Holiday Calendar

By Heather Wilson
Fall-Winter 2004

• January:
1.- New Year's Day is the most laid-back holiday, people taking it easy after the night before, perhaps walking on the malecon or going to the beach.
6.- Day of the Kings is a favorite with children because they get new toys in honor of the three kings who took gifts to the baby Jesus. A traditional cake, Rosca de Reyes, is served, and whoever finds a tiny plastic baby in their piece has to make the tamales for a party February 2.

• February:
5.- Constitution Day recognizes the implementation of the national Constitution into law.
24.- Mexican Flag Day is when the military, citizens and officials parade with the green, white and red to show their patriotism.

• March:
3.- Ash Wednesday is recognized by Protestants and Roman Catholics everywhere. Here the devout go to church and get their foreheads marked with ashes in the shape of a cross.
21.- Benito Juarez Birthday honors the humble, indigenous former Mexican president whose egalitarian world view was likened to that of his contemporary, Abe Lincoln.

• April:
( 8 & 9) The week before and including Easter, from 4 to 11, Holy Week is a wildly busy time, as is the week following, when nationals arrive en masse to play and camp on our beaches. Children make pretty confetti-filled eggs that they throw at the unsuspecting.

• May:
1.- Labor day has unions parading in the streets.
5.- Cinco de Mayo, commemorating the defeat of the French at Puebla in 1862, is a big deal in parts of the USA, but not here. In fact, since 2001 it is no longer a national holiday, merely a banking one.
10.- Mother's Day is a huge deal, families gathering around the Queen for a Day to sing Las Mananitas at midnight the night before. No problem that the kids are up late, because school's out the next day.

• June:
1.- Navy Day brings a colorful, morning parade of all the navy ships in port, followed by tour boats and fishing boats flying their nautical flags.

• September:
1.- President's State of the Nation Address is televised throughout the country.
14.- Day of the Charros brings a morning parade of beautifully outfitted cowboys and cowgirls on horseback through the heart of town. Continuing festivities include traditional food and dancing, along with rodeo competitions demonstrating skill and showmanship.
15.- El Grito de Dolores, the cry for liberty at Dolores Hidalgo in 1810, is perhaps the most emotionally powerful holiday for the patriotic and those who love this country. Every mayor in Mexico stands on his balcony, which always overlooks the Main Plaza, and yells out the names of Mexico's Founding Fathers. The crowd gathered below responds in unison with a heartfelt "Viva" after each name, culminating with a resounding "Viva Mexico!"
16.- Independence Day marks Mexico's liberation from the Spanish in 1810.

• October:
12.- Columbus Day commemorates the discovery of America in 1492.

• November:
2.- The Day of the Dead, akin to Halloween in that this is when the deceased are said to return to this plane, is really more like a wake. Families flock to graves with food and tequila for themselves as well as the departed, often taking musical instruments to play. You'll see marigolds - the sacred Aztec flower of death - all over town, as well as highly creative altars.
20.- Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution, from 1910 - 1917, is marked by parades.

• December
1-12 (12) Processions for the Virgin of Guadalupe to the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe happen round the clock - as does bell ringing - people walking on foot from as far away as Mismaloya. Wearing white, holding candles and singing to Vallarta's patron saint, neighborhoods, hotels, businesses and civic associations form processions, all of which end in a church mass. The final day brings a huge parade with lots of beautifully decorated floats.
24.- Christmas Eve is when the traditional family dinner happens, usually after midnight mass, with good home cooking, ponche´ (hot punch with chunks of fruit), sidra (fermented cider served cold) and gifts - primarily for the children.
25.- Christmas Day is for recovering from the festivities and going to the beach.
28.- Holy Innocent's Day is the Mexican April Fool's Day, so don't believe a word you hear!
31.- New Year's Eve is celebrated with a special dinner as it is in much of the world. The traditional 12 grapes are eaten at midnight, a wish made before downing each one.