Chile has 16 nationwide public holidays in 2026, including Independence Day, Labour Day, Holy Week observances and Christmas Day. Five of these are mandatory, non-waivable holidays (feriados irrenunciables) for eligible retail workers, subject to legal exceptions.
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The 2026 holiday calendar also includes two geographically restricted holidays, one in the Arica and Parinacota Region and another in the communes of Chillán and Chillán Viejo. These local holidays are separate from the nationwide schedule.
This guide covers Chile's official public holiday dates, Fiestas Patrias celebrations, mandatory retail holidays, regional observances, long weekends and practical rules affecting employees and businesses.
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Next Public Holiday in Chile
| Date | Day | Holiday | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 31, 2026 | Saturday | Reformation Day (National Day of Evangelical and Protestant Churches) | Confirmed |
Public Holidays in Chile 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 | Thursday | New Year's Day | Confirmed |
| April 3, 2026 | Friday | Good Friday | Confirmed |
| April 4, 2026 | Saturday | Holy Saturday | Confirmed |
| May 1, 2026 | Friday | Labour Day | Confirmed |
| May 21, 2026 | Thursday | Navy Day (Day of Naval Glories) | Confirmed |
| June 7, 2026 | Sunday | Assault and Capture of Morro de Arica Day (Arica and Parinacota Region) | Regional |
| June 21, 2026 | Sunday | National Indigenous Peoples Day | Confirmed |
| June 29, 2026 | Monday | Saints Peter and Paul Day | Confirmed |
| July 16, 2026 | Thursday | Our Lady of Mount Carmel | Confirmed |
| August 15, 2026 | Saturday | Assumption of Mary | Confirmed |
| August 20, 2026 | Thursday | Birth of Bernardo O'Higgins (Chillán and Chillán Viejo) | Regional |
| September 18, 2026 | Friday | Independence Day | Confirmed |
| September 19, 2026 | Saturday | Army Day (Day of Army Glories) | Confirmed |
| October 12, 2026 | Monday | Encounter of Two Worlds Day | Confirmed |
| October 31, 2026 | Saturday | Reformation Day (National Day of Evangelical and Protestant Churches) | Confirmed |
| November 1, 2026 | Sunday | All Saints' Day | Confirmed |
| December 8, 2026 | Tuesday | Immaculate Conception | Confirmed |
| December 25, 2026 | Friday | Christmas Day | Confirmed |
Chile's 2026 calendar contains 16 nationwide public holiday dates. The schedule includes civil commemorations, Christian religious observances and National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Some holidays fall on fixed dates, while others depend on the Christian calendar or statutory date-adjustment rules. Not every public holiday creates an additional weekday off: several nationwide holidays fall on Saturdays or Sundays in 2026.
The Government of Chile's official 2026 holiday publication identifies the national holiday dates and distinguishes the five mandatory, non-waivable holidays applicable to covered retail workers.
How Public Holidays Work in Chile
Public holidays in Chile are known as feriados or días festivos. They are established through national legislation and may commemorate historical events, religious traditions or important national occasions.
Chile distinguishes between ordinary public holidays and feriados obligatorios e irrenunciables, which provide additional statutory protections to eligible retail-sector employees.
Some holidays apply throughout the country, while certain legally established observances apply only to a designated region or commune.
Nationwide Public Holidays
Nationwide public holidays apply across Chile under the applicable legal framework. These include New Year's Day, Labour Day, Independence Day, Army Day and Christmas Day, along with other civil and religious observances.
Different employment arrangements may affect whether a worker is required to provide services on a particular holiday, but the national recognition of the holiday remains unchanged.
What Are Feriados Irrenunciables?
Feriados irrenunciables are mandatory, non-waivable public holidays that provide special rest-day protections to covered retail workers in Chile.
Under Law No. 19.973, as amended, five dates are designated as mandatory, non-waivable holidays for eligible commerce employees:
- January 1 – New Year's Day.
- May 1 – Labour Day.
- September 18 – Independence Day.
- September 19 – Army Day.
- December 25 – Christmas Day.
These protections do not apply identically to every business or worker. The legislation includes exceptions for certain commercial activities and establishments.
The Chilean Labour Directorate explains the applicable requirements, exemptions and rest-day entitlements for commerce employees.
Fiestas Patrias in Chile 2026
Fiestas Patrias are among Chile's most important national celebrations. They commemorate the beginning of the country's independence process and are observed through cultural events, traditional food, music and community gatherings.
In 2026, Chile's two principal Fiestas Patrias holidays fall on consecutive days: Friday, September 18, and Saturday, September 19.
Independence Day – September 18
Chilean Independence Day is celebrated on September 18 each year. It commemorates the establishment of the First Government Junta in Santiago on September 18, 1810, a major milestone in Chile's path toward independence.
Independence Day is a nationwide public holiday and one of the five mandatory, non-waivable holidays for eligible retail workers.
Army Day – September 19
Army Day, officially known as the Day of Army Glories (Día de las Glorias del Ejército), is observed annually on September 19.
The holiday honours Chile's armed forces and is closely connected to the national Fiestas Patrias celebrations. The traditional military parade, known as the Parada Militar, is an important part of the observance.
Army Day is also a mandatory, non-waivable holiday for eligible retail workers.
How Long Is the Fiestas Patrias Break in 2026?
In 2026, Independence Day falls on Friday and Army Day on Saturday. For people following a standard Monday-to-Friday working schedule, the Friday holiday creates a three-day break when combined with the weekend.
The two statutory holidays themselves remain September 18 and September 19. The ordinary Sunday following these dates is not a separately designated additional Fiestas Patrias holiday.
Religious Public Holidays in Chile
Religious observances account for a significant part of Chile's public holiday calendar. Most are associated with Christian traditions, although the country also recognizes the National Day of Evangelical and Protestant Churches.
Holy Week and Easter 2026
Holy Week, known as Semana Santa, includes two nationwide public holidays in Chile: Good Friday and Holy Saturday.
In 2026, Good Friday falls on April 3 and Holy Saturday on April 4. Easter Sunday falls on April 5, but it is not counted as a separate named nationwide public holiday in the 16-date schedule.
Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, while Holy Saturday is observed as the day before Easter Sunday.
For workers with a standard Monday-to-Friday schedule, Good Friday creates a three-day weekend.
Saints Peter and Paul Day
Saints Peter and Paul Day is a recognized religious public holiday in Chile. It honours two important figures in Christianity.
The holiday falls on Monday, June 29, 2026, creating a three-day weekend for employees who ordinarily have Saturdays and Sundays off.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, known in Chile as Virgen del Carmen, is celebrated on July 16 each year.
The Virgin of Mount Carmel is closely associated with Chilean Catholic tradition and is regarded as the patroness of Chile.
In 2026, the public holiday falls on Thursday, July 16.
Assumption of Mary
The Assumption of Mary is a Christian religious holiday observed on August 15.
In Chile, it is recognized as a nationwide public holiday. In 2026, the date falls on Saturday.
National Day of Evangelical and Protestant Churches
Chile recognizes the National Day of Evangelical and Protestant Churches under Law No. 20.299.
The holiday acknowledges the country's Evangelical and Protestant communities and their contributions to Chilean society.
In 2026, the holiday falls on Saturday, October 31.
Other Christian Holidays
Additional religious public holidays include All Saints' Day on November 1, Immaculate Conception on December 8 and Christmas Day on December 25.
Christmas Day is one of Chile's five mandatory, non-waivable public holidays for eligible retail workers.
National Indigenous Peoples Day in Chile
Chile observes National Indigenous Peoples Day (Día Nacional de los Pueblos Indígenas) as a nationwide public holiday under Law No. 21.357.
The holiday recognizes the significance of Indigenous peoples and their cultural traditions. Its timing is associated with the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere, which has ceremonial importance for several Indigenous communities.
In 2026, National Indigenous Peoples Day falls on Sunday, June 21.
The holiday applies nationally and should not be confused with local or region-specific commemorations.
Regional and Local Public Holidays in Chile
In addition to the 16 nationwide public holidays, Chile has two legally recognized geographically restricted holidays in 2026.
These holidays apply only to the designated regions or communes. They are not additional nationwide days off and are therefore excluded from the main national public holiday schedule.
Assault and Capture of Morro de Arica Day
June 7 is a public holiday in the Arica and Parinacota Region under Law No. 20.663.
The holiday commemorates the Assault and Capture of Morro de Arica during the War of the Pacific in 1880.
In 2026, the holiday falls on Sunday, June 7. Its geographical applicability is limited to the Arica and Parinacota Region.
Birth of Bernardo O'Higgins
August 20 is a local public holiday in the communes of Chillán and Chillán Viejo, commemorating the birth of Bernardo O'Higgins, an important figure in Chile's independence movement.
The holiday is established through the applicable local holiday legislation, including Law No. 20.768.
In 2026, August 20 falls on Thursday. The holiday does not apply to the whole Ñuble Region or to Chile nationwide.
Long Weekends in Chile in 2026
Several national public holidays fall on Fridays or Mondays in 2026, creating three-day weekends for workers with conventional Monday-to-Friday schedules.
Confirmed Three-Day Weekends
- April 3–5: Good Friday and the Easter weekend.
- May 1–3: Labour Day weekend.
- June 27–29: Saints Peter and Paul Day weekend.
- September 18–20: Independence Day and Fiestas Patrias weekend.
- October 10–12: Encounter of Two Worlds Day weekend.
- December 25–27: Christmas weekend.
These breaks combine official public holidays with ordinary weekend days. They do not represent additional government-declared holidays.
Can Annual Leave Extend a Holiday Weekend?
Employees may be able to extend a holiday break by taking approved annual leave around a public holiday.
For example, a Thursday holiday can create an opportunity for a longer break if an employee receives approval to take Friday as annual leave.
Any additional leave is subject to the employee's entitlement, workplace arrangements and employer approval. It should not be classified as an extra statutory public holiday.
Are Public Holidays Paid in Chile?
Public holidays in Chile are subject to the country's Labour Code and specific statutory rest-day requirements. Employees whose working schedules include mandatory rest on public holidays are generally protected by the relevant employment legislation.
However, holiday pay and rest entitlements depend on the type of employee, employment contract, working schedule and applicable legal exemptions.
For commerce workers, the five mandatory, non-waivable holidays provide stronger restrictions on requiring eligible employees to work.
The Dirección del Trabajo explains that covered retail employees cannot waive their right to rest on these dates, even if an employer offers additional compensation.
Which Businesses Can Operate on Feriados Irrenunciables?
Chile's rules for mandatory, non-waivable retail holidays include exceptions for certain businesses and activities.
According to the Labour Directorate, exemptions include qualifying restaurants, clubs, entertainment venues, casinos, establishments at airports and aerodromes, fuel stations, designated pharmacies and certain convenience stores associated with fuel stations.
Whether an establishment can operate with employees on a mandatory holiday depends on the precise statutory exception and the nature of its business.
Exempted commerce workers also have specific rest-day protections under the applicable legislation.
Are Banks and Government Offices Closed on Public Holidays?
Many public offices and conventional banking branches suspend normal public-facing services during nationwide public holidays in Chile.
However, operating arrangements can vary between institutions, and certain essential or digital services may remain available.
People planning banking transactions, public-sector appointments or administrative procedures should confirm the relevant institution's holiday schedule.
Is December 31 a Public Holiday in Chile?
December 31 has traditionally been associated with special year-end banking closure rules in Chile. However, a banking-specific holiday is different from a general nationwide public holiday.
December 31, 2026, is therefore excluded from the 16-date nationwide public holiday table. Customers should verify their bank's year-end operating arrangements and applicable financial-sector regulations.
Are Shops and Restaurants Open During Public Holidays?
Business operations in Chile vary according to the type of holiday and the establishment's legal classification.
On ordinary public holidays, some shops, supermarkets, restaurants and tourist facilities may continue operating under the applicable labour rules.
On mandatory, non-waivable holidays, many retail establishments must close or avoid employing covered workers, unless a specific statutory exemption applies.
Restaurants, certain entertainment businesses and other exempt establishments may remain open.
Visitors should verify opening hours in advance, particularly during New Year's Day, Labour Day, Fiestas Patrias and Christmas Day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the next public holiday in Chile?
The next public holiday depends on the current date. The Next Public Holiday in Chile section near the top of this page displays the upcoming holiday using the VisaBoards public holiday database.
What is Chile's country code?
Chile's ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country code is CL. This code is used in international country identification systems and structured holiday databases.
How many public holidays are there in Chile in 2026?
Chile has 16 nationwide public holiday dates in 2026. Five are mandatory, non-waivable holidays for covered retail workers. Two additional geographical holidays apply only to specified regions or communes and are not included in the nationwide count.
What are the five mandatory public holidays in Chile?
The five mandatory, non-waivable retail holidays are New Year's Day on January 1, Labour Day on May 1, Independence Day on September 18, Army Day on September 19 and Christmas Day on December 25. Statutory exceptions apply to certain businesses.
When is Holy Week in Chile in 2026?
Good Friday falls on April 3 and Holy Saturday falls on April 4, 2026. Both are nationwide public holidays. Easter Sunday falls on April 5 but is not an additional separately designated nationwide holiday event.
When are Fiestas Patrias in Chile in 2026?
Chile's principal Fiestas Patrias public holidays are Friday, September 18, for Independence Day and Saturday, September 19, for Army Day. Both are mandatory, non-waivable holidays for eligible retail workers.
Is National Indigenous Peoples Day a public holiday in Chile?
Yes. National Indigenous Peoples Day is a nationwide public holiday established by Law No. 21.357. In 2026, it falls on Sunday, June 21.
Do all regions of Chile have the same public holidays?
The 16 nationwide public holidays apply throughout Chile. However, two additional geographical holidays are recognized in 2026: June 7 in the Arica and Parinacota Region and August 20 in the communes of Chillán and Chillán Viejo.
Are supermarkets closed on public holidays in Chile?
Many supermarkets and other retail businesses must observe mandatory, non-waivable holidays when their employees are covered by the relevant legislation. On ordinary holidays, opening arrangements vary. Specific legal exemptions may apply.
Is December 31 a nationwide public holiday in Chile?
No. December 31 is not included among Chile's 16 general nationwide public holiday dates for 2026. Banking-specific year-end closure arrangements are separate from holidays applying to the general population.
Official Sources for Public Holidays in Chile
Chile's national and regional public holidays are established through legislation and official government publications. The following sources provide the legal basis for the 2026 holiday calendar and applicable employment rules.
- Government of Chile – Official Public Holidays 2026: Provides the nationwide holiday schedule, identifies mandatory non-waivable holidays and lists geographically restricted observances.
- Law No. 19.973 – National Congress Library of Chile: Establishes the legal framework for mandatory, non-waivable public holidays affecting eligible commerce employees.
- Chilean Labour Directorate – Mandatory and Non-Waivable Holidays: Explains the five protected retail holidays, statutory exemptions and applicable employee rest rights.
- Law No. 21.357 – National Indigenous Peoples Day: Establishes the national holiday associated with the winter solstice and Indigenous peoples.
- Law No. 20.663 – Morro de Arica Holiday: Establishes the June 7 public holiday for the Arica and Parinacota Region.
- Law No. 20.768 – Bernardo O'Higgins Local Holiday: Provides the legal basis for the August 20 holiday in Chillán and Chillán Viejo.
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