Planning your year ahead requires knowing the official public holidays in Argentina for 2026. Whether you’re scheduling business meetings, organizing family gatherings, or booking travel arrangements, understanding when banks and government offices close is essential. This comprehensive guide covers all confirmed nationwide public holidays in Argentina for 2026, helping you make informed decisions throughout the year.
Argentina observes 16 federal public holidays in 2026, including both fixed-date celebrations and movable holidays. However, these dates represent only the nationwide holidays—regional observances and optional holidays for specific religious groups are not included in this list.
Official Argentina Public Holidays 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| February 16 | Monday | Carnival Monday |
| February 17 | Tuesday | Carnival Tuesday |
| March 24 | Tuesday | Memorial Day |
| April 2 | Thursday | Day of the Veterans and the Fallen in the Malvinas War |
| April 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| May 1 | Friday | Labor Day |
| May 25 | Monday | National Day (May Revolution) |
| June 17 | Wednesday | Commemoration of General Martín Miguel de Güemes |
| June 20 | Saturday | Flag Day |
| July 9 | Thursday | Independence Day |
| August 17 | Monday | San Martín Day |
| October 12 | Monday | Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity |
| November 23 | Monday | National Sovereignty Day |
| December 8 | Tuesday | Immaculate Conception |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
Key Planning Insights for 2026
Understanding Argentina’s holiday calendar helps you maximize long weekends and plan efficiently. In 2026, several holidays fall on weekdays, creating opportunities for extended breaks. Nevertheless, some holidays occur on weekends, which means you won’t benefit from additional days off work.
The Carnival celebration spans two consecutive days in mid-February, providing an early-year long weekend. Meanwhile, the combination of Good Friday on April 3 and the preceding Day of the Veterans on April 2 creates a four-day Easter weekend when combined with the weekend.
Furthermore, multiple holidays throughout the year fall on Mondays, including May 25 (National Day), August 17 (San Martín Day), October 12 (Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity), and November 23 (National Sovereignty Day). On the other hand, holidays like Flag Day (June 20) and Christmas (December 25) occur on weekends in 2026, offering no additional time off.
Argentina’s government occasionally declares “bridge holidays” (feriados puente) when a holiday falls on Tuesday or Thursday. Consequently, these bridge days extend the break into a long weekend. Although specific bridge holidays for 2026 haven’t been officially announced yet, they typically get declared closer to the actual dates.
Important Notes for Travelers and Residents
During national public holidays, government offices, banks, and many businesses remain closed throughout Argentina. However, retail stores, restaurants, and tourist attractions often maintain modified schedules or stay open entirely. Therefore, it’s advisable to verify operating hours before planning essential errands on these dates.
For those traveling to Argentina in 2026, booking accommodations and transportation well in advance for peak holiday periods is recommended. In particular, Independence Day (July 9) and the Carnival weekend in February see increased domestic travel activity.
Moreover, Argentina recognizes optional holidays for specific religious communities. Jewish citizens can observe Passover and Yom Kippur as official days off work under Argentine law. Similarly, Muslim communities have optional holidays for Eid celebrations, though these follow the Islamic lunar calendar and may shift slightly.
If you’re coordinating international meetings or events, checking current local times around the world ensures you schedule appropriately across time zones. Additionally, using timer tools can help manage countdown schedules for important deadlines around holidays.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Each public holiday in Argentina commemorates significant historical events or celebrates cultural traditions. Independence Day on July 9 marks the 1816 declaration of independence from Spain. Meanwhile, the May Revolution on May 25 honors the 1810 establishment of the first local government.
The Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity, observed on October 12, was formerly known as Columbus Day. Consequently, the name change reflects Argentina’s commitment to recognizing indigenous peoples and diverse cultures. This shift demonstrates how national holidays evolve to represent contemporary values.
San Martín Day celebrates General José de San Martín, the national hero who led independence movements across South America. Memorial Day on March 24 commemorates victims of the military dictatorship, serving as a solemn reminder of Argentina’s more recent history.
For comprehensive planning resources and scheduling guides throughout the year, explore our collection of helpful guides covering various time management and calendar topics.
How to Use This Holiday Calendar
This official list provides the foundation for effective year-round planning in Argentina. Whether you’re an employer creating work schedules, a traveler booking trips, or a resident planning personal events, having accurate holiday information proves invaluable.
Consider marking these dates in your digital calendar with reminders set one week in advance. Furthermore, coordinate with colleagues and family members early for holidays that create extended weekends, as hotels and popular destinations book quickly.
Remember that while this list includes all confirmed national holidays, provincial governments may observe additional regional celebrations. Therefore, checking with local authorities in your specific province ensures complete accuracy for your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized nationwide in Argentina for 2026?
Argentina recognizes 16 nationwide public holidays in 2026, including New Year’s Day, Carnival Monday and Tuesday, Memorial Day, Day of the Veterans, Good Friday, Labor Day, National Day, General Güemes Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, San Martín Day, Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity, National Sovereignty Day, Immaculate Conception, and Christmas Day. These holidays apply throughout the entire country, and government offices and banks close on these dates.
Which holidays create long weekends in 2026?
Several holidays in 2026 create extended weekends. The Carnival celebration spans Monday and Tuesday in mid-February, providing a long weekend when combined with the preceding weekend. Good Friday on April 3 follows the Day of the Veterans on April 2 (Thursday), creating a four-day break. Additionally, holidays falling on Mondays—such as National Day (May 25), San Martín Day (August 17), Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity (October 12), and National Sovereignty Day (November 23)—naturally extend the weekend.
Are any holidays in Argentina subject to change?
While the official public holidays listed are confirmed, the Argentine government may declare additional “bridge holidays” (feriados puente) closer to the actual dates. These bridge days typically occur when a holiday falls on Tuesday or Thursday, extending it into a long weekend. Moreover, the government occasionally adjusts holiday observances for administrative or economic reasons. Consequently, checking official government announcements periodically ensures you have the most current information.
Do all businesses close on public holidays in Argentina?
Government offices, banks, and many businesses close on national public holidays in Argentina. However, retail stores, restaurants, shopping malls, and tourist attractions often remain open with modified hours or regular schedules. Additionally, essential services like hospitals, pharmacies, and transportation continue operating. Nevertheless, it’s always advisable to verify specific business hours before planning important errands or appointments on public holidays.
Are there optional holidays for religious communities?
Yes, Argentine law recognizes optional holidays for specific religious groups. Under Law 24.571, Jewish citizens can observe the first and last days of Passover and Yom Kippur as official days off work. Similarly, Muslim employees can take time off for Islamic holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. These optional holidays do not apply to the general population but provide religious accommodation for those who observe them.
How does Argentina handle holidays that fall on weekends?
Unlike some countries that move weekend holidays to the nearest weekday, Argentina generally does not transfer holidays that fall on Saturdays or Sundays. In 2026, Flag Day falls on Saturday, June 20, and Christmas Day falls on Friday, December 25. Consequently, when holidays occur on weekends, employees do not receive compensatory days off. However, the government may occasionally declare bridge holidays to create long weekends for holidays falling on weekdays.