As students across Mexico prepare to return to school after the Easter break, many parents are left wondering about the academic calendar for the upcoming weeks. The main concern is whether classes will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025, as many anticipate potential changes due to the International Workers' Day on May 1.
According to the Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP), classes will indeed resume on April 28, with no alterations to the school calendar. This confirmation comes as a relief to over 23 million students in basic education who are set to return to classrooms after their two-week holiday.
One common question circulating among parents is whether the observance of May 1 will lead to a long weekend. However, the SEP has clarified that May 1 will not be moved to create a bridge holiday. Unlike other holidays, such as the birthday of Benito Juárez, which can sometimes be shifted to the nearest Monday, International Workers' Day retains its original date. This means that May 1 will be a mandatory day off for both workers and students alike.
International Workers' Day, celebrated globally on May 1, has significant historical roots, commemorating the labor movement's fight for the eight-hour workday, which began in Chicago in 1886. In Mexico, this day serves as a reminder of the labor reforms that took place throughout the 20th century, particularly with the Federal Labor Law and the constitutional reforms of 1917.
For those who must work on this day, it’s important to note that the law mandates special compensation. Workers required to labor on May 1 are entitled to double pay, meaning they will receive their regular salary plus an additional amount equivalent to that salary.
Looking ahead, May 2025 will be a month filled with breaks for students, according to the SEP's official calendar. The first day off will be Thursday, May 1, for Labor Day. Just a few days later, on Monday, May 5, classes will also be suspended to commemorate the Battle of Puebla, a significant event in Mexican history.
Teacher's Day on May 15 will also see classes suspended, allowing educators to be honored for their contributions. Additionally, there will be a Consejo Técnico Escolar (CTE) session on Friday, May 30, which could potentially create another long weekend, though this will depend on confirmation from individual schools.
The school year is set to conclude on July 16, 2025, marking the end of the academic calendar for students. Thus, May stands out as one of the last months where students can enjoy several days off before the summer break.
In total, students will have four days without classes in May: May 1 for Labor Day, May 5 for the Battle of Puebla anniversary, May 15 for Teacher's Day, and May 31 for the CTE session. These breaks apply to students across public schools and some incorporated private institutions, ensuring that many families can plan for time off together.
As the academic year progresses, parents are encouraged to stay informed about the SEP calendar and any updates from their respective educational institutions. This will help in planning family activities and ensuring that students are prepared for their return to school.
In summary, the SEP has confirmed that classes will resume on April 28, 2025, and that May 1 will not be moved to create a long weekend. This confirmation allows families to plan accordingly, knowing that their children will have designated days off for significant national observances throughout May.
With the school year winding down, students and educators alike are gearing up for the final stretch, with the promise of a well-deserved summer vacation on the horizon.
