As students across Mexico prepare to return to school, the end of the Semana Santa vacation marks a significant transition in the academic calendar. Beginning Monday, April 28, 2025, over 23 million students of basic education, including those in preschool, primary, and secondary schools, will resume their classes after a two-week break that lasted from April 14 to April 25.
However, as the first week of May approaches, questions arise regarding potential breaks and holidays that could affect students’ schedules. Notably, April 30 is celebrated as Children’s Day, while May 1 marks Labor Day, a non-working day recognized nationwide. Additionally, May 5 is the commemoration of the Battle of Puebla, which falls on a Monday this year. This series of holidays has led to speculation about whether students might enjoy an extended break.
According to the official calendar from the Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP), April 30 is designated as a day of reflection rather than a day off from school. Despite this, many schools, particularly at the preschool and primary levels, often take the opportunity to hold festivals and gatherings to celebrate the day. This means that while there will be school activities on April 30, the day is not considered an official holiday, and classes will proceed as usual.
For students in Aguascalientes, however, the situation is slightly different. Due to modifications in the school calendar to align with the Feria de San Marcos, one of the region's most significant cultural events, students in this state will return to classes on May 5 instead of April 28. The Feria de San Marcos, held annually in honor of Saint Mark, features a vibrant mix of cultural activities, including music, food, and traditional games, and takes place around April 25.
The upcoming week following the return to school will be brief for most students, as classes will not be held on Thursday, May 1, due to Labor Day. This means that after just four days of classes, students will enjoy another break.
Many parents and students are left wondering if they will receive an additional day off on Friday, May 2, creating a potential six-day holiday if combined with the weekend. However, the SEP has clarified that the holiday for Labor Day will not be moved to Monday, meaning that while students will have a short week, they will not have an extended holiday.
As the school year progresses, students can also anticipate further holidays, including May 5 for the Battle of Puebla and May 15 for Teacher’s Day, both of which are marked as non-working days. The academic year is set to conclude on July 16, 2025, with summer vacations beginning shortly thereafter. The next school year is tentatively scheduled to start on August 25, 2025, although official confirmation is pending.
In summary, students returning to classes on April 28 will have a busy week ahead, filled with activities leading up to Children’s Day on April 30. While the excitement of returning to school is palpable, the reality is that students will need to prepare for a short week, as classes will be suspended the following Thursday for Labor Day. This cycle of holidays and school activities reflects the rich cultural tapestry of Mexico, where education and tradition often intertwine.
The return to school is not just a routine; it signals the start of new opportunities, friendships, and learning experiences. As students pack their bags and head back to the classroom, they bring with them the hopes and dreams of a fruitful academic year ahead.
