Costa Rica Public Holidays
Costa Rica Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Costa Rica? All public holidays in Costa Rica are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Costa Rica employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Costa Rica and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Costa Rica, known for its tropical landscapes, incredible biodiversity, and “Pura Vida” lifestyle, celebrates a variety of public holidays that reflect the country’s diverse cultural, historical, and religious traditions. These holidays bring together families, communities, and the nation as a whole to honor significant events and celebrate various aspects of life. Costa Rican holidays are a blend of national celebrations, religious observances, and cultural traditions. Some holidays, such as Christmas and Independence Day, are widely recognized across the country, while others, like Virgin of the Angels Day, have more regional or religious significance. These holidays shape Costa Rican society, offering moments of reflection, community gatherings, and a deeper sense of shared identity.
National Holidays in Costa Rica
1. New Year’s Day (Día de Año Nuevo) – January 1
Date: January 1
Description: New Year’s Day is one of the most widely celebrated public holidays in Costa Rica. As the first day of the year according to the Gregorian calendar, Costa Ricans embrace the day with family gatherings, feasts, and various festivities. The day is marked by a quiet atmosphere as most businesses, government offices, and schools remain closed. People celebrate with traditional meals, fireworks, and parties as they look forward to the upcoming year. In Costa Rica, the holiday reflects a sense of renewal and hope for the future.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
2. Juan Santamaría Day (Día de Juan Santamaría) – April 11
Date: April 11
Description: Juan Santamaría Day is a national holiday that honors the heroism of Juan Santamaría, a young Costa Rican who became a symbol of courage and patriotism during the Battle of Rivas in 1856. Santamaría, who died in battle, helped secure Costa Rica’s victory over the filibusters (foreign mercenaries) led by William Walker. His actions are commemorated each year with ceremonies and events, particularly in his hometown of Alajuela. Parades, local festivals, and public speeches highlight this holiday, which is dedicated to national pride and the defense of the country’s sovereignty.
Observance: Nationally, especially in Alajuela
Days Off: 1
3. Labour Day (Día del Trabajo) – May 1
Date: May 1
Description: Labour Day, known as Día del Trabajo, is celebrated across Costa Rica to honor workers and their contributions to society. This holiday is observed with rallies, parades, and public demonstrations, particularly in urban centers like San José. It highlights workers’ rights and recognizes the labor movement’s achievements. People gather to advocate for better working conditions, social justice, and improvements in labor laws. Labour Day is a time for solidarity among Costa Rican workers, and it is marked by various activities that promote social equality and workers’ rights.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
4. Independence Day (Día de la Independencia) – September 15
Date: September 15
Description: Independence Day is one of Costa Rica’s most significant national holidays, marking the day in 1821 when Costa Rica and the other Central American nations declared their independence from Spain. The holiday is celebrated with grandeur, with vibrant parades, school performances, concerts, and patriotic displays. Schools, businesses, and government institutions host cultural activities to commemorate the country’s freedom. On the eve of Independence Day, many cities hold torchlight processions, symbolizing the historical event in which the independence news traveled through Central America.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
5. Christmas Day (Navidad) – December 25
Date: December 25
Description: Christmas Day is one of the most important holidays for Costa Ricans, especially among the predominantly Catholic population. The holiday marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is celebrated with festive meals, family gatherings, and religious services. On Christmas Eve, known as La Misa de Gallo, many Costa Ricans attend Midnight Mass to honor the occasion. Christmas is a time for families to come together, exchange gifts, and celebrate with traditional foods such as tamales, pork, and sweets like “turrón” (nougat). The holiday season extends into a festive period filled with decorations, music, and lights.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
Religious Holidays in Costa Rica
1. Holy Week (Semana Santa)
Date: Varies (March/April, depending on the year)
Description: Holy Week (Semana Santa) is perhaps the most significant religious observance in Costa Rica, deeply ingrained in the national culture. For Costa Ricans, this is a time for both spiritual reflection and relaxation. The week commemorates the Passion, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, followed by Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and ends with Easter Sunday. Good Friday (Viernes Santo) is a mandatory public holiday, and many Costa Ricans attend religious services or take part in processions. In coastal areas and small towns, special religious dramas, known as “Pasos,” are enacted to depict scenes from the Bible.
Observance: Nationally, with increased observance in Catholic communities
Days Off: 4 (Good Friday is a mandatory public holiday, others depend on local practices)
2. Virgin of the Angels Day (Día de la Virgen de los Ángeles) – August 2
Date: August 2
Description: The Day of the Virgin of the Angels (Día de la Virgen de los Ángeles) is one of the most important religious holidays in Costa Rica. It honors the Virgin of Los Angeles (La Negrita), the country’s patron saint. La Negrita is said to have appeared to an indigenous woman in the 17th century in Cartago. Pilgrims from all over the country walk to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in Cartago to pay tribute and offer prayers for blessings. The day is filled with mass gatherings, prayers, and religious processions. It is one of the largest religious events in the country, with people traveling long distances to attend.
Observance: Nationally, especially in Cartago
Days Off: 1
3. The Feast of the Assumption of Mary (Asunción de la Virgen) – August 15
Date: August 15
Description: The Feast of the Assumption of Mary is a religious celebration that honors the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken up into heaven. The holiday is widely observed by the Catholic population, with mass services and processions held across the country. The day coincides with Costa Rica’s celebration of Mother’s Day, making it a dual celebration. Families come together to honor both their mothers and the Virgin Mary.
Observance: Nationally, especially among the Catholic community
Days Off: 1
4. All Saints’ Day (Día de Todos los Santos) – November 1
Date: November 1
Description: All Saints’ Day is a Christian holiday that commemorates all saints, both known and unknown. It is a day for remembering and honoring the lives of those who have achieved sainthood. Costa Ricans mark this day by visiting cemeteries to pay respects to deceased family members and attending religious services. This day is particularly significant for Catholic families who have lost loved ones.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
5. Immaculate Conception (Inmaculada Concepción) – December 8
Date: December 8
Description: The Immaculate Conception is a Catholic holiday that celebrates the belief that the Virgin Mary was conceived without original sin. This day is important for Costa Rican Catholics, with mass services, processions, and prayers held throughout the country. The holiday is also a precursor to the Christmas season and marks the beginning of festive celebrations.
Observance: Nationally, especially among the Catholic community
Days Off: 1
Other National and Cultural Holidays in Costa Rica
1. Mother’s Day (Día de la Madre) – August 15
Date: August 15
Description: Costa Rica celebrates Mother’s Day on August 15, coinciding with the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. This is a day dedicated to honoring mothers, appreciating their roles in family life, and recognizing their hard work and sacrifices. It is a day for children to show their love and gratitude to their mothers with gifts, flowers, and special meals. Families spend quality time together, and schools often hold performances to celebrate mothers.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1 (for some sectors)
2. Father’s Day (Día del Padre) – Third Sunday in June
Date: Third Sunday in June
Description: Father’s Day is a celebration dedicated to fathers and fatherhood in Costa Rica. The day is not a public holiday, but it is widely observed across the country. Children and families express their appreciation for fathers by giving gifts, flowers, and cards. Many restaurants and businesses offer special promotions to celebrate fathers.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: Not a public holiday, but widely celebrated
Public Holidays Observance and Work Schedule
The following table shows the public holidays, the number of days off, and which groups of people observe the holidays.
| Holiday | Date | Days Off | Groups Observing |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day (Día de Año Nuevo) | January 1 | 1 | Nationally |
| Juan Santamaría Day (Día de Juan Santamaría) | April 11 | 1 | Nationally, especially in Alajuela |
| Labour Day (Día del Trabajo) | May 1 | 1 | Nationally |
| Independence Day (Día de la Independencia) | September 15 | 1 | Nationally |
| Christmas Day (Navidad) | December 25 | 1 | Nationally |
| Holy Week (Semana Santa) | Varies | 4 | Nationally |
| Virgin of the Angels Day (Día de la Virgen de los Ángeles) | August 2 | 1 | Nationally, especially in Cartago |
| Feast of the Assumption of Mary (Asunción de la Virgen) | August 15 | 1 | Nationally, especially among Catholics |
| All Saints’ Day (Día de Todos los Santos) | November 1 | 1 | Nationally |
| Immaculate Conception (Inmaculada Concepción) | December 8 | 1 | Nationally |
| Mother’s Day (Día de la Madre) | August 15 | 1 | Nationally |
| Father’s Day (Día del Padre) | Third Sunday in June | 0 | Nationally |
