Mexico is gearing up for the new year, and for workers across the country, 2025 promises to be particularly notable thanks to several new official holidays and improved compensation for working on those days. This new holiday calendar, recently announced by the government, includes seven designated days of mandatory rest, with financial benefits for employees who are required to work during these times.
The Ley Federal del Trabajo (Federal Labor Law) outlines these holidays as mandatory no-work days, where employees are not only entitled to take the day off but are also protected under law from being required to work. Should employers decide to work their employees on these dates, they are obligated to pay them extra as compensation.
For 2025, the official holidays include the following:
- January 1: New Year’s Day
- February 3: Commemoration of the Constitution
- March 17: Birth of Benito Juárez
- May 1: International Workers’ Day
- September 16: Independence Day
- November 17: Anniversary of the Revolution
- December 25: Christmas Day
According to the articulation of the law, as analyzed by various sources, if employees are required to work on these holidays, their pay structure will be quite generous. The law states they should receive their normal daily wage multiplied by three — their base salary plus double pay for the holiday work itself. For example, with the minimum wage set to rise to $278.80 pesos per day, someone working on New Year’s Day would make $836.40 pesos.
These holidays have significance beyond mere days off; they often align with important national events, historical milestones, or cultural celebrations. By law, they afford workers the opportunity to honor these moments with family and community. For many, it is time to disconnect from the rigors of daily work and engage with cultural or personal traditions.
A major change for the new year will also be the continuity of increases to the minimum wage, which is set to rise by 12% across the country, providing workers with even more financial incentive on these days. The president has emphasized the commitment to social policies favoring workers, aligning the government’s focus on enhancing daily life for all citizens.
This announcement follows closely on the heels of initiatives aimed at improving labor conditions throughout the country, reflecting rising awareness and response to workplace rights issues. A spokesperson from the labor department stated, “This adjustment aligns with our continuous aim to consolidate labor rights and improve workers’ quality of life, ensuring they receive fair compensation.”
For employers, working on holidays requires compliance with labor regulations, or they risk facing substantial sanctions should they fail to fairly review governing compensation practices. Should disputes arise, employees have the right to file complaints before the Procuraduría Federal de la Defensa del Trabajo (PROFEDET), which acts as the regulatory authority on labor issues and workers’ rights.
Finally, beyond these official holidays, there are additional observances often recognized within various workplaces, but they hold no mandated status as holidays. These include:
- April 17: Holy Thursday
- April 18: Holy Friday
- May 10: Mother’s Day
- November 2: Day of the Dead
- December 12: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
- December 24: Christmas Eve
- December 31: New Year’s Eve
A clear calendar of these days ensures workers can plan their much-needed breaks and for families to prepare for time spent together.
Looking forward to 2025, it’s evident the Mexican government’s approach aims to not only enforce rightful labor practices but also adapt to the growing demand for balanced work-life practices among its workforce. With more holidays to enjoy and increased pay for sacrifice, workers will hopefully find 2025 to be kinder on both their bank accounts and their time with loved ones.