XALAPA, VER.- The Semana Santa (Holy Week) vacation period kicks off on Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Veracruz and across Mexico. This time of year is eagerly anticipated by students and workers alike, who take the opportunity to unwind and flock to the beaches, especially given the typically high temperatures along the coast. During this week-long holiday, Veracruz's beaches often see a surge of visitors, both locals and tourists, seeking to cool off and enjoy the seaside.
However, not all public recreational areas are in optimal condition for use. This weekend, the Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios (COFEPRIS) released a list detailing the country's most popular beaches, categorizing them as either suitable or unsuitable for recreational use based on health safety criteria. The analysis encompassed 289 beaches nationwide, with 31 located in the state of Veracruz.
According to COFEPRIS, of the 289 beaches analyzed, six were deemed unsuitable for recreational use due to exceeding established quality limits meant to protect users. Factors affecting water quality can include storm drainage, treated wastewater discharges, informal settlements, informal commerce activities, and the sheer number of bathers during peak seasons, as well as inadequate sanitation infrastructure.
The beaches that are not safe for swimming this Semana Santa include:
- Baja California: Playas Rosarito, Rosarito I, Tijuana, and Tijuana I
- Guerrero: Playa Icacos
- Nayarit: Playa Sayulita
On a brighter note, all 31 beaches analyzed in Veracruz were found to be optimal for swimming during this vacation season. The following beaches have received the green light for recreational use:
- Veracruz - Boca del Río
- Playa Antón Lizardo
- Playa Santa Ana
- Playa Tumbao
- Playa Mocambo
- Playa Gaviota
- Playa Plícano
- Playa La Camba
- Playa José Martí
- Playa Villa del Mar
- Playón de Hornos
- Playa Regatas Tuxpan
- Playa Barra Norte
- Playa Mis Amores
- Playa Azul
- Playa Galindo
- Playa San Antonio
- Playa Barra Galindo
- Playa Isla Tajín
- Martínez de la Torre / Costa Esmeralda
- Playa Tecolutla
- Playa Noray
- Playa Monte Gordo
- Playa Casitas
- Playa Maracaibo
- Playa Navarro
- Playa Lechuguillas
- Los Tuxtlas - Playa Balzapote
- Playa Montepío
- Playa Hermosa
- Playa Costa de Oro
- Playa Salinas Roca Partida
- Playa Punta Puntilla
As families and friends prepare for their beach outings, they are reminded to stay informed about the conditions of the waters where they plan to swim. The safety of the beaches has been a priority, especially during such a busy holiday period.
Meanwhile, in Chihuahua, the Secretaría de Seguridad Pública Estatal (SSPE) is also gearing up for the influx of tourists during Semana Santa. A special operation will be implemented to ensure the safety of travelers on major highways and tourist destinations.
Luis Aguirre, Subsecretario del Estado Mayor de la SSPE, outlined the plans for reinforced surveillance in key tourist areas such as Creel, Barrancas del Cobre, Guachochi, Paquimé, Nuevo Casas Grandes, and Samalayuca. The operation will include the use of helicopters and the Plataforma Centinela to provide rapid response to emergencies.
“I invite visitors to follow the instructions of the authorities and trust in the State Police,” Aguirre stated, emphasizing the importance of safety during the busy holiday period. Additionally, the Programa Paisano will soon be activated to offer protection to migrants returning from the United States.
As the Semana Santa holiday approaches, both Veracruz and Chihuahua are making significant preparations to ensure that tourists can enjoy their vacations safely and without incident. Local authorities are keen to promote a secure environment, allowing families to create lasting memories by the beach or exploring the beautiful landscapes of Chihuahua.
With the beaches of Veracruz deemed safe for swimming and the strong security measures in place in Chihuahua, it looks like this year's Semana Santa will be both enjoyable and secure for all who partake in the festivities.
