Public Holidays in Mexico
Managing public holidays in Mexico is essential for compliance and payroll accuracy. Mexican labor law grants employees specific paid holidays each year. For international employers, understanding which days are mandatory and how compensation works is critical. This guide explains the official holiday calendar, pay rules, and best practices for managing holiday leave in Mexico.
Discover more insights on leave and PTO in Mexico
Quick overview of Public holidays
Public Holidays in Mexico
Mexico observes no less than 7 days of federal public holidays . These are paid non-working days.
Compensation
Employers must either grant employees the day off with full pay or provide triple pay if they are required to work.
What Are Public Holidays in Mexico?
Mexico recognizes several federal public holidays. These are days when employees are legally entitled to time off with pay. Unlike regular PTO in Mexico, these holidays are mandated by law and apply nationwide. Employers must grant the day off or pay premium rates if employees work.
Public Holidays in Mexico
Public holidays are separate from vacation entitlements. Mexico observes several federal paid holidays, including:
January 1 – New Year’s Day
February 5 – Constitution Day
March 21 – Benito Juárez’s Birthday
May 1 – Labor Day
September 16 – Independence Day
November 20 – Revolution Day
December 25 – Christmas Day
Employees who work on a holiday must receive triple pay for that day. This means their regular daily wage plus double holiday pay.
Public holidays are only one part of employee entitlements. To see how health-related absences are handled, read our article on Sick Leave in Mexico.
Streamline Your Expansion with EOR Services in LATAM
Expand across Latin America effortlessly with our Employer of Record (EOR) services. We handle compliance, payroll, and employee management, ensuring smooth operations while you focus on growing your business.
Compensation Rules for Public Holidays
On public holidays in Mexico, employees receive their normal daily wage. However, if they work on these days, special pay applies. They must be compensated at triple their daily rate (regular pay plus double). Employers who fail to apply these rules risk fines and disputes.
Difference Between PTO and Public Holidays
It is important to distinguish between PTO in Mexico and public holidays. PTO, or vacation leave, is earned through service and grows with tenure. Public holidays are fixed by law and apply regardless of seniority. Both must be tracked separately to ensure payroll compliance.
This guide covers PTO in Mexico, but for a complete overview of all leave entitlements, visit our Ultimate Guide to Employee Leave in Mexico.
Best Practices for Managing Public Holidays in Mexico
To remain compliant and competitive, employers should:
Integrate the holiday calendar into payroll systems.
Communicate holiday dates clearly to employees.
Plan shifts early if holiday work is required.
Ensure triple pay is calculated and paid on time.
International companies often find holiday management complex. Using an Employer of Record like Europortage ensures every holiday is applied correctly, and employees always receive their legal entitlements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can an employer compensate the employee with another day off instead of public holiday pay?
No. Mexican labor law requires either the day off or, if the employee works, triple pay. Substituting with another day is not allowed.
What happens if a public holiday falls on a weekend?
In many cases, the holiday is observed on the following Monday to create a long weekend.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Mexico are a key part of employee leave entitlements. Employers must provide paid days off or triple pay if employees work. Combining these rules with PTO and other leave policies creates a complete compliance framework. With Europortage as your partner, you can manage holidays and leave in Mexico with confidence.
