for the year 2025.
January
Feast of the Virgin of Candelaria (February 2)
- Location: Tlacotalpan, Veracruz.
- Description: This celebration combines religious processions, regattas on the Papaloapan River and cultural events. It is recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
San Sebastian (January 20)
- Location: Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas.
- Description: The "parachicos" festival stands out, declared Intangible Cultural Heritage, with dances, music and colorful parades.
February
- Carnival and Feast of the Virgin of Candelaria
- Location: All over the country.
- Description: Although Carnival is not exclusive to patron saint festivals, in places such as Mazatlán (Sinaloa) and Cozumel (Quintana Roo) they coincide with religious traditions, which enriches the festivities.
March
- Saint Joseph (March 19)
- Location: San Jose Iturbide, Guanajuato.
- Description: Processions and festivities in honor of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of workers.
April
- Holy Week and Easter (April 13-20, variable dates)
- Location: All over the country.
- Description: Although it is not a patronal festival, many communities celebrate Good Friday with processions that recall the Passion of Christ. The most notable are the representations in Iztapalapa, Mexico City.
May
San Isidro Labrador (May 15)
- Location: Merida, Yucatan.
- Description: Celebrations include masses, blessings of seeds and agricultural machinery, as well as local fairs.
Santa Cruz (May 3)
- Location: Cuetzalan, Puebla.
- Description: Dedicated to construction workers, with colorful processions and festivals in different communities.
June
Saint John the Baptist (June 24)
- Location: San Juan de los Lagos, Jalisco.
- Description: Mass pilgrimages are carried out to the sanctuary of the Virgin of San Juan.
Corpus Christi (variable dates, usually June)
- Location: Papantla, Veracruz.
- Description: A combination of Totonac faith and traditions, including flying dancers.
July
Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (July 16)
- Location: Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo.
- Description: Maritime and land processions accompanied by traditional music and dances.
Saint James the Apostle (July 25)
- Location: Queretaro, Queretaro.
- Description: Theatrical representations of the Spanish conquest, as well as parades and cultural festivals.
August
Saint Lawrence (August 10)
- Location: Oaxaca de Juarez, Oaxaca.
- Description: Celebrations with band music, calendas and masses in honor of this saint.
Feast of the Assumption (August 15)
- Location: Moreno Lakes, Jalisco.
- Description: Processions, folk dances and cultural activities in honor of the Virgin of the Assumption.
September
- Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel (September 29)
- Location: San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato.
- Description: Festivities include the traditional "Alborada", where thousands of rockets light up the sky on the eve.
October
Saint Francis of Assisi (October 4)
- Location: San Francisco del Rincon, Guanajuato.
- Description: Includes masses, processions and cultural festivals in honor of the patron saint of animals.
Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary (October 7)
- Location: Talpa de Allende, Jalisco.
- Description: Processions with thousands of pilgrims, music and traditional fairs.
November
All Saints' Day and Day of the Dead (November 1 and 2)
- Location: All over the country.
- Description: Although they are not patron saint festivals, the offerings, altars and processions are celebrated with great fervor, especially in places like Oaxaca and Pátzcuaro, Michoacán.
Saint Martin the Knight (November 11)
- Location: Mexico City.
- Description: A minor festival in various parishes dedicated to this saint, who is considered the protector of travelers and farmers.
December
Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe (December 12)
- Location: Mexico City (Basilica of Guadalupe).
- Description: It is the most important religious festival in the country, where millions of pilgrims flock to the Basilica to pay homage to the "Morenita del Tepeyac".
Christmas Posadas (from December 16th to 24th)
- Location: All over the country.
- Description: These celebrations reflect the Christmas spirit with processions that recreate Mary and Joseph's search for an inn.
Patronal festivals are much more than religious events; they are a reflection of the soul of Mexico. In every corner of the country, these celebrations combine pre-Hispanic rituals, colonial traditions and modernity, creating a unique experience for attendees. If you plan to visit Mexico in 2025, don't hesitate to include one of these festivities in your itinerary to experience the cultural richness that the country has to offer.