Official: SEP suspends classes on March 16, 2026 for national holiday

The Secretariat of Public Education (SEP) confirmed that classes will be suspended for millions of students in preschool, elementary, and secondary education in Mexico on Monday, March 16, 2026. This measure creates a long break of three days, as it adds to the regular weekend (Saturday the 14th and Sunday the 15th), allowing students and staff to enjoy a long weekend before the Easter holidays.

Why are classes suspended at SEP on March 16?

The suspension of school activities corresponds to the commemoration of Benito Juárez’s birthday, one of the most significant civic dates in the country. Although the former Mexican president was born on March 21, the Federal Labor Law (LFT) states that holidays are moved to the third Monday of the month to create an extended break. In 2026, this third Monday falls exactly on March 16.

This legal system allows millions of people in Mexico to enjoy an extended holiday, benefiting not only students but also workers in various sectors. The official SEP calendar confirms that classes will resume on Tuesday, March 17.

Upcoming important dates: Holy Week 2026

After the long break on March 16, basic education students will have only a few weeks of classes before the Holy Week 2026 holidays. According to the 2025-2026 school calendar from SEP, these holidays start on Monday, March 30, and end on Friday, April 10, 2026.

Classes are scheduled to resume on Monday, April 13, 2026, after families and students enjoy this period of rest related to Easter. This calendar structure allows educational centers to evenly distribute the suspension periods throughout the school year.