Guatemala Public Holidays
Guatemala Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Guatemala? All public holidays in Guatemala are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Guatemala employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Guatemala and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Guatemala, located in Central America, is a country with a rich cultural heritage, shaped by its Mayan history, colonial past, and modern-day traditions. The public holidays in Guatemala reflect this diverse heritage, with celebrations rooted in both indigenous customs and Catholic religious observances. Many of the holidays are tied to the Catholic Church, given that the majority of the population is Roman Catholic. These holidays provide opportunities for reflection, religious observance, and national celebration. They also allow the people of Guatemala to honor their history, cultural identity, and the struggles for independence and sovereignty.
National Holidays in Guatemala
1. New Year’s Day (Día de Año Nuevo) – January 1
Date: January 1
Description: New Year’s Day in Guatemala marks the beginning of the new year, as it does worldwide. The holiday is celebrated with family gatherings, parties, and fireworks. People reflect on the past year and set resolutions for the year ahead. It is also a time to come together with family and friends to enjoy meals and festivities. Most businesses, schools, and government offices are closed on this day, making it a time for relaxation and celebration.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
2. Holy Week (Semana Santa) – Varies (March/April)
Date: Varies (March/April)
Description: Holy Week is one of the most important religious observances in Guatemala, as the country has a strong Catholic presence. The week begins with Palm Sunday, leading up to Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday. The entire country participates in religious services, processions, and public gatherings to commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The processions, which feature elaborate floats and people dressed as biblical figures, are particularly important in cities such as Antigua, where they are part of a longstanding tradition. Holy Week is marked by fasting, prayer, and reflection on the sacrifice of Christ.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 4 (Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday, and some areas on Palm Sunday)
3. Labour Day (Día del Trabajo) – May 1
Date: May 1
Description: Labour Day is a celebration of workers’ rights and the contributions of the working class. The day is marked by rallies, protests, and demonstrations organized by labor unions and various social movements. It is a day for reflecting on the achievements of the labor movement and advocating for better working conditions. Many workers take part in marches and events that promote workers’ rights and social justice. While it is a public holiday, some businesses may remain open, although most schools and government offices are closed.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
4. Independence Day (Día de la Independencia) – September 15
Date: September 15
Description: Independence Day commemorates the day Guatemala declared independence from Spain in 1821, along with several other Central American countries. This is one of the most significant holidays in Guatemala, marked by parades, national ceremonies, and various cultural events. The day celebrates the country’s sovereignty and honors the struggles for freedom. Independence Day is a time for national pride, with citizens coming together to reflect on their history and achievements. The holiday is celebrated across the country, particularly in the capital, with speeches, music, and displays of patriotism.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
5. Revolution Day (Día de la Revolución) – October 20
Date: October 20
Description: Revolution Day commemorates the revolution of 1944, when the Guatemalan government was overthrown in a peaceful uprising. This event marked a significant turning point in the country’s history, as it led to the establishment of democratic governance in Guatemala. The holiday is observed with speeches, public celebrations, and educational events reflecting on the importance of democratic values, freedom, and political change. It is an opportunity for the people of Guatemala to celebrate their political progress and independence.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
6. All Saints’ Day (Día de Todos los Santos) – November 1
Date: November 1
Description: All Saints’ Day is a Catholic holiday that honors all saints, both known and unknown. In Guatemala, it is a time for visiting cemeteries to honor deceased family members and loved ones. People also attend Mass and reflect on the lives of saints and martyrs who have shaped the Christian faith. The holiday is a solemn occasion, marked by prayers, offerings of flowers, and visits to the graves of the departed. It is an official public holiday in Guatemala, with most businesses, schools, and government offices closed.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
7. Christmas Day (Navidad) – December 25
Date: December 25
Description: Christmas Day in Guatemala celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is one of the most important holidays in the country. It is a time for family gatherings, church services, and festive meals. Traditional foods like tamales, turkey, and ponche (a fruit punch) are commonly enjoyed during the holiday season. The holiday season in Guatemala begins with Christmas Eve, or Nochebuena, when families come together for a festive dinner and attend midnight Mass. Christmas Day is a public holiday, and most businesses and government offices are closed for the occasion.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
Religious Holidays in Guatemala
1. Good Friday (Viernes Santo) – Varies (March/April)
Date: Varies (March/April)
Description: Good Friday is a Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In Guatemala, this day is observed with solemn religious ceremonies, including processions and church services. The country’s Catholic communities participate in re-enactments of the Passion of Christ, where people take on the roles of biblical figures and walk through the streets in prayer. In cities like Antigua, the processions are large and elaborate, attracting both locals and tourists. It is a day of fasting, reflection, and religious observance.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
2. Easter Sunday (Domingo de Resurrección) – Varies (March/April)
Date: Varies (March/April)
Description: Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and it is a day of joy and celebration in Guatemala. After the solemnity of Good Friday, Easter Sunday is a time for festive gatherings, church services, and family meals. The day is marked by joy and optimism as Guatemalans reflect on the meaning of Christ’s resurrection and its significance to the Christian faith. It is a public holiday, and most businesses, schools, and government offices are closed.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
3. St. George’s Day (Día de San Jorge) – April 23
Date: April 23
Description: St. George’s Day is a religious holiday in Guatemala dedicated to St. George, who is the patron saint of several cities and towns in Guatemala. The holiday is celebrated with church services, processions, and cultural activities. In some parts of the country, the day is marked by festivals honoring St. George’s role as a protector of the people. It is a day of reverence and celebration, especially in areas with strong devotion to the saint.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
4. Immaculate Conception (La 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. In Guatemala, the day is marked by church services, prayers, and processions. The holiday is significant for devout Catholics, and many people attend Mass to honor Mary’s purity and grace. The day is especially important for those who have a deep devotion to the Virgin Mary and is observed across the country.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
Cultural Holidays in Guatemala
1. Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) – November 2
Date: November 2
Description: The Day of the Dead is celebrated across Latin America, and in Guatemala, it is an occasion to honor and remember deceased loved ones. It is a time when families visit cemeteries to clean and decorate the graves of their relatives. Traditional foods like fiambre (a cold salad with meats and vegetables) are prepared, and families gather to offer prayers and light candles. In some indigenous communities, the day is also marked by ancient rituals and ceremonies.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
2. Revolution Day (Día de la Revolución) – June 30
Date: June 30
Description: Revolution Day commemorates the revolution of 1944 that led to the fall of the military dictatorship and the establishment of a democratic government. The day is marked by public ceremonies, including speeches and cultural performances, that celebrate the importance of democracy and political change in Guatemala. The holiday serves as a reminder of the country’s struggle for freedom and the importance of democratic values.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
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 |
| Holy Week (Semana Santa) | Varies (March/April) | 4 | Nationally, Christian communities |
| Labour Day (Día del Trabajo) | May 1 | 1 | Nationally |
| Independence Day (Día de la Independencia) | September 15 | 1 | Nationally |
| Revolution Day (Día de la Revolución) | October 20 | 1 | Nationally |
| All Saints’ Day (Día de Todos los Santos) | November 1 | 1 | Nationally, Catholic communities |
| Christmas Day (Navidad) | December 25 | 1 | Nationally |
| Boxing Day (Día de San Esteban) | December 26 | 1 | Nationally |
| St. George’s Day (Día de San Jorge) | April 23 | 1 | Nationally, Catholic communities |
| Immaculate Conception (La Inmaculada Concepción) | December 8 | 1 | Nationally, Catholic communities |
| Good Friday (Viernes Santo) | Varies (March/April) | 1 | Nationally, Christian communities |
| Easter Sunday (Domingo de Resurrección) | Varies (March/April) | 1 | Nationally |
| Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) | November 2 | 1 | Nationally |
