Change of Federal Government in Mexico
Mexico’s Change of Federal Government marks the transfer of the federal executive to a new president every six years. The Constitution sets the presidential term to begin on October 1, and the Federal Labor Law makes that date a mandatory rest day when a transfer takes place.[1][2]
A constitutional change of date
The date is rooted in Mexico’s constitutional system, rather than in a religious calendar or a regional custom. A 2014 constitutional reform set October 1 as the start of a presidential term and specified that the change would take effect for the term beginning in 2024. Before the change took effect, presidential terms began on December 1.[1]
The holiday’s meaning is the formal handover of executive authority. It marks the beginning of a new six-year presidential term and a change in who holds the federal executive power.[1]
The legal rest day
Mexico’s Federal Labor Law lists October 1 every six years, when it coincides with the transfer of the Federal Executive, as a mandatory rest day. The provision was amended in 2024 to replace December 1 with October 1, bringing the labor calendar into line with the constitutional date.[2]
The law identifies the date itself; it does not specify a substitute Monday for this observance. The statutory rest-day rule concerns employment under the Federal Labor Law. Check opening hours with government offices and banks before you go. Check with schools, banks, shops, museums or transport providers for their schedules.[2]
The constitutional ceremony
The Constitution requires the incoming president to take an oath before the Congress of the Union, or before the Permanent Commission when Congress is in recess. The oath pledges to uphold the Constitution and laws and to perform the presidential office faithfully. This makes the handover a formal constitutional act, rather than simply a public celebration.[3]
Travelers should confirm opening hours and any local access arrangements directly with venues and transport providers.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Change of Federal Government a day off?
October 1 is a mandatory rest day under Mexico’s Federal Labor Law when it coincides with the transfer of the Federal Executive. The rule applies every six years.[2]
When does the presidential handover take place?
The Constitution sets the start of the presidential term on October 1 every six years. The 2014 reform specified that the new date would take effect for the term beginning in 2024.[1]
If October 1 falls on a Sunday, does the rest day move?
The labor-law provision names October 1 itself and does not state a substitute Monday for this observance.[2]
Are banks, shops and public transport closed?
The cited law establishes a mandatory employment rest day, but it does not specify closures or service schedules for banks, shops or transport. Check with the relevant provider before travelling.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for Change of Federal Government in Mexico:
- DECRETO por el que se reforman, adicionan y derogan diversas disposiciones de la Constitución Política de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos, en materia política-electoral- Diario Oficial de la Federación
- DECRETO por el que se reforma la fracción VII del artículo 74 de la Ley Federal del Trabajo, para establecer el 1o. de octubre de cada seis años, día de descanso obligatorio con motivo de la transmisión del Poder Ejecutivo Federal- Diario Oficial de la Federación
- Voces Constitucionales de las Entidades de la República Mexicana- Cámara de Diputados