In 2027 Mexico has seven mandatory rest days set by Article 74 of the [Federal Labor Law](https://www.diputados.gob.mx/LeyesBiblio/pdf/LFT.pdf). Four of them create a long weekend, known as a "puente": January 1 falls on a Friday, and February 1, March 15 and November 15 fall on Mondays by rule. Two fall on Saturdays: May 1 and December 25.
Mandatory rest days in 2027
| Date | Day | Occasion | Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Friday | New Year's Day | Fixed date |
| February 1 | Monday | Constitution Day | First Monday of February |
| March 15 | Monday | Benito Juárez's birthday | Third Monday of March |
| May 1 | Saturday | Labor Day | Fixed date |
| September 16 | Thursday | Independence Day | Fixed date |
| November 15 | Monday | Revolution Day | Third Monday of November |
| December 25 | Saturday | Christmas | Fixed date |
The law also gives a mandatory rest day on October 1 every six years for the transfer of executive power. The next one is in 2030, so it does not apply in 2027.
Long weekends in 2027
| Long weekend | Days | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 to 3 | Friday to Sunday | New Year |
| January 30 to February 1 | Saturday to Monday | Constitution Day |
| March 13 to 15 | Saturday to Monday | Benito Juárez's birthday |
| November 13 to 15 | Saturday to Monday | Revolution Day |
September 16 falls on a Thursday, so many people negotiate Friday the 17th off, although it is not a mandatory rest day.
The 2027 election: another rest day
Article 74 also includes the day of ordinary federal elections as a mandatory rest day. There are midterm federal elections in 2027: under the General Law on Electoral Institutions and Procedures, ordinary elections are held on the first Sunday of June, which in 2027 is June 6. Since it falls on a Sunday, it mainly affects people who work that day.
What is not a mandatory rest day
- Holy Thursday and Good Friday (March 25 and 26, 2027): school holidays, and many companies give the day off, but the law does not require it.
- December 12, Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe: there are bills to make it a holiday, but none has been approved.
- November 2, Day of the Dead: a traditional celebration, not a mandatory rest day.
- May 5 (Battle of Puebla): a civic date, not a rest day under labor law.
How much you are paid if you work a holiday
Under Article 75 of the law, anyone who works a mandatory rest day receives, in addition to that day's wage, double pay for the work done. In practice, they earn three times a normal day. With the 2026 general-zone minimum wage (315.04 pesos a day), that is 945.12 pesos for the day. See the amounts in the minimum wage in Mexico 2026.
By comparison, Chile has 17 public holidays in 2027 (public holidays in Chile 2027), Argentina has at least 16 (public holidays in Argentina 2027) and Peru 16 (public holidays in Peru 2027). Mexico has fewer mandatory rest days than its southern neighbors.
Frequently asked questions
How many mandatory rest days does Mexico have in 2027?
Seven set by Article 74 of the Federal Labor Law, plus the federal election day on June 6.
When are the long weekends in 2027?
January 1 (Friday) and Mondays February 1, March 15 and November 15.
Are Holy Thursday and Good Friday holidays in Mexico?
They are not mandatory rest days by law, although many companies give the day off.
How much am I paid if I work a holiday?
Your normal wage plus double pay: three times an ordinary day in total.
