March 18 Celebrates Petroleum Expropriation But Not A Holiday

On March 18, 2025, the commemoration of the Expropriation of Petroleum raises questions about whether this date will be considered a holiday, especially as families and students seek clarification on the school calendar and labor laws. While various holidays fill the March calendar, this date is often overlooked.

According to Mexico's Federal Labor Law, March 18 is not classified as a mandatory rest day. That means businesses and schools will operate as usual on this date, contrary to the public sentiment surrounding its historical significance. Instead, Mexican citizens will enjoy one official rest day prior to this event, on Monday, March 17, to commemorate the birth of Benito Juárez.

The historical importance of March 18 cannot be overstated. On this date back in 1938, then-President Lázaro Cárdenas del Río issued the decree of the Petroleum Expropriation, effectively nationalizing the oil industry. Cárdenas’s decision marked a pivotal moment for Mexico, as it removed control over oil from 17 foreign companies and placed it firmly under Mexican ownership. This legislative act has since become entrenched within both national identity and the economic framework of the country.

Economically, the petroleum industry has historically played a substantial role, generating significant revenue for government finances. Experts acknowledge the challenges faced within the sector today, as oil now contributes merely 3.7% of Mexico's GDP, with most of the national income derived from tax revenues—covering 96.3% of the total income as of 2024.

Specialists from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) highlighted the dual role of hydrocarbons as both economically beneficial and environmentally precarious. Paulina Gómora Figueroa, head of Earth Sciences Engineering at UNAM, noted, "Oil and natural gas continue to be the leading sources of energy worldwide, covering 80% of energy demand. Despite the push for renewable resources, these fossil fuels will remain significant for decades to come." Among the alternatives, natural gas is gaining traction due to its comparatively lower greenhouse gas emissions.

The environmental consequences of oil consumption cannot be ignored. On the 87th anniversary of the Expropriation, experts like biologist Gabriela Jiménez Casas warned about the finite nature of petroleum resources and the urgent need to transition toward sustainable energy solutions. The combustion of hydrocarbons is responsible for large quantities of carbon dioxide emissions, contributing markedly to climate change.

Throughout history, the Expropriation has served as a symbol of nationalism and self-determination. Its legacy resonates strongly within Mexican society, conjuring memories of past struggles against foreign dominance. Economists such as Aarón Morales Islas and Felipe Cruz Díaz emphasized the importance of protecting state control over energy resources to preserve national sovereignty. On the other hand, they criticized the 2013 energy reform which prioritized foreign investment over domestic economic development.

Despite today's shifts within the energy sector, the importance of oil as part of Mexico's historical identity remains undiminished. Cárdenas’s original decree was not just about nationalizing resources; it aimed to reshape the economy and redistribute wealth to improve working conditions within the industry. Speaking on this legacy, Morales Islas argued, "The Expropriation marked the culmination of the nationalistic project started by the 1917 Constitution. It is imperative to revitalize and place the nation as the primary beneficiary of its resources and energy."

Returning to the practicalities of March 18, families must prepare for standard school operations on this day. The Ministry of Public Education has confirmed there is only one holiday during March, which is observed on March 17. Classes will continue without interruption on the following day, reflecting the official calendar. Interestingly, students will find breaks later on March 21 and March 28, which are marked for grade recording and council meetings, respectively.

The upcoming Labor Day, set for May 1, 2025, marks the next official rest day, emphasizing significant moments for workers across the country. Without losing sight of historical legacies, the significance of holidays can intertwine with public awareness and current affairs.

While Mexico continues to grapple with the legacies of its past, the events surrounding the Expropriation remain pertinent today, not just as points of national pride but as discussions on the environmental impacts of fossil fuels as Mexico moves closer to evaluating sustainable energy futures.