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Semana Santa: One of Mexico’s Busiest Vacation Weeks in 2025

In Mexico, Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is one of the busiest travel times of the year, rivaled only by the week between Christmas and New Year’s. During these periods, schools close, many workers take time off, and families across the country take the opportunity to travel—whether to reunite with loved ones, relax at the beach, or explore somewhere new.

Easter Holy Week Dates in Mexico for 2025

Easter is a moveable feast, observed on the first Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon—the first full moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox.

In 2025:

• Maundy (Holy) Thursday falls on April 17th
• Good Friday falls on April 18th
• Easter Sunday will be observed on April 20th

Semana Santa holiday travel in Mexico generally kicks off during the week leading up to Good Friday and continues through to the Sunday after Easter.

A Busy Season for Travel Across Mexico

Just as Americans travel for Thanksgiving, Mexicans hit the road en masse for Semana Santa. Families use the two-week school break to head to coastal towns, resort areas, or even international destinations. Major highways, airports, and bus stations become crowded, and hotels at popular beach spots often reach full capacity.

Typically, there are two main waves of holiday travelers:

• The first wave departs the weekend before Holy Week begins.
• The second wave sets off on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, resulting in even busier roads and transit stations.

Mexico City’s Calm During Holy Week

For residents of Mexico City, Semana Santa brings a rare stillness. As families vacate the capital, the usual traffic congestion eases dramatically. Roads that are normally jammed with vehicles become almost tranquil, making it a great time to explore the city.

Popular day-trip routes like those to Cuernavaca, Acapulco, Puebla, Veracruz, Guadalajara, Morelia, and Querétaro become heavily trafficked, while the capital itself quiets down.

For those staying behind—or visitors who enjoy a more relaxed pace—Mexico City offers a wonderful experience:

• Less crowded museums, restaurants, and parks
• Shorter wait times at tourist attractions and special exhibitions
• Easier parking and quicker transit across the city

It’s an ideal time to stroll through the historic center, visit the Anthropology Museum, or enjoy the charming neighborhoods of Coyoacán and San Ángel.

Smart Travel Tips for Semana Santa

If you want to avoid the crowds, consider this strategy:
Spend Semana Santa in Mexico City, then head to the beach or colonial cities after the holiday rush has passed. This allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds—a calm, uncrowded capital and quieter post-peak vacation destinations.

Economic Impacts of Semana Santa in Mexico

Semana Santa has a noticeable effect on Mexico’s economy:

• Travel-related sectors boom — hotel bookings, airfare, tours, restaurants, and supermarkets all see a spike in demand and prices.
• Prices rise before and during the holiday, especially for accommodations and flights. After Easter, prices typically return to normal, but by then, most people have already vacationed.
• People with school-aged children or those working in formal employment often have no choice but to travel during peak times. However, retirees and remote workers can take advantage of off-season travel to save money and avoid the rush.

Holy Thursday and Good Friday are official public holidays in Mexico. During these days:

• Banks, government offices, and financial markets are closed
• Factories and construction sites often pause operations

Since Easter can fall in either March or April, it also affects monthly economic indicators. Retail sectors generally perform well during whichever month hosts the holiday, while other sectors like manufacturing may temporarily slow down.

Returning Home: Brace for Heavy Traffic

As Semana Santa wraps up, a massive return migration to major cities begins, especially Mexico City. If you plan to travel back on the Monday following Easter Week, be prepared for heavy traffic and long delays.

Plan accordingly, leave early, and bring extra patience—it’s one of the busiest travel days of the year.