On March 17, 2025, Mexico will commemorate the birthday of one of its most historic figures, Benito Juárez, with many people enjoying a long weekend due to the holiday declared under the Federal Labor Law (LFT). This year, instead of the traditional date of March 21, the observance takes place on the third Monday of March, as stipulated by law.
The upcoming holiday means many workers and students will enjoy days off, including Saturday, March 15, Sunday, March 16, and Monday the 17th. For those who have to work on this holiday, they will be entitled to extra compensation according to the law. Article 75 of the LFT indicates employees required to work on mandatory rest days will receive double their daily pay, in addition to their regular salary for the day.
To put this compensation structure under perspective, let’s take the general minimum wage, which is $278.80 per day. If someone works on March 17, their pay will be calculated as:
$278.80 + ($278.80 x 2) = $836.40.
Despite common misconceptions, working on public holidays does not entitle workers to triple pay. The Federal Attorney for Labor Defense (Profedet) clarifies this by stating employees are allotted their regular pay plus double pay for the holiday work.
The Profedet serves as a resource for workers who feel they have not been compensated fairly. If any worker believes they have not received their due payment for working on the holiday, they have the option to seek advisory services at the Profedet offices located at Dr. José María Vértiz number 211, colonia Doctores, Mexico City. Complaints must be filed within one year of the unpaid work period.
March 17 will also see modified service hours for public transportation systems. The Metro de la Ciudad de México will operate from 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM on this holiday. Notably, riders are permitted to carry bicycles during this period as part of the “Tu bici viaja en Metro” program, which supports cycling as part of public transport on holidays and Sundays.
Similarly, the Metrobús system will run on holiday hours from 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Specific route timings include:
- Indios Verdes – Pueblo Santa Cruz Atoyac: 5:40 AM to 11:50 PM
- Rojo Gómez – Doctor Gálvez: 5:30 AM to 9:42 PM
- París – Alameda Tacubaya: 5:30 AM to 11:29 PM
- Río Frío – Balderas: 5:16 AM to 9:39 PM
This holiday marks what many hope will be the first of several long weekends throughout the year. Citizens often seize this time for domestic travel or to enjoy leisure days with family and friends, which is aligned with the spirit of the holiday—to celebrate Juan Pablo Benito Juárez García, who made significant contributions to modern Mexico from his presidency between 1858 and 1872.
Benito Juárez, known lovingly as the “Benemérito de las Américas,” is celebrated for his role as the first indigenous president of Mexico. His legal advocacy laid the groundwork for the liberalization of Mexican governance and the secularization of the country through the implementation of the Reform Laws.
This year, as the country celebrates Juárez's birth anniversary, the historical ties resonate strongly across the nation. Educational institutions will also observe this holiday; all levels of schools, from basic education to higher education, will observe this day off.
Interestingly, the Comision Nacional Bancaria y de Valores announced banks will remain closed on this day, impacting those who might need banking services. The closure will affect multiple upcoming holidays across the year, including May Day and Independence Day, where similar observant measures apply to financial institutions.
With the holiday fast approaching, it’s the perfect opportunity for families to enjoy the break, whether staying locally or planning short trips, as they pay tribute to one of Mexico’s greatest historical figures.
So as you prepare for this long weekend, whether you’re taking time off or heading to work, keep informed of your rights under the law and take full advantage of the services offered during the holiday as Mexico pays homage to Benito Juárez.