Mexico observes a variety of public holidays that are deeply rooted in its cultural, religious, and historical heritage. For employers managing a workforce in Mexico, understanding these holidays is crucial to ensuring compliance with labor laws and maintaining smooth business operations.
Key Public Holidays in Mexico for 2025
Below is a list of the major public holidays observed nationwide in Mexico for 2025:
Date | Holiday | Description |
|---|---|---|
January 1 | New Year’s Day | Celebrates the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year with family gatherings and social celebrations. |
February 5 | Constitution Day | Commemorates the signing of Mexico’s Constitution in 1917. This holiday is usually observed on the first Monday of February for a long weekend. |
March 17 | Benito Juárez Day | Honors Benito Juárez, a significant figure in Mexican history, typically celebrated on the third Monday of March. |
April 18 | Good Friday | A Christian observance marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, falling during Holy Week (Semana Santa). It is an important religious holiday in Mexico. |
May 1 | Labor Day | A national holiday recognizing the contributions of workers, similar to International Workers’ Day. Businesses and offices close in observance. |
September 16 | Independence Day | Celebrates Mexico’s independence from Spain, marked by parades, fireworks, and official events. It’s the most important national holiday in the country. |
November 2 | Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) | A unique cultural holiday that honors deceased loved ones with vibrant celebrations and altars (ofrendas). Not an official public holiday, but widely observed. |
November 20 | Revolution Day | Commemorates the start of the Mexican Revolution in 1910, usually observed on the third Monday of November. |
December 25 | Christmas Day | A Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, widely observed with family gatherings and religious services. |
Additional Holidays and Observances
In addition to the official public holidays, Mexico observes other important dates that may have regional or cultural significance but are not public holidays:
Date | Holiday/Observance | Description |
|---|---|---|
February 14 | Valentine’s Day | Celebrated similarly to Western customs, with exchanges of gifts and celebrations among couples and friends. |
November 1-2 | All Saints’ Day and Day of the Dead | A major cultural event honoring deceased loved ones through elaborate celebrations and family gatherings. |
Employer Considerations for Managing Public Holidays
National vs. Regional Holidays
Public holidays in Mexico are mostly national and observed across the country. However, certain regions may place more emphasis on specific religious or local holidays, which employers should consider, especially if managing a distributed workforce.
Managing Public Holidays with EOR/PEO Services
Employers Without a Presence in Mexico: Using EOR/PEO services like GlobainePEO helps international employers manage the complexities of holiday schedules, ensuring compliance with Mexican labor laws regarding time off and holiday pay.
Employers with a Local Entity: Businesses with an established presence in Mexico need to handle public holiday entitlements directly, including additional compensation for employees working during these holidays.
Holiday Pay and Compliance
Paid Leave: Employers are legally required to provide paid leave for statutory holidays. Employees who work on public holidays may be entitled to double or triple their regular pay, depending on the law.
Leave Policies: Clear policies regarding time off requests, especially around long holiday periods like Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Christmas, are essential for maintaining productivity and ensuring fairness.
Final Thoughts
For global employers, understanding Mexico’s public holidays is key to managing workforce schedules and ensuring compliance with local labor laws. Proper planning for key holidays like Independence Day and Labor Day can prevent disruptions in operations and promote a positive work environment.
GlobainePEO – Your Trusted Partner
At GlobainePEO, we help employers navigate the complexities of managing public holidays in Canada. From ensuring compliance with provincial laws to managing holiday schedules, we provide the support your business needs to thrive. Let us handle your workforce management while you focus on growing your business.