MEXICAN HOLIDAYS - PUBLIC & OPTIONAL

Article 74 of Mexico's federal labor law (Ley Federal de Trabajo) governs public holidays in Mexico. In 2006 the law was changed to modify the dates of certain holidays, which are now celebrated on the closest Monday. 

The following dates are obligatory days of rest for schools, banks, post offices and government offices:

• January 1 - Año Nuevo!(New Year)
• February 6, 2012 - Di­a de la Constitucion (Constitution Day) observed first Monday in February, originally February 5.
• March 19, 2012 - Natalicio de Benito Juarez (Benito Juarez' Birthday) observed third Monday in March, originally March 21.
• April 8 - Easter Sunday (Holy Week in Mexico)
• May 1 - Dia del Trabajo (Labor Day)
• September 16 - Día de la Independencia (Independence Day)
• November 19, 2012 - Día de la Revolución (Revolution Day) observed third Monday in November, originally November 20.
• December 25 - Navidad (Christmas Day)

In 2012, federal elections will be held on July 1st, and the new president will be sworn in on December 1.

The following holidays are optional (observed in some states):

• April 5, 2012 - Jueves Santo (Maundy Thursday) Holy Week in Mexico
• April 6, 2012 - Viernes Santo (Good Friday). Holy Week in Mexico
• April 30 -  El Día del Niño   (Day of the Child)
• May 5 - Cinco de Mayo, Batalla de Puebla (Battle of Puebla)
• November 2 - Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead)
• December 12 - Día de Guadalupe (Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe)

School holidays are for two weeks at Christmas and two weeks at Easter (Semana Santa), and from the beginning of July through the third week of August. During these times beaches and other tourist attractions may be crowded.

See the official Mexican school calendar (PDF file) from the Secretary of Public Education (SEP).