The Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP) has announced significant changes to the school calendar for 2025, particularly regarding the Semana Santa holidays, which will be extended in certain states. Families across Mexico are gearing up for this holiday period, which is one of the longest breaks in the academic year, allowing for ample time to plan vacations and family activities.
According to the official SEP calendar, the Semana Santa holidays will commence on Monday, April 14, 2025, and conclude on Friday, April 25, 2025. Students are expected to return to classes on Monday, April 28, 2025, in most regions of the country. However, in Aguascalientes, students will enjoy an even longer break due to the Feria Nacional de San Marcos. Classes in this state will be suspended from Thursday, April 17, 2025, until Monday, May 5, 2025, granting students nearly three weeks of vacation.
In addition to the Semana Santa holidays, several other days off are scheduled in April and May. Schools will close on April 30, 2025, for Día del Niño (Children's Day), and again on May 1, 2025, for Día del Trabajo (Labor Day). Moreover, many schools will also observe May 5, 2025, as a holiday for the Batalla de Puebla. In states like Aguascalientes and Yucatán, classes will be suspended on Friday, May 2, 2025, creating a long weekend for students.
The tradition of Semana Santa vacations in Mexico is deeply rooted in cultural and religious practices dating back to the colonial era. This period commemorates the passion and resurrection of Jesus Christ and is marked by various religious observances, including processions and liturgical events. The SEP acknowledges these traditions by incorporating the holiday into the school calendar, thus allowing families to participate in the festivities or simply enjoy a much-needed break.
For students in pre-school, primary, and secondary education, the holiday period is particularly generous. The SEP's calendar indicates that these students will have a total of 16 days off, starting from Saturday, April 12, 2025, through Sunday, April 27, 2025. Despite the official holiday dates being from April 14 to April 25, when combined with the weekends, this results in an extended break.
However, not all students will enjoy the same length of vacation. For instance, students from the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN) will have 11 days off, beginning their break on Thursday, April 17, 2025, and returning to classes on April 28, 2025. In contrast, students from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) will have a shorter break of just nine days, from Saturday, April 12, 2025, to Sunday, April 20, 2025, returning on Monday, April 21, 2025.
While the Ley Federal de Trabajo (LFT) does not designate any days during Semana Santa as mandatory holidays for workers, many companies choose to offer their employees time off, typically on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. This allows for a potential four-day weekend, although it varies by employer and is not guaranteed for all workers.
As families prepare for the upcoming Semana Santa holidays, they are also looking forward to the additional breaks in May. The combination of these holidays offers a perfect opportunity for rest and relaxation after a busy school year. With the extended breaks, families can plan trips, participate in local festivals, or simply enjoy quality time together.
As the holiday approaches, many are also curious about potential discounts on transportation for students and teachers, especially for bus travel. Various transportation companies often provide special rates during holiday periods, making it easier for families to travel.
With the changes in the school calendar and the upcoming holidays, the education landscape in Mexico continues to evolve, reflecting the needs and traditions of its diverse population. This year’s Semana Santa holidays promise to be a time of joy and relaxation for many, as they take advantage of the extended breaks and the rich cultural traditions that accompany this significant period.
In summary, the Semana Santa 2025 holidays will be a time of celebration, reflection, and family bonding for many across Mexico. With the extended breaks in certain states, families have a unique opportunity to recharge and enjoy the beauty and traditions that this holiday season brings.
