Costa Rica Public Holidays
Discover upcoming public holiday dates for Costa Rica and start planning to make the most of your time off.
Many Costa Rican public holidays are based on cultural and religious traditions. As a predominately Catholic country, the majority of private and public businesses are closed for two weeks during Easter Holy week and the following week. This is known as Semana Santa. In addition to Easter weeks, the majority of businesses, banks and public offices are closed between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
According to Costa Rica’s Labor Code, employees are entitled to eight paid holidays per year. Employees may be entitled to paid days off for additional holidays and national or religious observances including Columbus Day, All Souls’ Day, Feast of the Immaculate Conception and New Year’s Eve. These holidays and observances are allowed at the discretion of the employer according to terms set forth in an employment contract or union bargaining agreement. If an employee is required to work on a public holiday, he or she will be compensated at a rate equal to double the normal salary.