When does the 'megapuente' (a long weekend) start in Mexico?

According to the Ministry of Public Education (SEP), this month there will be a new 'megapuente' (mega long weekend) that will affect both students and teachers in Mexico. When does it start and what is celebrated in the country? Here are the details.

When does the 'megapuente' (a long weekend) start in Mexico?
Days of festivities. Photo by Amy Shamblen / Unsplash

Famous for being one of the most awaited traditions on Mexican soil, the 'Day of the Dead' starts this week all over the country, where hundreds of thousands of citizens are already getting ready to receive the 'megapuente' of October and November. According to the calendar of the Ministry of Public Education (SEP), this month there will be up to five days off for students and teachers, this on the occasion of the celebrations of the dead.

To date, many people have not been able to enjoy a long weekend since the 2021-2022 school year began in August. However, the 'bad streak' is about to end and the good news is about to be fulfilled since the 'mega long weekend' of October is coming. This will begin on Friday 29 and will conclude on Tuesday, November 2.

What will be celebrated in the 'Megapuente'?

The five days that the 'megapuente' will last are due to two dates marked in the calendar for this school year, released by the Ministry of Public Education (SEP). According to this calendar, there will be no classes on October 29 due to a School Technical Council meeting, which is held on the last Friday of every month.

In addition to this day off for students, there will be mandatory breaks for each weekend, in this case, those corresponding to Saturday, October 30, and Sunday, October 31. November 1 and 2, on the other hand, are also marked as suspension of teaching work in the school calendar, since on these dates the festivities for the 'Day of the Dead' take place.

Long weekend 2021: who rests?

The October 'megapuente' is the only occasion when students and teachers will have five consecutive days to rest and be absent from the classroom. Basic level students, as well as teachers, will enjoy this extended holiday at the end of the month and the beginning of November.

How many holidays are left in 2021?

It is necessary to mention that November 1 and 2 are not subscribed in the Law as mandatory rest days, so they will only apply to all students and teachers of the SEP. About those that are contemplated in the legal norms as official holidays, the year still has November 15 (Mexican Revolution) and December 25 (Christmas).