Celebrate Benito Juárez Day

Is Benito Juárez’s Birthday Memorial a Public Holiday?

Benito Juárez’s Birthday Memorial is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.

This monument in Mexico City is dedicated to Benito Juárez.

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Celebrate Benito Juárez Day

A few political events are held to celebrate Benito Juarez’s birthday. His birth city San Pablo Guelatao hosts a range of activities, including contests, tournaments, fireworks and popular dances, to honor him.

Public Life

Benito Juárez Day is a federal public holiday in Mexico. Banks, schools, government offices and many businesses are closed. People intending on travelling via public transport in Mexico should check with public transit authorities on any timetable or route changes.

About Benito Juárez Day

Benito Juárez was born in San Pablo Guelatao, Oaxaca, on March 21, 1806. He was a lawyer who later held many public offices including as state legislator, civil judge, government secretary, and governor. In 1853 he was exiled to the United States due to political conflict. The following year he helped publish the Plan de Ayutla, which ended the dictatorship of political leader Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, thus convening a new Constitutional Congress.

In 1857 Juárez was elected president of the Supreme Court of Justice, a position he held until December of that year, when he became president. From then until his death in 1872, he led the government during historically significant events including the Reform War, the French Intervention, the Second Empire and the republic’s restoration.