One of the most impressive displays of devotion during the Easter period in Mexico is the so-called Procesion del Silencio (the Silent Procession) taking place on Holy Friday. This tradition, originating in Spain around the 13th century, is particularly popular in colonial areas like San Luis Potosí, Querétaro, San Miguel de Allende, or San Cristóbal de las Casas. The ritual consists of an evening procession, whose participants show devotion through their act of silence intending to honor Jesus’ sacrifice and suffering. In the city of San Luis Potosí, the Procession del Silencio is one of the most important traditions and is considered World Cultural Heritage. San Luis Potosí is among the most pleasant Mexican destinations to visit in the springtime and, if you stay in the Semana Santa, you will have the chance to enjoy this dramatic ritual, performed annually since 1954. During this mystic event, which echoes the traditional parade born in Seville, San Luis Potosí’s historic center is permeated by an aura of solemnity. On the Holy Friday at 8.00 p.m. the Via Crucis begins, with devotees coming from all over the state to attend the silent tour representing Christ’s path to crucifixion. The participants are dressed in traditional penitents robes and hoods to symbolize humility and march in silence, accompanied only by the sound of drums for the whole celebration.

During the Holy Week, many Mexicans pay tribute to another Spain-born tradition to show their faith. The ritual consists of visiting twelve churches in the twelve days preceding Easter and is meant to symbolize gratitude and devotion to the twelve apostles. This tradition, although demanding, can be easy to carry on in areas such as Cholula in Puebla or Monterrey in Nuevo León, both renowned for boasting many colonial churches, but might be a real challenge in more rural areas. If you want to join this custom but have limited time, you can opt for its shortened variant and visit seven churches in the seven days of the Semana Santa.

One of the most emblematic traditions to celebrate Easter in Mexico is the re-enactment of the Passion of Jesus Christ. As in many other Catholic countries, during the week preceding Easter Sunday, Mexican devotees join several processions such as the Via Crucis (the path to the cross) and take part or attend the sometimes-extreme acts of penance and devotion. In many areas in Mexico, it is common to see flagellants whipping their backs to re-live the suffering endured by Christ; other penitentes' acts include walking barefoot and wearing crowns of thorns while bearing a real-size cross. The most picturesque re-enactment of the Passion of Christ is performed in Iztapalapa district in Mexico City, where the Passion Play includes flagellation and physical pain before the actor impersonating Christ is crucified.

Like in every Catholic country, it is a custom in Mexico to celebrate Easter Sunday by attending the Mass. All churches are usually crowded with devotees, whereas every street is crowded with vendors selling street food, toys, balloons and decorations, handicrafts, and other items. In several states, especially in southern Mexico and in colonial areas, another tradition originated in the Middle Ages is still very much alive. The ritual called ‘The Burning of the Judases’ dates to the 12th century and has evolved throughout the ages into the current tradition of crafting, hanging, burning, and blowing giant Judas figures. These Judas effigies, symbolizing the betrayal of Jesus by Judas, are normally made of cardboard or papier-mâché, and filled with fireworks. In Mexico City and southern states like Chiapas, the Judas effigies often represent unpopular personalities or political figures.

The Easter period is also a perfect moment for enjoying Mexico’s pleasant climate and indulging in the country’s most beautiful beaches. If you prefer to celebrate Easter by relaxing by the sea or practicing water sports, you can head to Rosarito beach in Baja California or reach the nearby Baja California Sur. Los Cabos, the state’s prime beach location, is a favorite among celebrities and Hollywood stars and is among the most popular destinations to visit in the springtime in the country. The iconic El Arco rock formation and the three ‘’beaches of love’’ Playa del Amor, Playa de los Amantes, and Playa del Divorcio are the ideal settings for an unforgettable holiday experience. Other beach destinations you can enjoy when celebrating Easter in Mexico include the lovely port city of Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco, or if you prefer a more active Easter break, the lively beaches in Mazatlán’s Zona Dorada.

Gastronomy plays an important role in Mexico’s Easter rituals; as in many other countries, it is custom to have a traditional lunch with the family savoring the typical Easter dishes. The Easter menu can vary based on each state’s culinary tradition and include fish dishes such as camarones a la diabla (shrimps) accompanied with a spice and pumpkins seeds sauce or fish soup. Other popular entrees include vegetable dishes made of nopal, a flat-leafed cactus, chacales, a soup made with dried white corn, and Mexican traditional Easter cheese made with milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg. On Easter day in Mexico, you will find on every table the famous typical dessert, capiriotada. This exquisite bread pudding is made with toasted French bread, milk, cheese, butter, peanuts, and raisins, covered with a syrup of cinnamon and brown sugar, and is typical in ex-colonial areas such as the Bajío region or the state of Chihuahua. Other traditional Easter specialties that will delight your sweet tooth include empanadas filled with cherries, strawberries, apples, apricots, or blackberries, platanos, fried plantains with a sweet cream topping, and mini hotcakes served with marmalade.