Celebrating American and Mexican Holidays in Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas, with its rich cultural heritage, is a top destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and cultural immersion. If you're planning a visit, you may have the unique opportunity to celebrate both American and Mexican holidays during your stay. Here's how these holidays are observed in Mexico and how you can celebrate respectfully as a tourist.
Mexican Holidays
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) – November 1-2
Día de los Muertos is a deeply meaningful holiday in Mexico, dedicated to honoring deceased loved ones. Families create altars (ofrendas) decorated with marigolds, candles, and favorite items of the departed. Cabo often hosts public altars, parades, and face painting. Tourists can respectfully join by learning about the holiday’s significance, participating in public events, and avoiding costumes that trivialize the tradition.
Locals celebrate with family gatherings, storytelling about ancestors, and visiting cemeteries to clean and decorate graves.
Mexican Independence Day – September 16
This holiday commemorates Mexico's independence from Spain and is celebrated with patriotic pride. Festivities include fireworks, mariachi music, and the famous "El Grito" (the Cry of Dolores) reenactment. In Cabo, you can join public celebrations in town squares and watch parades. Wearing green, white, and red and respectfully observing the ceremonies is encouraged.
Locals often celebrate with family dinners, traditional foods, and community festivals featuring folkloric dances.
Cinco de Mayo – May 5
While often mistaken for Mexico's Independence Day, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla against French forces. It's more significant in Puebla than the rest of Mexico, but Cabo still hosts celebratory events with music and food. If you choose to celebrate, understand the historical context and avoid reducing it to just a party theme.
Locals primarily focus on historical education and community events rather than personal celebrations.
Easter (Semana Santa) – March/April
Easter, known as Semana Santa in Mexico, is a significant holiday celebrated with religious processions, church services, and family gatherings. Cabo sees both solemn observances and festive beach crowds during this time. Tourists can participate respectfully by attending public church services or observing local traditions.
Locals emphasize religious observances, attending mass, and spending time with family at home or on local beaches.
Christmas (Navidad) – December 24-25
Christmas in Mexico is a festive season marked by Las Posadas, a reenactment of Mary and Joseph's search for shelter, as well as midnight mass and family feasts. Cabo hosts beautiful decorations, nativity scenes, and special events. Tourists can enjoy the holiday spirit while respecting religious services and local customs.
Locals celebrate with Las Posadas, midnight mass, piñatas, and large family meals featuring traditional dishes like tamales and bacalao. The month of December, including Christmastime and New Year’s is a very popular time to visit Cabo, and many Americans opt to celebrate a tropical Cabo Christmas.
New Year's Eve (Año Nuevo) – December 31
New Year's Eve in Cabo San Lucas is a lively celebration with fireworks, beach parties, and festive dinners. Many resorts and beach clubs host special events featuring live music and champagne toasts. Medano Beach is particularly famous for its grand firework displays.
Locals celebrate by gathering with family for a late dinner, often including traditional foods like bacalao and pozole, followed by fireworks and festive gatherings in town squares or beaches.
American Holidays Celebrated in Cabo
Thanksgiving – Fourth Thursday in November
Though not a Mexican holiday, many resorts and restaurants in Cabo host special Thanksgiving dinners for American tourists. Visitors can enjoy traditional American dishes while also exploring local Mexican cuisine as a cultural exchange.
Fourth of July – July 4
The Fourth of July is celebrated primarily in tourist areas of Cabo with beach parties, fireworks, and live music. While it’s not a Mexican holiday, businesses catering to tourists often embrace the festivities. Engaging with local culture while celebrating your home traditions can create a meaningful experience.
Spring Break and Memorial Day – March-April and Last Monday in May
Cabo is a hotspot for American tourists during Spring Break and Memorial Day. While beach parties and nightlife dominate, it's important to balance fun with respect for the local community and culture.
Holiday Attractions in Cabo
Here are some recommendations for places to visit, events to attend, and restaurants to enjoy if you happen to be visiting Cabo during one of the above holidays:
Places to Visit:
Flora Farms: A renowned farm-to-table dining experience, Flora Farms hosts holiday festivities, including gingerbread cookie-making classes, champagne and pizza nights in the garden, and a special Christmas Eve Brunch.
Viceroy Los Cabos: This luxury resort offers festive programs during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's, featuring special dining events, live music, and wellness activities.
One&Only Palmilla: Known for its beachside dining and festive celebrations, this resort provides special events during Christmas and New Year's Eve, offering a luxurious holiday experience.
Events to Attend:
Las Posadas: Participate in traditional processions reenacting Mary and Joseph's search for shelter, held in various neighborhoods leading up to Christmas.
New Year's Eve Beach Parties: Join lively celebrations on Medano Beach, featuring fireworks, live music, and dancing to welcome the New Year. There are a ton of restaurants and resorts with events, so be sure to do some research and check them out! If you’re staying at an EDS Destinations villa, you can always contact our team for more information or help making reservations.
Cabo Rey New Year's Eve Cruise: Enjoy a dinner cruise in the bay with a great dinner and views of the fireworks.
Restaurants to Check Out:
Cascadas Beach Grill: Located on Medano Beach, this restaurant offers Christmas Eve dinners with a beachfront view.
Local Taquerías: For an authentic experience, visit local taco stands to enjoy traditional Mexican dishes during holidays like Cinco de Mayo.
When planning your holiday activities in Cabo San Lucas, be sure to make reservations in advance, as venues and events can be in high demand during festive seasons.
Tips for Respectful Celebration
Learn the History: Understand the cultural significance behind each holiday.
Participate Thoughtfully: Join public events and ceremonies rather than private family celebrations.
Support Local Businesses: Choose local restaurants and artisans during your stay.
Respect Traditions: Avoid costumes or behaviors that might be seen as disrespectful. If in doubt, it’s better to play it safe.
Blend Cultures: Embrace both your traditions and local customs for a richer experience. You are in Mexico after all!
Cabo San Lucas offers a unique blend of Mexican culture and tourist-friendly celebrations, making it a perfect place to experience holidays from both sides of the border. By celebrating with mindfulness and respect, you can create unforgettable memories while honoring the beauty of cultural diversity that Cabo has to offer.
Los Cabos has so much to offer its visitors! If you’d like help planning your stay, feel free to contact us here for local Cabo expertise. You can also email us at info@edsdestinations.com. We offer concierge services and luxury vacation rentals that will make your stay enjoyable, comfortable, and unforgettable. Happy Travels!