Planning your year ahead requires knowing the official national public holidays in Chile for 2026. These nationwide holidays affect business operations, government services, and travel schedules throughout the country. Consequently, understanding which dates are officially recognized helps you organize work commitments, family gatherings, and vacation plans more effectively. This comprehensive guide covers all confirmed national public holidays observed across Chile in 2026, excluding regional or local celebrations.
Official National Public Holidays in Chile 2026
Chile recognizes 16 official national public holidays in 2026, with dates established by presidential decree and announced annually by the Minister of Labor. The following table presents all confirmed nationwide holidays for the year:
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| April 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| April 4 | Saturday | Holy Saturday |
| May 1 | Friday | Labor Day |
| May 21 | Thursday | Navy Day |
| June 21 | Sunday | National Day of Indigenous Peoples |
| June 29 | Monday | Saint Peter and Saint Paul |
| July 16 | Thursday | Our Lady of Mount Carmel |
| August 15 | Saturday | Assumption of Mary |
| September 18 | Friday | National Day (Independence Day) |
| September 19 | Saturday | Army Day |
| October 12 | Monday | Day of the Discovery of Two Worlds |
| October 31 | Saturday | Reformation Day |
| November 1 | Sunday | All Saints’ Day |
| December 8 | Tuesday | Immaculate Conception |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
Understanding Chile’s Holiday System
Chilean public holidays trace their origins to Law 2,977, promulgated in 1915 by President Ramón Barros Luco. This legislation established the framework for national observances that remains in effect today. However, subsequent presidents have modified the holiday calendar through additional decrees over the decades. Under Chilean labor law, employers must provide workers with time off for nationally recognized holidays, making these dates particularly important for workforce planning.
The current holiday structure reflects Chile’s cultural heritage, combining religious observances with patriotic commemorations. Nearly half of the official holidays celebrate Christian traditions, while others honor military achievements and national independence. Moreover, recent additions like the National Day of Indigenous Peoples demonstrate Chile’s evolving recognition of diverse cultural contributions.
Key Planning Notes for 2026
Several holidays in 2026 create advantageous scheduling opportunities, while others present unique considerations for travelers and businesses. The September 18-19 weekend stands out as Chile’s most significant national celebration, marking Independence Day and Army Day consecutively. This two-day observance typically sparks nationwide festivities and family gatherings.
Additionally, May 1 (Labor Day) falls on a Friday, creating a natural three-day weekend for workers. Similarly, Christmas Day lands on Friday, December 25, offering another extended weekend opportunity at year’s end. On the other hand, several holidays occur on weekends in 2026, including Holy Saturday, Assumption of Mary, Army Day, Reformation Day, All Saints’ Day, and National Day of Indigenous Peoples, which means some workers won’t receive additional days off unless compensatory arrangements are made.
For international travelers, it’s worth noting that government offices, banks, and many businesses close on these official holidays. Therefore, planning around these dates ensures smoother transactions and service accessibility. When scheduling meetings or events, consulting this holiday calendar helps avoid conflicts with nationwide closures. You can always check the current local time in Chile to coordinate across time zones effectively.
Long Weekend Opportunities in 2026
While 2026 doesn’t feature an abundance of long weekends due to several holidays falling on Saturdays and Sundays, strategic vacation planning can still maximize time off. The Easter weekend (April 3-5) naturally creates an extended break when combined with the Friday and Saturday holidays. Meanwhile, the Christmas holiday falling on Friday provides another built-in three-day weekend to close out the year.
For those looking to extend their breaks further, taking leave around these core holidays can create week-long vacations. For instance, requesting time off around the September 18-19 celebration could yield an extended patriotic holiday period. Planning ahead becomes essential for such arrangements, especially during peak holiday seasons when many Chileans travel domestically.
Regional Holidays Not Included
This guide focuses exclusively on nationwide public holidays observed throughout Chile. Regional holidays, such as the Battle of Arica commemoration in the Arica and Parinacota region, are not included in this listing. Local municipalities may also observe additional feast days or commemorative dates that affect specific communities. Consequently, residents should consult local government announcements for area-specific observances that might impact services in their region.
Tools for Time Management
Effective scheduling around public holidays requires reliable time-tracking tools. Whether you’re coordinating international meetings or managing project deadlines, having access to accurate timers helps maintain productivity. Consider using a 15-minute timer for focused work sessions between holiday preparations, or explore other timer options for various task durations.
For deeper insights into holiday planning strategies and time management techniques, visit our comprehensive guides section, which offers practical advice for maximizing productivity throughout the year.
Changes and Updates to Holiday Dates
Chilean holiday legislation includes provisions for moving certain holidays to create long weekends. According to Law 19,668 (passed in 2000), specific holidays shift to the preceding or following Monday based on which weekday they fall upon. These adjustments primarily affect religious observances like Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Columbus Day (now called Day of the Discovery of Two Worlds), and Corpus Christi.
The system works as follows: if these movable holidays fall on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, they shift to the preceding Monday; meanwhile, if they fall on Friday, they move to the following Monday. In 2026, Saint Peter and Saint Paul naturally falls on Monday, June 29, requiring no adjustment. Day of the Discovery of Two Worlds moves to Monday, October 12, following this rule.
Presidential elections and other electoral events are also declared public holidays when they occur, though none are scheduled for 2026. Any last-minute changes to the holiday calendar would be announced by the Ministry of Labor through official channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized nationwide in Chile?
Chile recognizes 16 official national public holidays in 2026, including New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Labor Day, Navy Day, National Day of Indigenous Peoples, Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Assumption of Mary, National Day, Army Day, Day of the Discovery of Two Worlds, Reformation Day, All Saints’ Day, Immaculate Conception, and Christmas Day. These holidays are observed throughout the entire country and are mandated by Chilean labor law.
Which holidays create long weekends in 2026?
The most notable long weekends in 2026 include Easter weekend (April 3-5 with Good Friday and Holy Saturday), the Labor Day weekend (May 1 falling on Friday), the September Independence celebration (September 18-19), and the Christmas weekend (December 25 falling on Friday). However, several holidays fall on Saturdays and Sundays in 2026, which naturally extends those weekends for workers who don’t typically work weekends.
Are any holidays subject to change?
Chilean public holidays are established by presidential decree and can only be modified through the same process. The Minister of Labor announces the official holiday calendar annually, though the core holidays remain consistent year to year. Certain religious holidays may be moved to Mondays to create long weekends according to Law 19,668. Additionally, unexpected changes might occur if national elections are scheduled, as voting days are declared public holidays by law.
Do businesses close on all public holidays?
Under Chilean labor code, employers must provide employees with time off for nationally recognized holidays. Government offices, banks, and most traditional businesses close on these dates. However, essential services, tourism-related businesses, restaurants, and retail establishments may remain open with modified hours. Workers who must work on public holidays typically receive premium pay as mandated by labor regulations.
How do public holidays affect international travel to Chile?
Public holidays can significantly impact travel plans, as government services, banks, and many businesses close nationwide. Booking accommodations and transportation in advance becomes especially important during major holidays like the September Independence celebration, when many Chileans travel domestically. International travelers should plan accordingly and verify operating hours for tourist attractions and services during holiday periods.