Planning your year ahead requires knowing the official public holidays in Colombia for 2026. Whether you’re scheduling business meetings, booking travel arrangements, or organizing family gatherings, understanding when Colombia observes its 18 nationwide holidays is essential. This comprehensive guide covers all confirmed national public holidays recognized across the entire country, helping you make informed decisions about your calendar. Unlike regional celebrations, these holidays are observed by all Colombian citizens and affect government offices, banks, and most businesses throughout the nation.
Official Public Holidays in Colombia 2026
Colombia celebrates 18 official public holidays in 2026, with a unique distribution that reflects the country’s rich cultural and religious heritage. Consequently, many of these holidays are moved to Mondays under the Emiliani Law, creating extended weekends for workers. However, certain holidays like Easter observances, Independence Day, the Immaculate Conception, and Christmas remain fixed on their original dates. Below is the complete list of confirmed nationwide holidays for 2026:
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| January 12 | Monday | Epiphany |
| March 23 | Monday | Saint Joseph’s Day |
| April 2 | Thursday | Holy Thursday |
| April 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| May 1 | Friday | Labor Day |
| May 18 | Monday | Ascension Day |
| June 8 | Monday | Feast of Corpus Christi |
| June 15 | Monday | Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus |
| June 29 | Monday | Feast of Saints Peter and Paul |
| July 20 | Monday | Independence Day |
| August 7 | Friday | Battle of Boyacá |
| August 17 | Monday | Assumption of Mary |
| October 12 | Monday | Columbus Day |
| November 2 | Monday | All Saints’ Day |
| November 16 | Monday | Independence of Cartagena |
| December 8 | Tuesday | Immaculate Conception |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas |
Understanding Colombia’s Holiday System
The Colombian holiday system operates under specific regulations that distinguish it from other countries. Meanwhile, the Emiliani Law, enacted on December 6, 1983, mandates that most religious holidays be moved to the following Monday to avoid interrupting the workweek. This practical approach creates predictable long weekends throughout the year. On the other hand, holidays with fixed dates—specifically Easter-related observances, Independence Day (July 20), the Immaculate Conception (December 8), and Christmas (December 25)—never change regardless of the day they fall on. This system balances religious tradition with modern workplace needs.
Planning Tips for 2026
In 2026, Colombia’s holiday calendar offers several excellent opportunities for extended breaks and travel planning. Notably, 11 of the 18 holidays fall on Mondays, creating natural three-day weekends perfect for short trips. June emerges as the most holiday-rich month with three separate celebrations, while February and September stand alone as the only months without any public holidays. Therefore, planning your vacation time around these Monday holidays can maximize your time off without using additional leave days.
The Easter week period (Holy Thursday and Good Friday in early April) traditionally sees many Colombians taking the entire week off, making it a peak travel season. Similarly, the year-end holidays between Christmas and New Year typically result in reduced business operations. If you’re scheduling important meetings or business transactions, it’s wise to avoid these periods. Additionally, consider checking current local times when coordinating with international partners during holiday periods.
For precise time management during busy pre-holiday periods, you might find helpful tools like a 15-minute timer or other interval timers to stay productive. Furthermore, exploring comprehensive planning guides can help you organize your year more effectively around these national celebrations.
Key Facts About Colombian Public Holidays
Colombian labor law requires all employers to provide employees with paid time off for all 18 national public holidays. These holidays apply nationwide, meaning that government offices, banks, schools, and most businesses close their doors to honor these occasions. However, essential services and some retail establishments may remain open with modified schedules. The country’s predominantly Catholic heritage influences the holiday calendar significantly, with numerous religious observances among the official holidays.
It’s important to note that these dates are confirmed based on current legislation and official sources. Nevertheless, changes to holiday dates are rare and typically announced well in advance through official government channels. Regional celebrations and local festivals exist throughout Colombia but are not included in this list, as they don’t constitute nationwide public holidays with mandatory closures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized nationwide in Colombia?
All 18 holidays listed in this guide are officially recognized nationwide throughout Colombia. These include New Year’s Day, Epiphany, Saint Joseph’s Day, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Labor Day, Ascension Day, Corpus Christi, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Saints Peter and Paul, Independence Day, Battle of Boyacá, Assumption of Mary, Columbus Day, All Saints’ Day, Independence of Cartagena, Immaculate Conception, and Christmas. Every holiday applies to all regions and sectors across the country.
Which holidays create long weekends in 2026?
In 2026, Colombia enjoys 11 holidays that fall on Mondays, creating natural long weekends. These include Epiphany (January 12), Saint Joseph’s Day (March 23), Ascension Day (May 18), Corpus Christi (June 8), Sacred Heart of Jesus (June 15), Saints Peter and Paul (June 29), Independence Day (July 20), Assumption of Mary (August 17), Columbus Day (October 12), All Saints’ Day (November 2), and Independence of Cartagena (November 16). Additionally, Labor Day (May 1) and Battle of Boyacá (August 7) fall on Fridays, and Christmas falls on Friday, offering potential four-day weekend opportunities.
Are any holidays subject to change?
Holiday dates in Colombia are generally stable and follow established legal frameworks. The Emiliani Law determines which holidays move to Mondays, while Easter-related holidays, Independence Day, the Immaculate Conception, and Christmas always remain on their fixed dates. Changes to the holiday calendar would require new legislation and are announced through official government channels. For the most current information, consult official Colombian government sources or verified holiday calendar providers.
Do businesses close on all public holidays?
Colombian labor law mandates that employees receive time off for all national public holidays, which means most government offices, banks, schools, and businesses close on these days. However, essential services such as hospitals, emergency services, public transportation, and some retail establishments may operate with reduced hours or special schedules. Private businesses have some flexibility in their operations but must compensate employees appropriately if they work on public holidays.
How does the Emiliani Law affect holiday dates?
The Emiliani Law, enacted in 1983, requires most Colombian holidays to be observed on Mondays to prevent workweek interruptions and create extended weekends. This law applies to most religious holidays throughout the year. However, four types of holidays remain fixed: Easter-related observances (Holy Thursday and Good Friday), Independence Day (July 20), the Immaculate Conception (December 8), and Christmas (December 25). This system has been in place for over 40 years and is deeply embedded in Colombian work culture.
Conclusion
Understanding Colombia’s public holiday schedule for 2026 is crucial for effective planning, whether you’re a resident, business owner, or visitor. With 18 official nationwide holidays strategically distributed throughout the year, Colombia offers ample opportunities for rest, celebration, and travel. The majority of these holidays falling on Mondays creates predictable long weekends that benefit both workers and the tourism industry. Remember to consult this list when scheduling important events, booking travel, or coordinating business activities throughout 2026. For more resources on time management and planning tools, visit our main public holidays page to explore additional guides and resources that can help you stay organized year-round.