As students across Veracruz returned to classes on Monday, April 28, 2025, following the Easter break, local merchants and restaurateurs are optimistic about a surge in tourist activity. Despite the resumption of academic routines, the upcoming chain of holidays and long weekends is expected to keep the beaches and tourist areas bustling.
In total, 1,352,751 students and 88,531 teachers in basic education resumed their activities in over 25,000 schools in Veracruz. The return to school, however, will be short-lived, as many students will be out again for various celebrations. Schools will observe a break on Wednesday, April 30, for Children’s Day, and on Thursday, May 1, for Labor Day, which is an official holiday.
Additionally, the first week of May brings more opportunities for families to enjoy time off together. On Monday, May 5, although not a mandatory holiday, many institutions will mark it as a non-working day, allowing for extended weekends. Following this, from May 7 to May 9, schools may suspend classes for festivities related to Mother’s Day, with the official celebration occurring on Saturday, May 10.
For local businesses, this sequence of holidays represents a golden opportunity. Merchants and restaurant owners are hopeful that the influx of visitors will not only continue but also increase throughout May. The anticipation is that families will flock to the beaches to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea, taking advantage of the many reasons to celebrate.
In Reynosa, students of basic, upper secondary, and university levels also resumed their school activities on the same day. After enjoying two weeks off for the Easter holidays, they are now preparing for another brief break. Similar to Veracruz, the official school calendar for the 2024-2025 school year in Reynosa includes several upcoming holidays in April and May.
Children’s Day on April 30 will see many schools either suspending classes or holding recreational activities instead. The following day, May 1, is Labor Day, a recognized non-working day, so no school or work activities will take place. Additionally, May 5 marks the Battle of Puebla, which is commemorated, although it is not an official holiday.
As for Mother’s Day, while the official date falls on Saturday, May 10, many schools will hold celebrations on Friday, May 9, allowing students to participate in special events. Furthermore, the Teacher's Day on May 15 will also see some schools suspending classes, with festivities planned a day prior.
This rhythm of holidays is a welcome relief for local businesses, particularly in the tourism sector. With expectations high, restaurateurs and service providers are gearing up for what they hope will be a robust economic boost.
The ongoing celebrations and extended weekends not only offer a chance for families to bond but also provide a much-needed economic lifeline for local entrepreneurs. As the sun shines on the beaches of Veracruz and Reynosa, the community is poised to enjoy a vibrant season filled with joy and togetherness.
In summary, while the return to school marks a significant moment for students and educators alike, the concurrent holiday schedule ensures that the spirit of celebration continues to thrive in Veracruz and Reynosa. With merchants eagerly anticipating increased foot traffic and families ready to embrace the holiday spirit, the coming weeks promise to be lively and economically beneficial.