Mexican families are set to benefit from three upcoming bridge holidays this March, allowing students and workers to take some well-deserved time off. With the Secretariat of Public Education (SEP) confirming the school calendar for 2024-2025, many are already planning their getaways or restful weekends.
The highlight of this month is the official day off on March 17, 2025, which honors the birth of former President Benito Juárez. Despite the traditional celebration occurring on March 21, the holiday has been moved to the third Monday of the month, creating what some are calling a mega-bridge.
This historical shift allows elementary and secondary students across all 32 entities of Mexico to have classes off on the 17th. “Monday, March 17, 2025, is an official day off due to the commemoration of the birth of Benito Juárez,” noted the SEP report, emphasizing how this adjustment creates opportunities for extended time with family or vacations.
Before enjoying this long weekend, students will attend classes as normal on March 14, resuming after the break on Tuesday, March 18. March 15 and 16, the weekend preceding the holiday, are typical days off, leading to three consecutive days free from lectures.
Notably, the next significant date on the school calendar is Friday, March 21, also designated as a non-class day. This time it is due to the registration of grades, where teachers handle administrative tasks without students present. It is pivotal for the institutional workings of the schools, making it yet another day of respite for students.
March 28, 2025, will follow suit as another day off for basic education students due to the School Technical Council meeting. This day allows educators to review educational proposals and plan for the upcoming term.
For families, these breaks serve as the perfect opportunity to recharge as the academic year nears its conclusion. The upcoming Spring Break, running from April 14 to April 25, 2025, offers another chance for students to step away from their studies. Families can enjoy additional time together before the wrap-up of the school year.
The story of Benito Juárez, who embodied significant reform and leadership throughout his life, remains relevant today. Born on March 21, 1806, Juárez is recognized as “the Benemérito of the Americas,” credited with shaping modern Mexico. His story inspires respect, learning, and gratitude for the freedoms enjoyed today.
Joaquín Dorronsoro, Education Expert, reflected on Juárez’s impact, stating, “This holiday allows students to take advantage of the long weekend to vacation or escape the routine.” His words resonate with many, capturing the essence of what these days mean for hardworking families trying to maintain balance between education and relaxation.
Long weekends like these, resulting from significant dates intertwined with national history, help students and workers connect with their roots and the community. The Federal Labor Law (LFT) confirms the importance of honoring these historical moments via mandated rest days. “According to the Federal Labor Law, March 21, the date of the birth of Benito Juárez, is considered a mandatory rest day,” says Nancy Valenzuela from NORO.
With the backdrop of holiday celebration and relaxation, educators and families alike are reminded of the importance of refreshment during the long months of learning and teaching. The combination of school and national holidays balances educational pursuits with the need for downtime, fueling the spirit of both the students and their instructors.
Students are poised to welcome the upcoming weeks with excitement, using their time off to recharge and perhaps reflect on the legacy of great leaders like Juárez, who paved the way for democratic principles and education reform within Mexico.
Overall, March 2025 offers Mexican families the chance to maximize their rest and leisure time as they look forward to celebrating significant historical events, thereby allowing themselves the necessary pause before the intensity of the final school term.