Mexico is a country full of culture, colors, flavor, history, music and hospitality. If you are single traveller in Mexico and want to experience a wonderful journey, here are some fun celebrations you should not miss if you want to feel immersed in their culture and have an unforgettable vacation.
When traveling solo or with friends, Mexico is a wonderful destination to visit, from archaeological sites to amazing beaches or colonial cities, Mexico has a lot to offer. Here are some basic tips:
- There are excellent hotels for all budgets and very well organized tourist trails as well as excellent bus routes. English is spoken in all tourist destinations and people are warm and helpful. Ask your hotel to help you figure out the best options for you.
- Plan your vacation, book transportation (airplane, buses or car rental) and lodging ahead of time.
- Buy a SIM card in Mexico for your cell phone or hire an international plan with your mobile phone company. Having Internet on your phone will help you tons with GPS for your trips as well as for downloading a translation App.
- Play it safe, as you will do in any other country, don’t walk alone at night, avoid drinking too much alcohol, stay in the tourist areas and use common sense.
The most important festivities in Mexico are:
DIA DE MUERTOS: Or “Day of the dead” celebrates the return of the loved ones that have passed away, who come and visit their relatives for one day. It merges catholic traditions with indigenous festivities and rituals to welcome their souls on the 1st and 2nd of November. This is a national holiday in Mexico where families decorate their houses with colorful altars and offerings, with flowers, incense, pictures of their deceased and their favorite food and drinks. The graveyards also become a place of reunion where life is celebrated among the dead. Pátzcuaro, Michoacán or the city of Oaxaca are two places where you will enjoy this festivity with a small town atmosphere.
CARNIVAL: Carnival is an official Mexican holiday that starts the weekend before Catholic lent and lasts for 5 days. You will see amazing parades full of life and color, masks, customs, music and dancing on the main streets in almost every city.
LAS POSADAS: Posadas take place during nine consecutive days of candlelight processions and lively parties starting December 16th.
Families gather to commemorate Joseph and Mary’s quest for lodging in Bethlehem in order to give birth to baby Jesus and ends at the last posada where a manger is surrounded by shepherds, animals and the three wise men who come and visit the newborn son of God. Piñatas filled with candy or Mexican fruit are broken to celebrate this festivity with children.
DIA DE LA INDEPENDENCIA: Mexico’s Independence Day is celebrated on September 16th. It celebrates the independence of Mexico from Spain, which began on the 16th of September in 1810. This festivity is celebrated in every corner of Mexico, it is an official Holiday where even Banks and government offices are closed. Music, noise, Mexican flags, dances and delicious food are part of this national celebration. “El Grito” (El Grito de Dolores”) was the battle cry of the Mexican War of Independence, uttered Miguel Hidalgo in the town of Dolores. Each year, on September 15th Mexican political leaders gather in their town’s Zocalo and lead the people through this special cheer to celebrate their heroes.
¡Viva México! ¡Viva!
Mexico for singles is a wonderful destination that offers lots of traditions and fun.
