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Costa Rica

Public Holidays

Discover upcoming public holiday dates for Costa Rica and start planning to make the most of your time off.

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2026 Public Holidays

DateDayHoliday
1 JanThuNew Year's Day
2 AprThuMaundy Thursday
3 AprFriGood Friday
11 AprSatJuan Santamaria Day
1 MayFriLabour Day
25 JulSatGuanacaste Day
2 AugSunLady of the Angels Day
15 AugSatAssumption Day
15 AugSatMother's Day
6 SepSunDay of the Black Person and Afro-Costa Rican Culture
15 SepTueIndependence Day
1 DecTueAbolition of the Army
25 DecFriChristmas Day

2027 Public Holidays

DateDayHoliday
1 JanFriNew Year's Day
25 MarThuMaundy Thursday
26 MarFriGood Friday
11 AprSunJuan Santamaria Day
1 MaySatLabour Day
25 JulSunGuanacaste Day
2 AugMonLady of the Angels Day
15 AugSunAssumption Day
15 AugSunMother's Day
31 AugTueDay of the Black Person and Afro-Costa Rican Culture
15 SepWedIndependence Day
1 DecWedAbolition of the Army
25 DecSatChristmas Day

2028 Public Holidays

DateDayHoliday
1 JanSatNew Year's Day
11 AprTueJuan Santamaria Day
13 AprThuMaundy Thursday
14 AprFriGood Friday
1 MayMonLabour Day
25 JulTueGuanacaste Day
25 JulTueDay of the Black Person and Afro-Costa Rican Culture
2 AugWedLady of the Angels Day
15 AugTueAssumption Day
15 AugTueMother's Day
15 SepFriIndependence Day
1 DecFriAbolition of the Army
25 DecMonChristmas Day

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.