March is shaping up to be quite the month for both students and workers across Mexico, thanks to the new school calendar released by the Secretariat of Public Education (SEP) and the enforcement of the Federal Labor Law. According to the latest announcements, students will enjoy multiple long weekends, making it the perfect opportunity for families to enjoy some quality time together.
The highlight of the month is the long weekend from March 15 to March 17, 2025, which commemorates the birth of Benito Juárez, one of the most significant figures in Mexican history. Officially observed on the third Monday of March, the holiday falls on the 17th this year, allowing for a three-day break encompassing Saturday, March 15 and Sunday, March 16. This means students from primary and secondary schools will not attend classes on this Monday, celebrating the holiday along with workers nationwide.
According to the SEP, "the first long weekend of March will arrive on Monday, March 17, due to the commemoration of Benito Juárez’s birth, which is officially recognized on March 21 but is shifted to the third Monday of the month to facilitate the long weekend.” This long weekend is particularly significant as it is recognized by the Federal Labor Law, giving workers who must work on March 17 the right to triple pay. Per Article 75 of this law, employers are obliged to compensate employees with their daily salary plus double for the day they work, resulting in triple pay for those on duty.
Although March 17 is the only official holiday for workers this month, students will benefit from additional non-working days due to other administrative activities. These include two other breaks: the second long weekend from March 21 to 23, which is designated for Qualification Registration and the third, from March 28 to March 30, linked to the School Technical Council (CTE). Students will enjoy the following designated breaks for March:
- First break: Saturday, March 15 - Monday, March 17 (Birth of Benito Juárez)
- Second break: Friday, March 21 - Sunday, March 23 (Qualification Registration)
- Third break: Friday, March 28 - Sunday, March 30 (Technical Council)
These breaks, interestingly enough, create what many have called a "triple long weekend" for students, leading to mixed feelings among parents who may or may not be able to take time off work themselves. With many businesses not recognizing these as official days off, it raises questions as to how parents will navigate their work commitments during these school holidays.
Adding to the break frenzy, the SEP calendar indicates the academic year started on August 26, 2024, and will conclude on July 16, 2025. The school year incorporates 190 days of classes, with winter vacations also observed previously from December 19 to January 8. After March, students will again look forward to some time off during the sacred period of Holy Week from April 14 to April 25, though these dates are not officially mandated as holidays under the labor law.
It's also noteworthy to understand the broader framework of holidays recognized by the Federal Labor Law. Apart from March 17, the mandatory rest days include:
- January 1 - New Year’s Day
- February 5 - Constitution Day
- May 1 - Labor Day
- September 16 - Independence Day
- November 17 - Revolution Day
- December 25 - Christmas
For many workers, having established holidays within the year allows for proper planning around personal life and work. Notably, should the mandated rest day, such as March 17, fall on the same day as their weekly day off (Sunday), they are entitled to additional compensation as outlined by Law 71. Essentially, this means if someone works on March 17, they would receive their regular pay, double pay for the day off, plus any Sunday premium, resulting again, possibly, in triple compensation.
For families, especially those with school-age children, March offers more than just a respite from the routine; it’s a perfect time for family outings, travel, or simply catching up on leisure activities. Schools may capitalize on these holidays to communicate significant information or updates to parents during meetings or distribution of progress reports.
Parents should plan for the upcoming weeks to make the most of these breaks, taking advantage of local attractions, museums, or family activities. Whether just relaxing at home or going on vacation, these breaks are not only about getting downtime but also about bonding as families.
Looking forward to more breaks beyond March, as articulated by various reports, these events serve as reminders of the importance of rest and recuperation, allowing both students and workers the necessary time to recharge.
With March set to be one of the most exciting months of the school year, it’s clear there’s plenty to look forward to. Parents and students alike are encouraged to embrace this time together, celebrating the country's history and taking the opportunity to reconnect with one another away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
So grab the calendar, mark the days, and prepare for what will undoubtedly be memorable moments throughout March!