Yucatán Breaks 185-Day School Calendar With Extra Days Off

Mérida, Yucatán — Despite a mandated 185-day school calendar, Yucatán has repeatedly suspended classes for extended breaks, or “puentes,” citing local customs and family time. The latest announcement has sparked criticism over the erosion of instructional days.

This week and next, according to the federal calendar, only May 1 and May 5 were designated as non-school days. However, Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena announced a “long bridge” that also included May 4, meaning students will be out from Thursday, April 30, until Wednesday, May 6.

An investigation found that only five states — Hidalgo, Tamaulipas, Coahuila, Colima, and Yucatán — will have such a “mega puente.” Aguascalientes also has a break for its traditional San Marcos Fair.

In the 2025–2026 school year alone, Yucatán has authorized four additional suspensions: Monday, September 15 (linked to the September 16 federal holiday); October 31 (a scheduled Technical Council day that was also canceled); March 16 and 17 for Carnival (historically only Tuesday was off); and now May 4.

These five extra days effectively reduce the school year to 180 days, according to the newspaper’s analysis.

Sources said that the suspensions are largely aimed at keeping teachers satisfied and quelling discontent against Education Secretary Juan Balam. The timing also coincides with the annual federal salary increase announcement, seen as an attempt to preempt unrest.