Introduction
In November, a significant “megapuente” (extended weekend) will commence due to the Day of the Dead celebrations. This article clarifies who is eligible for this extended break and its duration.
Key Dates and Relevance
The celebration begins on Halloween, observed on October 31, a holiday rooted in Western Christian tradition but widely celebrated in the United States and gaining popularity in Mexico. The following day, November 1, is the Day of All Saints, and November 2 marks Día de los Fieles Difuntos (All Souls’ Day). Although these dates are significant in Mexico, the Federal Labor Law (FLL) does not classify them as mandatory rest days.
The Consejo Técnico Escolar (CTE) and the Megapuente
According to the Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP) school calendar, October 31 is designated for the CTE, an activity exclusively for school directors and teaching staff. This meeting aims to enhance educational quality through strategic planning for student learning.
Held on the last Friday of each month, students in basic education (pre-school, primary, and secondary) do not attend classes during the CTE. As a result, they will enjoy this megapuente, starting from October 31 and concluding on November 2, 2025. Classes resume on November 3.
Impact on Formal Sector Workers
For formal sector workers, this extended break is not a mandatory holiday as per the FLL. Thus, November 1, 2, and 3 will remain regular working days unless their employer decides otherwise.
However, if you work on November 2, remember that your employer must compensate you with the dominical premium, as stipulated in Article 71 of the Federal Labor Law.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the megapuente? It’s an extended weekend for students in basic education due to the CTE meeting on October 31, extending through November 2, 2025.
- Who is eligible for the megapuente? Students in pre-school, primary, and secondary education are eligible.
- When does the megapuente start and end? It begins on October 31, 2025, and concludes on November 2, 2025.
- What about formal sector workers? The megapuente does not grant them mandatory rest days. Regular working days apply unless the employer decides differently.
- What if I work on November 2? Your employer must pay you the dominical premium as per the Federal Labor Law.
