Planning your year in Bolivia requires knowing the official national public holidays in advance. Understanding these holidays helps you schedule business meetings, book travel accommodations, and organize personal events more effectively. This comprehensive guide covers only the confirmed nationwide public holidays in Bolivia for 2026, ensuring you have accurate information for planning purposes. Regional holidays are not included, as they vary by department and are observed locally rather than nationally.
Official National Public Holidays in Bolivia 2026
Bolivia observes 12 national public holidays throughout 2026, as regulated by Decreto Supremo #27185. These holidays are recognized across all nine departments of the country. The following table provides the complete schedule:
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| January 22 | Thursday | Plurinational State Foundation Day |
| February 16 | Monday | Carnival Monday |
| February 17 | Tuesday | Carnival Tuesday |
| April 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| May 1 | Friday | Labor Day |
| June 4 | Thursday | Corpus Christi |
| June 21 | Sunday | Aymara New Year Day |
| June 22 | Monday | Day off for Aymara New Year Day |
| August 6 | Thursday | |
| November 2 | Monday | All Souls’ Day |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
Key Observations and Planning Tips for 2026
Several holidays in 2026 create excellent opportunities for extended weekends and travel planning. Most notably, the Aymara New Year celebration falls on Sunday, June 21, with the official substitute holiday observed on Monday, June 22, creating a natural long weekend. Similarly, Carnival offers a two-day celebration on Monday and Tuesday in mid-February, providing an extended break when combined with the preceding weekend.
Three major holidays fall on Fridays throughout the year: Good Friday in April, Labor Day in May, and Christmas Day in December. Consequently, these occasions naturally extend into three-day weekends, making them ideal for domestic travel or family gatherings. Meanwhile, several holidays occur on Thursdays, including New Year’s Day, Plurinational State Foundation Day, Corpus Christi, and Independence Day. Many businesses choose to close on the adjacent Friday, creating unofficial long weekends.
For business planning purposes, it’s important to note that government offices, banks, and many businesses close on these national holidays. Therefore, scheduling important meetings or transactions around these dates requires advance coordination. International travelers should book accommodations well ahead of major holidays like Carnival and Independence Day, as these periods see increased domestic tourism. On the other hand, checking current local times around the world helps when coordinating with international partners during holiday periods.
Understanding Bolivia’s Holiday System
Bolivia’s public holiday framework distinguishes between national holidays observed countrywide and regional holidays specific to individual departments. This guide focuses exclusively on the 12 national holidays that apply across the entire country. Each of Bolivia’s nine departments additionally celebrates its own founding day as a regional holiday, however, these are not included here as they only affect specific geographic areas.
The Plurinational State Foundation Day on January 22 commemorates the establishment of Bolivia as a plurinational state, recognizing the country’s diverse indigenous populations. Similarly, the Aymara New Year on June 21 celebrates indigenous heritage and coincides with the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. These holidays reflect Bolivia’s commitment to honoring its multicultural identity.
Religious holidays maintain strong cultural significance throughout Bolivia, with Good Friday, Corpus Christi, All Souls’ Day, and Christmas Day serving as important observances. Furthermore, Carnival represents one of the most vibrant celebrations in the country, particularly in Oruro, where elaborate parades and traditional dances attract visitors from around the world.
Maximizing Your Time with Holiday Planning
Strategic planning around public holidays enables you to make the most of your time in Bolivia. Using tools like a timer for efficient time management helps you stay organized when preparing for holiday travel or completing work before extended breaks. Consider setting 5, 10, or 15-minute timers to manage tasks effectively before holiday periods.
When planning international travel to or from Bolivia, verify that your itinerary accounts for these national holidays, as transportation services may operate on reduced schedules. Additionally, currency exchange offices and banks typically close on public holidays, so handling financial matters beforehand proves essential. For more detailed information about time management and planning strategies, explore our comprehensive guides section for practical tips.
Local celebrations during national holidays often feature parades, festivals, and cultural events that provide unique experiences for visitors. Independence Day on August 6 showcases patriotic displays throughout major cities, while Carnival festivities transform Oruro into a spectacular cultural showcase. Planning your visit around these events offers authentic insights into Bolivian traditions.
Important Reminders for 2026 Holiday Planning
While this calendar reflects the official national holidays as established by government decree, occasional adjustments can occur. Government announcements may designate additional non-working days or modify observance dates for specific years. Nevertheless, the holidays listed here represent the standard calendar followed throughout Bolivia.
Businesses operating in multiple Bolivian departments should account for both national holidays and the regional holidays observed in their specific locations. This consideration ensures proper staffing and operational planning throughout the year. Moreover, understanding when holidays fall on weekdays versus weekends helps predict business closures and plan accordingly.
For the most current information about time zones and scheduling across different regions, reference reliable sources that track local times globally. This becomes particularly relevant when coordinating across Bolivia’s diverse geography, from the high-altitude capital of La Paz to the tropical lowlands of Santa Cruz.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized nationwide in Bolivia?
Bolivia recognizes 12 national public holidays that are observed throughout the entire country. These include New Year’s Day, Plurinational State Foundation Day, Carnival Monday and Tuesday, Good Friday, Labor Day, Corpus Christi, Aymara New Year Day (with a substitute holiday on June 22), Independence Day, All Souls’ Day, and Christmas Day. All government offices, banks, and most businesses close on these dates.
Which holidays create long weekends in 2026?
Several holidays in 2026 create extended weekends. Good Friday (April 3), Labor Day (May 1), and Christmas Day (December 25) all fall on Fridays, naturally creating three-day weekends. The Aymara New Year celebration on Sunday, June 21, includes a substitute holiday on Monday, June 22, also forming a long weekend. Additionally, holidays falling on Thursdays often result in unofficial long weekends when businesses close on adjacent Fridays.
Are any holidays subject to change in Bolivia?
While the 12 national holidays listed are established by Decreto Supremo #27185 and remain consistent year to year, the Bolivian government occasionally announces special non-working days or adjusts observance dates. However, such changes are rare and typically announced well in advance. The holidays in this guide represent the official calendar as regulated by law. For the most current information, consult official government sources closer to each holiday date.
Do regional holidays affect the entire country?
No, regional holidays in Bolivia only affect the specific department where they are observed. Each of Bolivia’s nine departments celebrates its own founding day as a regional holiday, but these are not national holidays. This guide includes only nationwide holidays that apply across all departments. If you conduct business or travel in a specific department, check that region’s local holiday calendar in addition to the national holidays listed here.
How should businesses prepare for public holidays in Bolivia?
Businesses should plan operations around public holidays by ensuring adequate staffing before and after holiday periods, completing financial transactions in advance since banks close, and communicating holiday schedules to clients and partners. Companies operating across multiple departments should also account for regional holidays in their specific locations. Planning inventory and logistics around extended holiday weekends prevents disruptions to operations and customer service.