Semana Santa in Mexico: Faith, Flavor, and the Freedom of the Coast

Semana Santa—Holy Week—is one of the most important holidays in Mexico, blending deep spiritual roots with the joy of family, food, and time off. And like everything here, it’s celebrated with color, heart, and a rhythm all its own.

Easter bunny lounging on a beach chair with a tropical drink and pastel eggs in the sand.
When the Easter hustle is over, even the bunny heads to the beach.

A Time of Reflection

Semana Santa dates back to the early 1500s, when Spanish missionaries introduced Catholicism to the region. Over time, the rituals merged with local customs, creating unique traditions that vary across Mexico. 

Man portraying Jesus carrying a wooden cross through a town as part of a Good Friday procession, surrounded by onlookers.


From Palm Sunday to Easter, towns host solemn processions, reenactments of the Passion, and community prayers that bring people into the streets—not just to observe, but to participate.


Even in our fast-moving world, these moments of reflection hold weight. It’s a time to pause, to remember, and for many, to recommit to values like humility, compassion, and gratitude.

A Taste of Tradition

Food plays a big role during Semana Santa—especially dishes that avoid red meat, in line with Catholic fasting customs.

Plate of colorful seafood tacos with lime on a wooden table at the beach, palm trees and ocean in the background.
Semana Santa tastes better when your tacos come with an ocean view.
A vibrant close-up of freshly prepared seafood tacos, served with lime on a sunny beachside table in Puerto Morelos. With lounge chairs, palm trees, and the Caribbean Sea in the background, the image captures the relaxed, flavorful spirit of coastal life during Semana Santa in Mexico—where tradition meets tropical escape.
Capirotada: a sweet, symbolic dish served with tradition during Holy Week in Mexico.


Seafood takes center stage.

Since red meat is often avoided during this time, many turn to tacos filled with fish, shrimp, or veggies—simple, soulful food enjoyed with the ones who matter. Another standout is capirotada, a layered bread pudding made with piloncillo (cane sugar), cinnamon, nuts, raisins, and cheese. More than dessert, it’s a symbol-laden dish passed down through generations.

Why Puerto Morelos during Easter Week?

With schools closed and the weather warming up, families from all over the country and foreign visitors head to the beach. We call it the Great Coastal Migration.

Three young children playing at the edge of the ocean, building a sandcastle on a sunny tropical beach.


Unlike the mega-resorts of Cancun or the crowds of Playa, Puerto Morelos remains peaceful, charming, and just the right size.
A perfect spot for a family vacation during Easter week.


At Abbey del Sol in Puerto Morelos, we welcome travelers looking to soak in the season—not just the sun. Whether you’re here for a few days or a full escape, you’ll find clean, comfortable spaces, quiet corners, and that easy local warmth that’s getting harder to find.