Upon release, Un Día Sin Mexicanos polarized audiences. Some Latino critics found it too didactic; others praised its boldness. Anglo reviewers were often uncomfortable — a sign, perhaps, that the film hit its mark. The film struggled at the box office but found new life on DVD and later streaming, where it became a staple of Chicano studies courses and immigration debates.

Yet the film’s most effective moments are quiet. A white farmer, unable to harvest his own strawberries, watches them decay. A housewife confesses she never learned her nanny’s real name. These scenes are not funny — they are tragic. The mockumentary format allows Arau to critique without preaching, using absurdity to expose truth.

Un Día Sin Mexicanos is not a perfect film. Its low budget shows. Some performances are wooden. The ending, which explains the disappearance as a mystical fog, feels tacked on. But these flaws do not diminish its power.

Over time, the film has gained cult status. It is frequently screened during César Chávez Day and Hispanic Heritage Month. In the age of political debates about immigration, the film remains eerily relevant. In fact, during the COVID-19 pandemic, when essential farmworkers kept the food supply running while dying at disproportionate rates, many cited Un Dia Sin Mexicanos as a documentary of the present, not a satire of the past.

The film boasts an impressive cast, including Jessica Alba, Gael García Bernal, Eugenio Derbez, and Alfonzo Arau. Each actor brings their unique energy to their respective roles, making the characters relatable, lovable, and authentic. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, and their performances add depth and nuance to the narrative.