Isabella Carter
Mexico's Constitution Day, or Día de la Constitución, is a federal public holiday that commemorates the promulgation of the country's constitution on February 5, 1917. It is one of Mexico's Fiestas Patrias, or public holidays, and is celebrated on the first Monday of February. The day marks the end of an era of grave discrimination, unfair labour laws, and gross inequalities for Mexican citizens. It is celebrated with large parades, festivals, picnics, music concerts, and street celebrations across the country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | First Monday in February (5th in 1917) |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Type of Holiday | Statutory |
| Significance | Ratification of the Constitution of 1917 |
| History | Drafted in Santiago de Querétaro during the Mexican Revolution |
| Current Relevance | Still governs Mexico today |
| Provisions | Social rights, workers' rights, land reform, etc. |
| Celebrations | Parades, festivals, picnics, music concerts, street celebrations |
| Closures | Schools, government offices, banks, most businesses |
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What You'll Learn
The history of Constitution Day in Mexico
Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución) is an annual public holiday in Mexico that commemorates the promulgation of the country's constitution on 5 February 1917. The holiday is held on the first Monday of February.
The Mexican Constitution of 1917 was the first in the world to include social rights and was drafted in Santiago de Querétaro, in central Mexico, following a revolution that started in 1910. It was approved by the Constitutional Congress on 5 February 1917, with Venustiano Carranza serving as the first president under the new constitution. The constitution was founded on seven fundamental ideals and was divided into "Titles" (Títulos), which are a series of articles related to the same overall theme.
The constitution included profound changes in Mexican political philosophy, which would help frame the political and social backdrop for the rest of the century. Article 3 established the basis for mandatory and secular education, Article 27 led to land reform in Mexico and asserted state sovereignty over the nation's subsoil rights, and Article 123 was designed to empower the labour sector. It guaranteed workers' rights, including the eight-hour day, a minimum wage, hygienic working conditions, prohibitions on the abuse of sharecroppers, payment of wages in cash, the banning of company stores, and Sunday as an obligatory day of rest.
The Mexican Constitution also outlined the duties of Mexican citizens, as well as non-Mexicans living in Mexico. It was the first document in history to state that every person has the right to an education. The constitution has been amended many times, but it continues to govern Mexico today.
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The Mexican Constitution's impact on workers' rights
Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución) is an official holiday in Mexico, celebrated on the first Monday of February. It commemorates the ratification of the Constitution of 1917, which was adopted after the Mexican Revolution and approved by the Constitutional Congress on February 5, 1917. The Mexican Constitution outlines various rights and freedoms, including workers' rights, which have had a significant impact on the labour landscape in the country.
The 1917 Constitution was groundbreaking in that it was the first in the world to incorporate social rights. Notably, it guaranteed Mexicans the right to a good job, decent housing, health protection, and education. Article 123, in particular, outlines workers' rights in detail, including the right to organise and engage in collective bargaining. This article also specifies the duties of both Mexican citizens and non-citizens residing in Mexico.
One of the most significant impacts of the Mexican Constitution on workers' rights is the mandate for written contracts. All workers in Mexico, regardless of their classification (unionised, non-unionised, or "de confianza"), are entitled to a written contract outlining the terms and conditions of their employment. This ensures clarity and protection for employees and helps employers comply with labour laws.
In addition to the right to written contracts, the Constitution has influenced other aspects of workers' rights in Mexico. For example, female workers are entitled to maternity leave without any adverse effects on their salary, benefits, or rights. During this period, the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) provides working mothers with 100% of their daily salary for twelve weeks. If an extension is needed, they receive 50% of their daily salary for up to sixty additional days.
The Constitution also protects workers from unjust termination. If an employer terminates an employment relationship without just cause, they are required to compensate the employee accordingly. This includes paying the worker an amount equivalent to three months' salary, plus 20 days' salary for each year of service, along with a seniority bonus.
Moreover, the Mexican Constitution has played a role in securing workers' rights to organise and engage in collective bargaining. On International Workers' Day, May 1, 2019, Mexico published amendments to its Federal Labor Law, ensuring that workers could freely organise and join unions. These amendments addressed the previous issue of company-controlled unions, often referred to as "white unions" or "protection unions," which did not adequately represent workers' interests. Now, unions must obtain a certificate of representation from a federal conciliation entity before entering into collective bargaining agreements, ensuring that they genuinely represent the interests of the workers they claim to serve.
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The significance of the date and day of the week
Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución) is an annual public holiday in Mexico, commemorating the promulgation of the Constitution on 5 February 1917. The date holds significance as it marks the day when the Mexican Constitution was approved by the Mexican Constitutional Congress. This event took place in Santiago de Querétaro, in the State of Querétaro, following the Mexican Revolution, which began in 1910. The Constitution was the successor to the Constitution of 1857 and earlier versions.
The Constitution of 1917 was a landmark document, as it was the first in the world to outline and guarantee social rights and freedoms for Mexican citizens. These rights included freedom of speech, religion, and petition, as well as legal rights such as the right to a good job, decent housing, and health protection, and workers' rights. The Constitution also ensured equality regardless of race or gender and the right to an education.
The date of 5 February was chosen as Constitution Day to commemorate the specific day of the Constitution's approval, making the holiday historically significant. While the holiday was traditionally celebrated on this date, a change was implemented in 2006. Now, Constitution Day is observed on the first Monday of February, creating a long holiday weekend for Mexicans. This change allows more people to fully participate in the festivities and commemorates the importance of the Constitution in Mexican history and daily life.
The choice of the first Monday in February as the holiday date also has practical considerations. By falling on a Monday, Constitution Day provides Mexicans with a three-day weekend, encouraging domestic tourism and contributing to the economy. Additionally, the fixed date ensures that the holiday is consistently observed and celebrated each year, fostering a sense of national unity and pride among Mexicans.
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How the holiday is celebrated
Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución) is a public holiday in Mexico, celebrated with large parades, festivals, picnics, music concerts, and street celebrations. It is observed on the first Monday of February to commemorate the promulgation of the Constitution on 5 February 1917. This day is a statutory holiday, meaning employees are entitled to a day off with regular pay, and schools and most businesses are closed. Banks, government offices, and many businesses also shut down, and people planning to use public transportation are advised to check for any timetable or route changes.
The Mexican Constitution of 1917 was drafted in Santiago de Querétaro during the Mexican Revolution, which began in 1910. It was approved by the Constituent Congress on 5 February 1917, with Venustiano Carranza serving as the first president. The Constitution was significant as it outlined fundamental rights and freedoms, including freedom of speech, religion, and petition, as well as legal rights. It was the first document in history to guarantee every person the right to an education and spell out workers' rights in detail, including the eight-hour workday, minimum wage, hygienic working conditions, and Sunday as an obligatory day of rest. The Constitution also addressed land reform, requiring landowners to make their land productive and granting land to those who requested it, provided they cultivate it.
The Constitution holds a special place in Mexican history as it marked the end of an era of grave discrimination, unfair labour laws, and gross inequalities. It was the first constitution in the world to include social rights, serving as a model for the Weimar Constitution of 1919 and the Russian Constitution of 1918. In 2017, Mexico celebrated the 100th anniversary of its Constitution, with the Bank of Mexico issuing commemorative 20-peso coins and 100-peso banknotes.
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The importance of the holiday to Mexicans
Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución) is a federal public holiday in Mexico, celebrated annually on the first Monday of February. It commemorates the promulgation of the current Mexican Constitution on 5 February 1917, following the Mexican Revolution. The Constitution is founded on seven fundamental ideals, outlined in "Titles" with variable lengths.
The holiday is of great importance to Mexicans as the Constitution holds significant value in their history and culture. It was the first such constitution in the world to include and guarantee social rights and freedoms, such as freedom of speech, religion, and petition. It also ensures equality, health protection, the right to housing, and free work choices. The Constitution is especially notable for its focus on workers' rights, including the eight-hour workday, the right to strike, rest on Sundays, and the right to a proper indemnification following unjustified termination. These rights were established to address the many abuses and hardships faced by the working class at the time.
The Mexican Constitution also goes beyond guaranteeing the rights of its citizens; it outlines the duties of Mexican citizens and non-Mexicans living in Mexico. Additionally, it was the first document in history to state that every person has the right to an education. This was a significant step forward, especially considering the context of the time, where women faced restrictions on their employment, such as limited working hours and provisions for prenatal and postnatal relief from onerous work.
Constitution Day is marked by large parades across Mexico, featuring marching bands and colourful costumes. There are also festivals, picnics, music concerts, and street celebrations. Mexicans view this day as an important occasion to reflect on their country's history, celebrate their cultural identity, and honour the progress made towards social justice and equality.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Day of the Constitution, or Constitution Day, is a federal public holiday in Mexico. It is celebrated on the first Monday of February to commemorate the ratification of the Constitution of 1917, which was approved on February 5, 1917, and is considered the legal triumph of the Mexican Revolution.
The Mexican Constitution, formally known as the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States, is significant as it was the first such document in the world to enshrine social rights and guarantee equality for its citizens. It outlines rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and petition, as well as the right to a good job, housing, health protection, and education.
Constitution Day is celebrated across Mexico with large parades, music concerts, street celebrations, and festivals. It is a day off for most, with schools, government offices, banks, and many businesses closed.
Mexico has three major types of public holidays: statutory holidays, civic holidays, and festivities. Statutory holidays are observed nationwide, and employees are entitled to a day off with regular pay. Civic holidays are also observed nationwide, but employees are not entitled to a paid day off. Festivities are traditional holidays honouring religious events or public celebrations like Mother's Day.
One of the most important patriotic statutory holidays in Mexico is Dia de la Independencia or Anniversario de la Independencia, celebrated on September 16, which commemorates Mexico's independence from Spain. Other public holidays include Benito Juarez's Birthday on March 16 and election days designated by federal and local electoral laws.
