Planning your year in Costa Rica requires knowing the official nationwide public holidays well in advance. Whether you’re scheduling business meetings, booking travel, or organizing events, understanding these dates helps ensure smooth operations throughout 2026. This comprehensive guide covers only confirmed national public holidays in Costa Rica recognized across Costa Rica, as mandated by the country’s Labor Code. Regional observances and optional holidays are not included in this list.
Official Public Holidays in Costa Rica 2026
Costa Rica observes several mandatory public holidays throughout the year, with most providing paid time off for employees. The following table presents all confirmed nationwide holidays for 2026, making it easy to reference when planning your schedule:
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| April 2 | Thursday | Maundy Thursday |
| April 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| April 11 | Saturday | Juan Santamaría Day (Battle of Rivas) |
| May 1 | Friday | Labor Day |
| July 25 | Saturday | Annexation of Guanacaste |
| August 2 | Sunday | Our Lady of Los Ángeles |
| August 15 | Saturday | Mother’s Day |
| September 15 | Tuesday | Independence Day |
| December 1 | Tuesday | Day of Abolition of the Army |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
Understanding Costa Rica’s Holiday System
Costa Rica’s Labor Code distinguishes between mandatory-pay holidays and non-mandatory-pay holidays. According to official regulations, employees are entitled to at least nine paid holidays per year. However, the specific payment requirements vary depending on the holiday and employment type. For salaried employees, nine of these holidays are fully paid even if not worked, while hourly employees may have different arrangements for certain observances.
When employees work on mandatory holidays, they’re entitled to double their regular wages. This regulation protects workers’ rights while allowing essential services to continue during holidays. Consequently, employers must plan staffing and budgets carefully around these dates. Meanwhile, the system balances economic needs with cultural traditions that Costa Ricans hold dear.
Key Planning Notes for 2026
Several holidays in 2026 fall on weekends, which may affect how businesses observe them. For instance, Juan Santamaría Day falls on Saturday, April 11, while the Annexation of Guanacaste and Mother’s Day both occur on Saturdays as well. On the other hand, when holidays fall on Sundays, such as Our Lady of Los Ángeles on August 2, some employers may transfer the observance to Monday according to Ministry of Labor guidelines.
The Easter period creates a natural four-day weekend in early April, with Maundy Thursday and Good Friday providing back-to-back holidays. This period, known as Semana Santa (Holy Week), represents one of Costa Rica’s most significant holiday periods. However, many businesses close for the entire week, extending beyond just the official public holidays. Therefore, plan critical activities well before or after this period.
Independence Day falls on Tuesday, September 15, creating potential for extended weekend getaways if employees take Monday off. Additionally, December features two important holidays: the Day of Abolition of the Army on December 1 and Christmas Day on December 25, both falling on Tuesday and Friday respectively. These dates mark the beginning and end of the festive season when many businesses operate on reduced schedules.
Practical Tips for Businesses and Travelers
Government offices, banks, and post offices close on all official public holidays. Moreover, many private businesses follow suit, particularly during major observances like Independence Day and Christmas. If you’re planning essential transactions, schedule them for non-holiday weekdays. Furthermore, the period between Christmas and New Year’s Day often sees reduced operations across many sectors, even though December 31 is not an official holiday.
For travelers, public holidays can affect transportation schedules, restaurant hours, and tourist attraction availability. Nevertheless, these dates also offer unique opportunities to experience Costa Rican culture through parades, festivals, and community celebrations. The Independence Day torchlight parades and Mother’s Day festivities showcase the nation’s vibrant traditions.
Employers should note that Costa Rican law requires payment of the aguinaldo (13th-month salary) between December 1 and 20. This Christmas bonus equals one month’s wages and must be factored into year-end financial planning. Additionally, using timer tools can help HR departments track compliance deadlines and ensure timely holiday pay processing throughout the year.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Costa Rica’s public holidays reflect the nation’s rich history and predominantly Catholic heritage. Independence Day commemorates the 1821 Act of Independence from Spain, while the Annexation of Guanacaste celebrates the 1824 voluntary incorporation of Guanacaste Province. Juan Santamaría Day honors the national hero who died fighting against William Walker’s filibuster forces in 1856.
The Day of Abolition of the Army, unique among world holidays, marks Costa Rica’s 1948 constitutional decision to disband its military. This bold move redirected military funding toward education and healthcare, establishing Costa Rica’s reputation for peace and social development. Such historical context enriches understanding of why these dates hold special meaning for Costa Ricans.
Religious observances form another pillar of the holiday calendar. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday during Holy Week represent the most solemn period for the Catholic majority. Our Lady of Los Ángeles on August 2 celebrates the patron saint of Costa Rica, while Mother’s Day on August 15 coincides with the Catholic Feast of the Assumption, demonstrating the intertwining of religious and family values in Costa Rican culture.
Verification and Official Sources
All dates listed in this guide have been verified against official government sources and the Costa Rican Labor Code. The Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS) publishes annual circulars confirming holiday dates, which employers must follow. For the most current information, especially regarding any last-minute changes, consult the official government publications or the current local times in Costa Rica to ensure you’re working with accurate, up-to-date information.
It’s worth noting that while this guide focuses on nationwide holidays, some regions may observe additional local celebrations. These regional observances don’t carry the same legal weight as national holidays and are not mandatory for employers. Therefore, when planning operations across different provinces, verify whether local customs might affect business operations beyond the official calendar.
Employment Law Considerations
Understanding holiday pay requirements helps both employers and employees navigate their rights and obligations. According to Costa Rica’s Labor Code, mandatory-pay holidays require full compensation even when employees don’t work. Conversely, non-mandatory-pay holidays may follow different rules depending on employment contracts and collective bargaining agreements.
Employees who work on official holidays receive double their regular salary for those hours. This premium pay recognizes the sacrifice of working during important cultural observances. Furthermore, employers cannot require employees to work on certain holidays without proper compensation. Violations of these regulations can result in substantial fines from the Ministry of Labor and potential legal action from affected workers.
Vacation planning around holidays can maximize time off. For example, employees taking leave around the Easter period or Christmas can extend their breaks significantly. Nevertheless, employers should establish clear policies about holiday scheduling to ensure adequate staffing while respecting workers’ rights to time with family and community during these significant dates.
Impact on Different Sectors
Public holidays affect various sectors differently. Tourism experiences peak demand during extended holiday periods, particularly during Holy Week when Costa Ricans traditionally travel to beaches and mountain destinations. Hotels and restaurants often see occupancy rates exceed 80% during these periods. On the other hand, manufacturing and construction may experience production slowdowns when multiple holidays cluster together.
Retail businesses face unique challenges and opportunities around holidays. While government-mandated closures limit shopping days, the periods leading up to major holidays see increased consumer spending. December exemplifies this pattern, with aguinaldo bonuses fueling year-end purchases. Additionally, many retailers extend hours before holidays to accommodate last-minute shoppers, requiring careful staff scheduling and payroll management.
For international businesses operating in Costa Rica, coordinating operations across time zones becomes particularly important during holidays. Using resources like comprehensive time management guides helps multinational teams stay synchronized when Costa Rican offices close for observances. These tools ensure smooth communication and prevent scheduling conflicts that might arise from differing national holiday calendars.
Changes and Updates to Watch
While the dates listed here reflect current Labor Code provisions, occasional changes do occur. The Ministry of Labor may issue circulars adjusting observance dates, particularly when holidays fall on weekends. These adjustments typically transfer Sunday holidays to the following Monday, preserving the rest benefit for workers. However, such changes are announced well in advance through official channels.
Legislative modifications to the holiday calendar remain relatively rare in Costa Rica. Any proposed changes undergo thorough debate in the Legislative Assembly and require presidential approval before implementation. Nevertheless, staying informed about potential changes ensures compliance and proper planning. Employers should monitor official government announcements and legal publications throughout the year.
The distinction between paid and unpaid holidays occasionally faces legislative review. Labor unions and worker advocacy groups periodically push for expanding paid holiday coverage. While major changes are uncommon, awareness of ongoing discussions helps anticipate potential future adjustments to employment costs and scheduling requirements.
Conclusion
Costa Rica’s 2026 public holiday calendar offers numerous opportunities for rest, celebration, and cultural participation. By understanding these dates well in advance, you can optimize your planning whether for business operations, travel arrangements, or personal scheduling. Remember that this list includes only official nationwide holidays—regional celebrations and optional observances require separate consideration.
For comprehensive holiday information across multiple years, visit our main public holidays page, where you’ll find calendars, timezone information, and planning tools for Costa Rica and countries worldwide. Bookmark this resource to ensure you never miss important dates that could affect your plans.
As 2026 approaches, use this guide to mark your calendar, schedule important events around holiday closures, and prepare for the unique rhythms of the Costa Rican year. Whether you’re an employer managing compliance, a traveler planning your itinerary, or a resident organizing family gatherings, these official holidays shape the framework of the year ahead. Stay informed, plan ahead, and make the most of Costa Rica’s rich calendar of national observances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized nationwide in Costa Rica for 2026?
Costa Rica recognizes 11 official nationwide public holidays in 2026, including New Year’s Day (January 1), Maundy Thursday (April 2), Good Friday (April 3), Juan Santamaría Day (April 11), Labor Day (May 1), Annexation of Guanacaste (July 25), Our Lady of Los Ángeles (August 2), Mother’s Day (August 15), Independence Day (September 15), Day of Abolition of the Army (December 1), and Christmas Day (December 25). According to Costa Rica’s Labor Code, nine of these holidays are mandatory paid holidays for most employees, while payment for the remaining holidays depends on employment type and individual contracts.
Which holidays create long weekends in 2026?
The Easter period offers the best long weekend opportunity in 2026, with Maundy Thursday (April 2) and Good Friday (April 3) creating a four-day weekend when combined with the regular weekend. Additionally, May 1 (Labor Day) falls on Friday, providing a three-day weekend. However, several holidays fall on Saturdays and Sundays in 2026, including Juan Santamaría Day, Annexation of Guanacaste, Our Lady of Los Ángeles, and Mother’s Day, which may affect how businesses observe these dates and whether observance transfers to adjacent weekdays.
Are any holidays subject to change in Costa Rica?
While the dates of fixed holidays remain stable, the observance dates can occasionally change when holidays fall on weekends. The Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS) may issue circulars transferring Sunday holidays to the following Monday to preserve worker rest benefits. Such adjustments are announced through official government channels well before they take effect. Additionally, movable holidays like Maundy Thursday and Good Friday vary each year based on the Easter calculation. It’s recommended to check official MTSS announcements periodically for any updates or clarifications regarding holiday observances.
Do businesses close on all public holidays in Costa Rica?
Government offices, banks, post offices, and most public institutions close on all official national holidays. However, private businesses have some flexibility depending on the nature of their operations and industry requirements. Essential services such as hospitals, pharmacies, and some restaurants often remain open, with employees receiving double pay for working on mandatory holidays. During major observances like Holy Week and the Christmas period, many businesses close for extended periods beyond just the official holidays. Travelers and those planning important transactions should verify specific business hours during holiday periods.
How does Costa Rica’s holiday pay work for employees?
Costa Rica’s Labor Code mandates that employees receive paid time off for at least nine public holidays annually. For mandatory-pay holidays, salaried employees receive full compensation even when not working, while hourly employees may have different arrangements for certain observances. When employees work on official holidays, they’re entitled to double their regular wages for those hours. The distinction between mandatory and non-mandatory holidays affects payment requirements, with non-mandatory holidays depending on employment contracts and collective bargaining agreements. Employers who violate these regulations face fines from the Ministry of Labor and potential legal action.