Mexico Public
Holidays 2026
A comprehensive guide to all federal holidays and cultural observances across Mexico’s 32 states.
2026 Mexico Federal HolidaysDías Festivos Oficiales
| # | Holiday | Date | Day | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 – January to March | ||||
| 1 | New Year’s DayAño Nuevo | January 1, 2026 | Thursday | Federal |
| 2 | Constitution DayDía de la Constitución | February 2, 2026 | Monday | Federal |
| 3 | Benito Juárez’s BirthdayNatalicio de Benito Juárez | March 16, 2026 | Monday | Federal |
| Q2 – April to June | ||||
| 4 | Maundy ThursdayJueves Santo | April 2, 2026 | Thursday | Bank Holiday |
| 5 | Good FridayViernes Santo | April 3, 2026 | Friday | Bank Holiday |
| 6 | Labour DayDía del Trabajo | May 1, 2026 | Friday | Federal |
| 7 | Cinco de MayoBatalla de Puebla | May 5, 2026 | Tuesday | Local/Cultural |
| Q3 – July to September | ||||
| 8 | Independence DayDía de la Independencia | September 16, 2026 | Wednesday | Federal |
| Q4 – October to December | ||||
| 9 | Day of the DeadDía de los Muertos | November 2, 2026 | Monday | Cultural |
| 10 | Revolution DayDía de la Revolución | November 16, 2026 | Monday | Federal |
| 11 | Day of the Virgin of GuadalupeDía de la Virgen de Guadalupe | December 12, 2026 | Saturday | Cultural |
| 12 | Christmas DayNavidad | December 25, 2026 | Friday | Federal |
New Year’s DayAño Nuevo
The first day of the year, celebrated with family gatherings, fireworks, and traditional foods. Mexicans celebrate with pozole and tamales, and participate in cultural traditions nationwide.
Federal HolidayConstitution DayDía de la Constitución
Commemorates the promulgation of the Mexican Constitution of 1917, one of the world’s most progressive constitutions of its time. Observed on the first Monday of February.
Civic HolidayBenito Juárez’s BirthdayNatalicio de Benito Juárez
Honors Benito Juárez, one of Mexico’s most beloved presidents and champion of reform. Celebrated on the third Monday of March, honoring his legacy as a defender of democracy.
Civic HolidayMaundy ThursdayJueves Santo
Part of Holy Week (Semana Santa), commemorating the Last Supper. While not an official federal holiday, it’s observed by banks and many businesses close for the Easter period.
Bank HolidayGood FridayViernes Santo
The most solemn day of Holy Week, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. A bank holiday widely observed throughout Mexico with religious processions and services.
Bank HolidayLabour DayDía del Trabajo
International Workers’ Day, celebrating the achievements and rights of workers. Major labor unions organize parades and demonstrations in Mexico City and across the country.
Federal HolidayCinco de MayoBatalla de Puebla
Commemorates Mexico’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. More widely celebrated in the US than Mexico, where it’s primarily observed in Puebla.
Local HolidayIndependence DayDía de la Independencia
Mexico’s most important national holiday, celebrating the start of the War of Independence in 1810 with Miguel Hidalgo’s famous “Grito de Dolores.” Festivities begin the night before with the President’s reenactment of the cry for independence, followed by parades, mariachi music, traditional food, and fireworks displays across the nation.
National DayDay of the DeadDía de los Muertos
One of Mexico’s most iconic cultural celebrations, honoring deceased loved ones with elaborate altars (ofrendas), marigold flowers, sugar skulls, and visits to cemeteries. This beautiful tradition blends indigenous and Catholic customs, celebrating death as a natural part of life. UNESCO recognized it as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Cultural ObservanceRevolution DayDía de la Revolución
Commemorates the start of the Mexican Revolution in 1910, which led to major social and political reforms. Observed on the third Monday of November with civic ceremonies and parades.
Civic HolidayDay of the Virgin of GuadalupeDía de la Virgen de Guadalupe
Honors Our Lady of Guadalupe, patron saint of Mexico. Millions of pilgrims visit the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City, making it one of the most important religious celebrations in the country.
Religious ObservanceChristmas DayNavidad
Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ with family gatherings, traditional foods like bacalao and romeritos, and gift exchanges.
Federal HolidayObligatory vs. Civic Holidays
Mexico distinguishes between obligatory rest days (días de descanso obligatorio) and civic holidays. There are 7 official federal holidays where workers are entitled to a paid day off.
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Constitution Day (first Monday of February)
- Benito Juárez’s Birthday (third Monday of March)
- Labour Day (May 1)
- Independence Day (September 16)
- Revolution Day (third Monday of November)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
Monday Holiday Law
In 2006, Mexico implemented a law moving certain holidays to the nearest Monday to create long weekends and boost domestic tourism.
- Constitution Day moved to first Monday of February
- Benito Juárez’s Birthday moved to third Monday of March
- Revolution Day moved to third Monday of November
- Independence Day (September 16) always stays on its original date
Cultural Celebrations
While not official federal holidays, several cultural and religious observances are deeply important to Mexican identity and widely celebrated.
- Holy Week (Semana Santa) – Easter observances
- Cinco de Mayo – Battle of Puebla commemoration
- Day of the Dead – UNESCO World Heritage tradition
- Virgin of Guadalupe Day – Major religious pilgrimage
- Posadas (December 16-24) – Christmas season celebrations
Working on Holidays
Under Mexican labor law, employees who work on official holidays are entitled to triple pay (300% of regular wages) for that day.
- Applies to the 7 federal obligatory holidays
- Banks close on federal holidays and some observances
- Government offices close on all official holidays
- Regional variations exist for local patron saint days
