When Does Holy Week 2026 Start? Complete Guide to Dates and Time Off

If you’re wondering when Holy Week 2026 begins, you should know that this important religious celebration will take place from March 29 to April 5. For Mexico, this period means much more than a commemoration: it directly impacts the country’s work, school, and financial calendars. Although many are surprised to learn that not everyone is entitled to official time off during these days, the reality is more nuanced and depends on the sector you work in.

Exact Dates: Holy Thursday and Good Friday

The core of Holy Week 2026 occurs in mid-April. Holy Thursday falls on April 2, and Good Friday on April 3. These two days are the most significant within the Christian liturgical calendar. Before them, on Sunday, March 29, Palm Sunday is celebrated, marking the official start of the week. The celebration concludes with Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday, which will be on April 4 and 5, respectively.

Although these dates are widely recognized in Mexican culture, many employees are unpleasantly surprised to learn that the Federal Labor Law (LFT) does not consider Holy Thursday or Good Friday as mandatory days off. Legally, employers can require workers to attend their usual duties on these days.

Who will have time off during Holy Week?

The answer depends on where you work. According to Mexican legislation, neither Holy Thursday nor Good Friday are legal holidays, so employers are not obligated to grant them. However, in practice, many companies do give one or both days off, either fully or partially, out of tradition or internal policies.

The ideal scenario for workers is when the company grants both Holy Thursday and Good Friday off. In that case, combined with the weekend, you get four consecutive days of rest (April 2–5). A common second scenario is when only Good Friday is granted, totaling three days off (April 3–5). In essential sectors like health, security, and emergency services, there may be no additional days off.

For students, the situation is completely different. According to the official calendar from the Secretariat of Public Education (SEP), school vacations will start on Thursday, March 26, and end on Monday, April 13. This means that students in basic education will enjoy nearly three weeks of break, covering both Holy Week and Easter Week.

Will banks operate during Holy Week 2026?

Yes, partially. The National Banking and Securities Commission (CNBV) has confirmed that physical bank branches will be closed on Thursday, April 2, and Friday, April 3. The Mexican Banking Association (ABM) provides specific details about which services will be available:

• Customer service counters will be closed on those two days
• ATMs will operate normally
• Digital banking and mobile apps will continue to function as usual
• Some branches located inside supermarkets may open with special hours
• Full operations will resume on Monday, April 6
• The official recommendation is to complete important transactions before Holy Week or use digital platforms

Iztapalapa and the international recognition of Holy Week

One of the most iconic elements of Holy Week in Mexico is the Passion of Christ reenactment in Iztapalapa, a borough of Mexico City. This tradition mobilizes over 5,000 actors and volunteers who dramatize the Passion of Jesus, culminating in a traditional Via Crucis at the Cerro de la Estrella.

In a historic milestone for Mexican culture, this tradition was inscribed by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2025. The decision was made during a session held in New Delhi, India, granting global recognition to this cultural expression rooted in Mexico for decades.

The scheduled activities for 2026 include Palm Sunday (March 29), Holy Thursday (April 2), and Good Friday (April 3) with the traditional Via Crucis, followed by Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday (April 4 and 5).

Practical planning for Holy Week 2026

With the dates of Holy Week 2026 already confirmed, it’s time to plan. If your company grants one or both days off, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy an extended break. If not, you can still make the most of the weekend of April 4 and 5 for religious, family, or leisure activities.

To avoid surprises, complete your banking transactions before April 2 or use digital channels during those two days. Students and families can plan trips with greater flexibility thanks to the extended vacation period provided by SEP. Whatever your employment situation, Holy Week 2026 marks an important point on the calendar to anticipate activities, rest, and celebrations in the middle of the year.