The Mexican Calendar with Saint Names: A Glimpse into 2025

The Mexican calendar, known as the “Calendario Mexicano,” is a blend of pre-Hispanic traditions and Catholic saints’ days. It is a unique system that combines the Aztec calendar with the Gregorian calendar, celebrating both ancient deities and Christian saints. As we delve into the year 2025, let’s explore the significance of this calendar and the saints it honors.

Understanding the Mexican Calendar

The Mexican calendar is a 365-day cycle that includes 18 months, each with 20 days, plus five additional days known as “name days” or “days of the Holy Names.” These extra days are dedicated to Catholic saints and are celebrated by millions of Mexicans. The calendar is a blend of the Aztec calendar, which was a 365-day cycle with 20 named days, and the Gregorian calendar, which is the internationally accepted civil calendar.

Significance of the Saints’ Days

Each day of the Mexican calendar is dedicated to a particular saint. These saints are chosen based on their feast days, which are the days they are celebrated in the Catholic Church. The significance of these days is not only religious but also cultural, as they are deeply intertwined with the daily lives of Mexicans. For example, the day of the saint is often associated with the birth date of the person, and it is customary to celebrate the name day with family and friends.

2025: A Year of Saints

As we move into 2025, the Mexican calendar will bring with it a year filled with various saints’ days. Here are some notable dates and their corresponding saints:

• January 1st: San Juan Diego (Patron Saint of the Indigenous People)

• February 2nd: San Francisco de Asís (Patron Saint of Animals and the Environment)

• March 19th: San José (Patron Saint of Workers)

• April 25th: San Marcos (Patron Saint of Libraries and Libraries)

• May 15th: San Isidro Labrador (Patron Saint of Farmers)

• June 24th: San Juan Bautista (Patron Saint of Baptism)

• July 16th: Santa Maria Magdalena (Patron Saint of Prostitutes and Penitents)

• August 15th: Santa Ana (Patron Saint of Housewives)

• September 8th: La Asunción de la Virgen Maria (Feast of the Assumption of Mary)

• October 12th: Our Lady of Guadalupe (Patron Saint of Mexico)

• November 1st: All Saints’ Day

• November 2nd: All Souls’ Day

• December 12th: Our Lady of Guadalupe (Second Feast Day)

Celebrating the Saints

Celebrating the saints’ days is a significant part of Mexican culture. People often visit churches, participate in religious ceremonies, and share meals with family and friends. The name days are also an opportunity for people to reflect on the lives of the saints and the values they represent.

In conclusion, the Mexican calendar with saint names is a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and modern Catholicism. As we look ahead to 2025, we can anticipate a year filled with cultural and religious celebrations that honor the saints and their significance in the lives of Mexicans.