Shared Celebrations: The Best Fourth of July in Mexico

Every country is known for having its own national holidays, and the Fourth of July is a holiday that millions of people celebrate in the United States of America every single year. Known for its high energy and incredible way of bringing people together, this is a favorite summer holiday in the States.

Is this holiday only celebrated in America, or does its next-door neighbor, Mexico, ever join in on the fun? Let’s journey together to explore the Fourth of July in Mexico!

The History of the Fourth of July

The Fourth of July (also commonly referred to as July 4th, the 4th of July, and Independence Day) is an annual celebration shared across the United States. On this day, Americans celebrate American independence, paying tribute to the time in 1776 when America broke ties with Great Britain and become its own nation. This federal holiday is celebrated by friends, families, and other loved ones every single year. It is a day of patriotism, but it is also commonly used to party with your favorite people!

Do People Celebrate the Fourth of July in Mexico?

Since the Fourth of July is an American holiday that is celebrating the founding of America, you might assume that it is only celebrated in the United States. In the modern age, that actually isn’t true. It is an American holiday, but you may be surprised to learn that there are also many people who celebrate the Fourth of July in Mexico. You can find celebrations all around Mexico on this holiday.

There are many Americans in Mexico throughout the year and plenty of people who live close to the border. When your neighbor is throwing a party, don’t you want to join in too?

Celebrating the Fourth of July in Mexico

In America, Fourth of July celebrations often come with plenty of flags, good food, and even better company. If you find yourself in Mexico during this holiday, you can expect to find many of these same things and more.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect on this holiday.

Who Celebrates?

When it comes to a celebration, there will always be people who are eager to jump in and have a little fun. In general, Fourth of July celebrations in Mexico impact three main groups–American travelers, those who live near the border, and local Mexican citizens too!

Since the Fourth of July is a federal holiday, a lot of U.S. residents use it as an opportunity to head out on a vacation. People will take this time off work and head across the border to enjoy this wonderful holiday and a great trip to Mexico. Due to Mexico’s close proximity to the U.S., it is an easy and cost-effective option. Of course, Mexico is great, so it isn’t surprising that nearly 40 million Americans travel to Mexico each year. The popular vacation destination Puerta Vallarta, in particular, is known for its Fourth of July celebrations.

Those who live near the border in Mexico are often closer to U.S. celebrations than others. Every year, people spend time watching fireworks from across the US-Mexico border and will often hold celebrations of their own. In fact, there is quite a bit of activity on both sides of the border during this holiday, with many people passing into the other areas to celebrate!

It is easy to see why Americans or those near America want to celebrate the Fourth of July, but the truth is that this holiday is often celebrated in many areas throughout Mexico. July 4th is fun, and people love a good reason to celebrate something positive. With their vibrant nature, Fourth of July celebrations are fairly popular in areas where a lot of tourists spend time, but some local families celebrate it too.

How is the Fourth of July Celebrated in Mexico?

In the United States, the Fourth of July is usually seen as a holiday that involves parades, barbecuing, drinking, and lighting fireworks. You might find yourself wondering if it is the same in Mexico or if it is different because it isn’t truly a Mexican holiday.

The Fourth of July may not look exactly like it does in the United States when you celebrate it in Mexico, but the celebrations are largely the same.  People use it as an opportunity to host barbecues with plenty of great food and drinks–and any local will tell you that the fireworks in Mexico just hit differently. This is one of the times of the year when fireworks are used by those who love them in the U.S. and Mexico.

The majority of celebrations are held in popular cities by restaurants and hotels. Whether this is to appeal to travelers from the U.S. who holiday in Mexico or just an opportunity for local establishments to build the hype, you can often find tasty food, delicious drinks, and plenty of energy when celebrating the Fourth of July in Mexico. 

Why is the Fourth of July Celebrated in Mexico?

Depending on who you ask, the reasons behind these celebrations can vary. Some celebrations happen to draw in travelers during the holiday. Others happen because it is a reason to celebrate, and that is all anyone cares about. It offers a chance to let loose and have fun–and that is reason enough to celebrate!

Holidays in Mexico: Does Mexico Have an Equivalent to the Fourth of July?

Due to their proximity on the calendar and similar names, it is a common myth that Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day–an equivalent of the Fourth of July–but that actually isn’t true.

Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of the won Battle of Puebla back in 1862, about a hundred years after America became a nation. While this holiday does celebrate a victory against a French Army, it is not the same as the Fourth of July, and it also is not considered Independence Day in Mexico.

In Mexico, Independence Day is celebrated on September 16th every year. This day is used to remember a time when a priest gave a moving speech that is believed to have started the War of Independence between Mexico and Spain. Known for its spread of parades, food, music, fireworks, and dancing, this holiday is very much an equivalent to the Fourth of July. Depending on who you ask, the Mexican Independence Day fireworks can be even better!

There are several other great national holidays in Mexico to celebrate too, including Mexico’s famed Dia de los Muertos.

Where Will You Celebrate the Fourth of July Next Year?

Americans love to celebrate their country’s origin story. These days, the modern version of July 4th is changing as more people travel and connect. You can celebrate this holiday in the United States, but it looks like the time is finally right to celebrate the Fourth of July in Mexico too!

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