Introduction to the First Long Weekend of 2026
The first extended weekend of 2026 arrives with the start of February. On this upcoming Monday, February 2, workers and students will enjoy their first mandatory day off in 2026. This day off commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Mexican Constitution’s promulgation.
Background on the Mexican Constitution of 1917
The Mexican Constitution of 1917 was promulgated on February 5, 1917. Although the actual anniversary is celebrated on February 5, the day off for workers falls on February 2. This is due to the Mexican Federal Labor Law (Article 74), which dictates that holiday bridges should extend to the nearest Monday, allowing for a three-day weekend for those who typically rest over the weekend.
Additional Important Dates in 2026
Besides official holidays, there are other significant dates to consider in 2026. The Secretariat of Public Education (SEP) outlines class suspensions, some of which companies may observe as holidays, though not obligatory.
- Semana Santa – March 30 (Monday) to April 5 (Sunday)
- Spring Break (Semana Santa) – March 30 to April 10
- Technical Councils’ days off – January 30, February 27, March 27, May 29, June 26
Non-Official Holidays (Class Suspensions)
- May 5 (Battle of Puebla)
- May 15 (Teachers’ Day)
- November 2 (Day of the Dead)
- End of School Year – July 15
Compensation for Working on Designated Holidays
Despite these dates being designated as mandatory rest days, the Mexican Federal Labor Law stipulates that workers can work on these holidays with additional compensation. This compensation equals the worker’s regular salary plus double pay, often referred to as “triple pay” for each day worked.
If this special compensation is not provided when working on a designated holiday, penalties ranging from 5,187 to 518,700 pesos may apply for violating these provisions.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the reason for the day off on February 2, 2026? It marks the 109th anniversary of the Mexican Constitution’s promulgation.
- Why is February 2 a workday off instead of February 5? The Mexican Federal Labor Law requires holiday bridges to extend to the nearest Monday, allowing for a three-day weekend.
- What other significant dates should be considered in 2026? Besides official holidays, there are class suspensions and non-official holidays outlined by the SEP and recognized by some companies.
- What compensation do workers receive for working on designated holidays? Workers can earn additional compensation equal to their regular salary plus double pay, known as “triple pay,” for each day worked on a holiday.
- What penalties apply if workers are not given the special compensation for working on holidays? Penalties ranging from 5,187 to 518,700 pesos may be imposed for violating these provisions.
