Mexico will celebrate the birth of Benito Juárez, one of its most revered former presidents, with mandatory rest days for both workers and students this coming March. The Federal Labor Law (LFT) establishes certain days throughout the year when workers are entitled to days off, and March has been marked for this commemoration, particularly on March 17, 2025.
The LFT clearly states, under Article 74, the third Monday of March is designated as a mandatory day of rest. This year, it falls precisely on March 17, coinciding perfectly with the historical celebration of Juárez's birth, which is formally recognized on March 21. This year marks the 219th anniversary of his arrival to the world as Benito Pablo Juárez García on March 21, 1806, in San Pablo Guelatao, Oaxaca.
For workers, this day not only serves as a time to honor Juárez's legacy but also guarantees them specific rights should they have to work on this national holiday. According to the LFT, if workers find themselves on duty during this mandatory rest day, they are entitled to receive triple pay—essentially earning their standard salary plus double as additional compensation. This means if someone is required to work, they would earn significantly more than on a regular day: "Los trabajadores no están obligados a prestar servicios en sus días de descanso. Si se quebranta esta disposición, el patrón pagará al trabajador (...) un salario doble por el servicio prestado," stated by the Secretaría de Educación Pública, underlining the worker protections outlined by the federal law.
School closures will also align with the federal observance of this day. According to the 2024-2025 academic calendar released by the Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP), students across Mexico’s basic education system—comprising preschool, elementary, and secondary education—will also enjoy time off from March 15 to March 17. They will return to classes on March 18. The break is termed as the first megabridge of the year, which allows families to plan short trips or rest periods, extending the weekend.
Following this, students will have another break from March 21 to March 23 for grade registrations, resuming school on March 24. The month wraps up with yet another significant downtime with the School Technical Council meeting on March 28, giving students yet another rest day to return on the 30th. It’s quite the lineup this March, with three exciting breaks for education.
The significance of Benito Juárez's contributions to modern Mexico cannot be understated. He was known for his determination to establish reforms and promote justice and equality within society. His efforts, including the Constitution of 1857 and his role during the Reform War, have entrenched his image as the Benemérito de las Américas, or the Benefactor of the Americas. Juárez’s presidency was marked by his fight for civil liberties and the establishment of Mexico as a secular, independent nation.
Notably, the Federal Labor Law’s adherence to providing mandatory rest days is emblematic of the cultural reverence for historical figures such as Juárez, whose birthday embodies both the fight for sovereign rights and the importance of humane worker conditions. Parsing through past injustices and ensuring labor laws respect those memories is key to building forward.
The upcoming March holidays prompt both reflection and celebration—a chance to connect with history or take time to breathe from the rigors of work and study. Families are encouraged to seize these breaks as opportunities for togetherness, perhaps revisiting Juárez's historical sites or enjoying vacations across Mexico's stunning destinations.
Workers and students alike are urged to refrain from normal activities during these periods and acknowledge the significance of the shared rest day. Be it through time spent with loved ones, engaging with Mexico’s deep history, or simply enjoying moments of peace, the planned rest days promise to be enriching.
Let this March 2025 weekend serve as not only mere time off but as a reminder of Juárez's enduring impact on the nation and its commitment to the labor rights fought for by countless advocates over generations. Mark your calendars for March 17, and establish your family plans; it’s shaping up to be quite the historical reverie as Mexico celebrates its eminent leader.