The Semana Santa (Holy Week) vacations in Mexico for 2025 are quickly approaching, and many families are already gearing up to make plans for this significant time. According to the Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP), the official holiday period will commence on Monday, April 14, 2025, and will conclude on Friday, April 25, 2025. This vacation spans two weeks and includes important religious observances for the Christian community in Mexico.
Semana Santa, which translates to Holy Week, runs from Sunday, April 13, 2025, kicking off with Día de Ramos (Palm Sunday), and continuing through to Domingo de Resurrección (Resurrection Sunday) on April 20. Major events during this week include Lunes Santo (Holy Monday) on April 14, Martes Santo (Holy Tuesday) on April 15, Miércoles Santo (Holy Wednesday) on April 16, Jueves Santo (Holy Thursday) on April 17, and Viernes Santo (Good Friday) on April 18. Each day is infused with its unique significance and rituals, especially for the Catholic community.
Parents and guardians need to take note that, as per the SEP's established calendar, students from preschool, primary, and secondary schools will finish classes on Friday, April 11, 2025, before enjoying a much-anticipated break. Classes are scheduled to resume on Monday, April 28, 2025.
While Semana Santa is a crucial period for relaxation and reflection, it’s also vital to consider that these dates are not considered mandatory rest days according to the Ley Federal del Trabajo (LFT). The LFT designates neither Jueves Santo nor Viernes Santo as obligatory holidays for workers. Nevertheless, some companies and sectors voluntarily offer these days off, which is especially common when work activity significantly declines.
In addition to the Semana Santa break, the SEP has outlined additional non-working days in May. These include May 1, known as Día del Trabajo (Labor Day), and May 5, a holiday commemorating the Batalla de Puebla (Battle of Puebla). Furthermore, May 15 marks Día del Maestro (Teachers' Day) in recognition of educators throughout the nation, with May 30 designated as a session of the Consejo Técnico Escolar (School Technical Council). The school year will conclude on July 16, 2025, with summer vacations beginning on July 21, 2025.
Semana Santa not only commemorates the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ but also represents a time for spiritual reflection for Christians. The observance involves specific practices, such as refraining from consuming meat, particularly on Good Friday, which is a traditional act of penitence in remembrance of Christ's crucifixion. The avoidance of meat encourages a focus on spiritual renewal during this sacred period.
As families prepare for their vacations, the SEP encourages parents to keep an eye on official communications regarding school schedules to avoid confusion. They recommend planning early to make the most of this holiday season, particularly in light of travel prices that tend to rise as the dates approach. Suggestions include booking flights on less busy days, choosing alternative airports, setting a budget for travel expenses, and considering local activities for families remaining in town.
With such significant dates approaching, it is essential for all stakeholders—students, parents, and educators—to stay informed and organized. With the structure provided by the SEP, families can better manage their holiday activities, ensuring a fruitful and restful Semana Santa.
This year’s preparations for Semana Santa invite not just leisure, but a moment of reflection and renewed spiritual commitment as Christians across Mexico engage in meaningful observances. As the nation progresses toward this essential time, it is a unifying experience for many, embracing both tradition and family time during this cherished season.
