Kosher and Jewish Life in Mexico

Judaism in Mexico began in 1519 with the arrival of “Marranos” or “Crypto-Jews,” those forcibly converted to Catholicism due to the Spanish Inquisition. Over the colonial period, a number came to Mexico despite Mexican Inquisition persecutions in the late 16th and mid 17th centuries. However, most Conversos eventually assimilated into Mexican society with no immigration of practicing Jews allowed into the country until the 19th century. Religious freedom was established in the second half of that century and around that time, Jews began immigrating to Mexico from Europe and later from the crumbling Ottoman Empire and what is now Syria continuing into the first half of the 20th century. The current Jewish population in Mexico mostly consists of those who have descended from immigrants from the 19th and early 20th centuries with nationwide totals estimated between 40,000 and 50,000, about 75% of which are in Mexico City. There are more than 50 kosher restaurants in Mexico, most of them can be found in Mexico City, Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen. The great weather and beaches has made Mexico a very popular destination for Pesach vacation. Peruse our full Passover listing of Passover Programs.

Check out our blog post Exploring Mexico: A Comprehensive Kosher Travel Guide to the Popular Vacation Spots to help you plan your kosher vacation to Mexico - Riviera Maya, Cancun, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres and Cabo San Lucas.