Events in Holbox

Experience the stunning festivals and lively fiestas of Holbox Island

The Best Events on Isla Holbox

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If you’re vacationing on the island, you’ll have a good chance of participating in one of the colorful Holbox events, as there really are many of them. The most famous celebration is the legendary carnival, which lasts five days and takes place every year in February or March. Following this and in late summer, there are several fishing tournaments, which are very popular with Mexicans because of the high prize money. Easter, when there are vacations in Mexico, is also celebrated extensively. Many visitors from the surrounding area use these days for family visits and beach vacations.

One of the most unique events in Holbox is the Fiesta Patronal de San Telmo, a traditional celebration honoring San Telmo, the patron saint of fishermen. Summer brings several national holidays, as well as the Day of the Whale Shark, which celebrates these marine giants and their importance to tourism. Autumn continues with Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. As in the rest of Mexico, this is a significant celebration on Holbox Island as well. Finally, at the end of the year, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are celebrated, just like almost everywhere else in the world.

The table below provides an overview of the most important festivities on Isla Holbox.

Calendar of Events on Holbox Island

DateNameCelebration
01/01Año NuevoNew Year’s Day
01/06Día de los Reyes MagosThree Kings Day
02/05Aniversario de la ConstituciónDay of the Constitution
February/MarchCarnaval HolboxCarnival of Holbox
February/MarchTorneo de Pesca ChendoritoFishing Tournament
02/24Día de la BanderaDay of the Flag
03/21Natalicio de Benito JuárezBirthday Benito Juárez
March/AprilSemana Santa, PascuaEaster
04/14Fiesta Patronal de San TelmoDay of the Patron Saint
05/01Día del TrabajoLabor Day
05/05Día de la Batalla de PueblaDay of the Battle of Puebla
AugustTorneo de Pesca Don Nain Moguel OrdazFishing Tournament
08/30Día del Tiburón BallenaDay of the Whale Shark
09/15-16Día de la IndependenciaIndependence Day
10/12Día de la RazaColumbus Day
OctoberMuestra GastronómicaGastronomy Fair
11/01-02Dia de los MuertosAll Saints’ Day, All Souls’ Day
11/20Aniversario de la RevoluciónDay of the Revolution
12/12Nuestra Señora de GuadalupeVirgin of Guadalupe
12/24Noche BuenaChristmas Eve
12/25NavidadChristmas
12/31NocheviejaNew Year’s Eve
Overview of Isla Holbox events

Fiestas in Mexico

Hardly any other country in the world has as many festivals and celebrations as Mexico, which are called fiestas here. You almost get the impression that there is a fiesta nearly every day, which is probably true because there is always a party going on somewhere in the country. This is because, in addition to the numerous national holidays, every town and village has its own public holidays that are extensively celebrated.

People sit at tables around a stage on the beach at a fiesta in Holbox.
A fiesta in Holbox with a stage on the beach

Attending a fiesta in Holbox is an extraordinary experience that should not be missed. In Mexico, celebrating primarily means eating a lot, drinking a lot and dancing to music – often for several days. However, Mexicans are also very religious, which is why there are numerous colorful ceremonies and loud processions during these holidays. And due to the large crowds, the town is filled with food stalls selling delicious street food, as well as vendors selling souvenirs and games for children.

During the San Telmo festival, people on the island of Holbox carry a statue through the streets.
Procession in honor of the patron saint San Telmo

For those seeking peace and quiet, such events in Holbox can be a bit exhausting, especially if your accommodation is close to the center. This is because a large stage is set up in the main square, where loud music is played all night and parties are held until the early morning. If you prefer a relaxed vacation away from the hustle and bustle, it is best to avoid Holbox Island during Carnival, Easter, and Christmas.

A large gathering of people around an open-air stage during one of the numerous events in Holbox.
At the main square during Easter