Honduras Public Holidays
Honduras Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Honduras? All public holidays in Honduras are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Honduras employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Honduras and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Honduras, located in Central America, celebrates a variety of public holidays throughout the year. These holidays are rooted in the country’s cultural, historical, and religious traditions, and they reflect the values and identity of the people. From commemorating key moments in the country’s independence to observing religious festivals, public holidays in Honduras provide opportunities for national reflection, celebration, and family gatherings. Below is an in-depth list and description of the key public holidays in Honduras.
1. New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo) – January 1
Description
New Year’s Day, known as “Año Nuevo,” marks the beginning of the year and is a public holiday in Honduras. This holiday is celebrated with family gatherings, parties, and fireworks. It is a day for Hondurans to reflect on the past year and to set intentions for the new one. Many people also attend religious services to welcome the new year with prayer and blessings.
Observance
New Year’s Day is observed nationwide. It is a public holiday, and government offices, schools, and most businesses are closed. People spend the day with family and friends, enjoying meals and celebrating the start of a new year. The holiday is a day of rest for most people, but some essential services remain open.
2. Military Day (Día de la Fuerzas Armadas) – February 3
Description
Military Day, or “Día de la Fuerzas Armadas,” is a day dedicated to honoring the Honduran military and its role in protecting the nation. The holiday commemorates the establishment of the Honduran Army and its contributions to the country’s security and sovereignty. It is a day of reflection on the country’s military history and the sacrifices made by the armed forces.
Observance
Military Day is observed across the country, with various ceremonies, parades, and events taking place, particularly in the capital city of Tegucigalpa. The day is marked by speeches from government officials and military leaders. It is a public holiday, and government offices and schools are closed, though many businesses remain open.
3. Holy Week (Semana Santa) – Date Varies
Description
Holy Week, or “Semana Santa,” is one of the most important religious observances in Honduras. It is a Christian holiday that commemorates the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Holy Week includes Good Friday (Viernes Santo), Easter Sunday (Domingo de Resurrección), and other related days such as Maundy Thursday (Jueves Santo). The week is filled with religious services, processions, and celebrations, with many Hondurans attending church and reflecting on the life of Christ.
Observance
Holy Week is widely observed in Honduras, and many businesses, schools, and government offices close during this time. The country experiences a surge in religious activities, including processions, particularly in the cities of Comayagua and Tegucigalpa, where people walk through the streets holding candles and singing hymns. It is also a time when many people take a vacation, heading to the beaches or countryside.
4. Labour Day (Día del Trabajo) – May 1
Description
Labour Day, or “Día del Trabajo,” is a holiday that honors workers and their contributions to the economy. It is a day to reflect on labor rights and the importance of fair working conditions. On Labour Day, workers, labor unions, and political groups organize parades and protests to advocate for workers’ rights, better wages, and improved labor conditions.
Observance
Labour Day is observed nationwide, with various marches, protests, and demonstrations organized by trade unions and workers’ rights groups. Government offices, schools, and most businesses are closed, though essential services may remain operational. The day serves as both a celebration and an opportunity for political engagement.
5. Independence Day – September 15
Description
Independence Day, or “Día de la Independencia,” is one of the most significant public holidays in Honduras. It marks the day in 1821 when Honduras, along with other Central American countries, declared its independence from Spain. The holiday is celebrated with patriotic displays, parades, and events that honor the country’s fight for freedom and sovereignty.
Observance
Independence Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country. In Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, large parades are held, featuring military bands, floats, and performances by schoolchildren. Government officials often give speeches, and there are also cultural exhibitions and performances throughout the country. It is a public holiday, and schools, government offices, and businesses are closed.
6. Columbus Day (Día de la Raza) – October 12
Description
Columbus Day, or “Día de la Raza,” is a holiday that commemorates Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas in 1492. While the holiday is celebrated in many countries across the Americas, in Honduras, it is a day to reflect on the history of the indigenous people and the impact of European colonization. It is a day to honor the mixed heritage of the Honduran people, which includes indigenous, African, and European roots.
Observance
Columbus Day is observed across the country, with various activities that highlight the country’s cultural diversity. Many people participate in cultural and historical activities, and some areas hold festivals that showcase indigenous music, dance, and traditions. While it is a public holiday, schools, government offices, and businesses are usually closed.
7. Christmas Day (Navidad) – December 25
Description
Christmas Day, or “Navidad,” is celebrated to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. In Honduras, Christmas is a time for family gatherings, religious observance, and feasts. The holiday is celebrated with church services, particularly the “Misa de Gallo,” which takes place on Christmas Eve. Families gather to share a festive meal, exchange gifts, and celebrate the season together.
Observance
Christmas Day is a public holiday, and government offices, schools, and businesses are closed. It is a day of rest, and many families spend the day together. The celebrations typically start on Christmas Eve, with people attending Mass and gathering for dinner, and continue into Christmas Day with family time and festivities.
8. Boxing Day (Día de San Esteban) – December 26
Description
Boxing Day, or “Día de San Esteban,” is celebrated in Honduras the day after Christmas. It is traditionally a time for giving to the less fortunate and spending time with family and friends. The holiday’s origins are tied to the British tradition of giving gifts to servants and workers, though in Honduras, it has evolved into a day of relaxation and enjoyment with loved ones.
Observance
Boxing Day is observed as a public holiday, and many people use the day to continue their Christmas celebrations or relax after the festive season. Some people may also visit friends and extended family, and it is a common day for informal gatherings. Government offices, schools, and businesses are closed.
Table: Public Holidays in Honduras and Observance
| Holiday | Date | Observed By | Public Sector | Private Sector | Schools |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Military Day | February 3 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Holy Week (Good Friday) | Date Varies | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Independence Day | September 15 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Columbus Day | October 12 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Boxing Day | December 26 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
