Food is an essential component in Mexican holidays and no self-respecting Mexican would celebrate one of his national holidays without enjoying the very best Mexican cuisine and Mexican drinks. One holiday that you might have heard about is Day of the Dead, which is on November 1 and 2. This holiday is when families get together to remember their dead loved ones.

Day of the Dead traditions include honoring the deceased by building altars and visiting graves with gifts such as the favorite Mexican foods and favorite Mexican drinks of the deceased.

Another well-known Mexican holiday is Cinco de Mayo. This is a regional holiday all over Mexico, but especially in the area of Puebla. This holiday celebrates the Mexican victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla, which was fought in 1862.

Many people assume that Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day but this is wrong because their Independence Day is September 16. Independence Day is perhaps the most important Mexican national holiday of all.

Favorite Mexican Holiday Foods you can make at Home

Certain foods are enjoyed on certain Mexican holidays but with a lot of holidays, such as Cinco de Mayo, Mexicans just prepare their favorite dishes rather than being limited to a specific meal. Mexican cookery combines Aztec, Mayan, traditional Mexical, Caribbean, French and Spanish influences amongst others and Mexicans are understandably proud of their culinary heritage.

It is common for the women to get together and make lots of food for the festivities. Tamales are associated with Mexican festivals because they are time consuming to make. This is why tamales are usually only made several times a year in big batches. You will see steamed tamales at Mexican celebrations.

Mexican wedding cakes and Mexican wedding cookies are enjoyed at Mexican holidays and not just weddings. Rosca de Reyes is the name given to the festive bread made for January 6. The bread is shaped like a wreath and decorated with lemon, cherries, candied figs, and mango. A tiny baby Jesus doll figure is baked into the bread and whoever gets the figure in their slice must prepare the food for the next Mexican holiday, which is Candlemas on February 2.

What Do Mexicans Drink on Special Days?

Mexicans do enjoy Mexican beer and tequila but that is certainly not all. Rompope is a drink a bit like eggnog flavored with rum, cinnamon, and almonds. This thick, frothy confection is often enjoyed on Mexican holidays.

Atole is another rich, thick drink, which you might enjoy on a Mexican holiday with any meal. It is sweetened with brown sugar, flavored with cinnamon, and topped with fruit slices.

Many people are sadly unaware of what authentic Mexican recipes entail, partly because of the popularity of Mexican fast food and partly because not many people outside of Mexico really grasp what this exciting cuisine is all about. You do not have to wait for a Mexican holiday to try making some delicious Mexican inspired recipes and unique flavorful dishes!