Millions of students across Mexico returned to their classrooms on Monday, April 28, 2025, after an extended break for Semana Santa. More than 23 million students in basic education resumed their activities to finish the 2024-2025 school year. However, many are already looking forward to another break, as the upcoming "megapuente" stretches from May 1 to May 5, coinciding with Labor Day and the commemoration of the Battle of Puebla.
According to the official calendar from the Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP), Thursday, May 1, 2025, is designated as Labor Day. This means there will be a suspension of teaching activities, and no classes will be held in any educational level across the country. The Federal Labor Law (LFT) stipulates that anyone who works on that day should receive their regular daily salary plus double.
However, the situation becomes a bit murky regarding the days off around this holiday. While many families are anticipating a long weekend, the SEP has clarified that May 2, 2025, will be a regular school day, marked as a "reflection of commemorative days". This day is intended to encourage educational communities to reflect on significant dates in Mexican culture, but it does not imply a suspension of classes or work activities.
Adding to the confusion, many are also considering April 30, 2025, which is celebrated as Children’s Day. While it is common for festivals and activities to occur in preschools and primary schools, the SEP does not officially recognize this day as a holiday, meaning classes will continue as scheduled.
On May 5, 2025, the commemoration of the Battle of Puebla will also result in a suspension of classes for students in basic education. Although this date is marked as a holiday on the SEP calendar, it is not considered a mandatory holiday under the Federal Labor Law, meaning that most workers will be expected to work normally.
Students will enjoy three days of rest due to these holidays: Saturday, May 3; Sunday, May 4; and Monday, May 5. However, for those in the workforce, May 5 does not provide the same benefit, as it is not recognized as a mandatory day off.
Following this series of holidays, students will have another break on May 15, 2025, for Teacher's Day, and again on May 30, 2025, due to the Technical School Council meetings. The school calendar indicates that after the May holidays, students will not return to school until May 15, marking a significant pause in their academic activities.
As families begin to adjust their schedules for the upcoming breaks, it is essential for parents and students alike to understand the distinctions between official holidays and the days marked for reflection. While the SEP aims to promote cultural awareness through these commemorative days, they do not always translate into time off for students.
In summary, the month of May is packed with holidays that offer both students and workers a chance to take a break from their regular routines. Yet, the confusion surrounding which days are officially recognized as holidays can lead to misunderstandings. With the return to school after Semana Santa, students are now gearing up for a month filled with educational activities, punctuated by several important commemorations.
As the school year draws to a close, the calendar also marks the final months of evaluations, with grades being recorded by July 11, 2025. The school year is set to conclude on July 16, 2025, paving the way for summer vacations.
In this context, the upcoming days off provide a much-needed respite for students and families, allowing them to recharge before the final stretch of the academic year.
