Public Holidays in Costa Rica 2026 – National & Public Holidays

Costa Rica has 12 nationwide public holidays in 2026, including Holy Week, Juan Santamaría Day, the Annexation of Nicoya, Independence Day and Christmas. Under Costa Rican labour law, nine holidays are classified as mandatory-paid and three as non-mandatory-paid. All 12 dates are established in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security's official 2026 holiday calendar. This guide explains the recognized holidays, national celebrations, religious observances, employment rights, long weekends and rules for holiday pay.

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Next Public Holiday in Costa Rica

Date	Day	Holiday	Status
December 1, 2026	Tuesday	Army Abolition Day	Confirmed

Public Holidays in Costa Rica 2026

Date	Day	Holiday	Status
January 1, 2026	Thursday	New Year's Day	Confirmed
April 2, 2026	Thursday	Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday)	Confirmed
April 3, 2026	Friday	Good Friday	Confirmed
April 11, 2026	Saturday	Juan Santamaría Day	Confirmed
May 1, 2026	Friday	Labour Day	Confirmed
July 25, 2026	Saturday	Annexation of the Party of Nicoya	Confirmed
August 2, 2026	Sunday	Our Lady of the Angels Day	Confirmed
August 15, 2026	Saturday	Mother's Day and Assumption of Mary	Confirmed
August 31, 2026	Monday	Day of the Black Person and Afro-Costa Rican Culture	Confirmed
September 15, 2026	Tuesday	Independence Day	Confirmed
December 1, 2026	Tuesday	Army Abolition Day	Confirmed
December 25, 2026	Friday	Christmas Day	Confirmed

Costa Rica officially recognizes 12 nationwide public-holiday dates in 2026. These include nine mandatory-paid holidays (feriados de pago obligatorio) and three non-mandatory-paid holidays (feriados de pago no obligatorio).

Both classifications are legally recognized public holidays. The distinction concerns the payment obligations associated with different wage systems, not whether the day qualifies as an official holiday.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security's official 2026 calendar, issued on December 4, 2025, confirms all 12 dates, their weekdays and their payment classifications.

Mandatory-Paid and Non-Mandatory-Paid Holidays in Costa Rica

Costa Rica's Labour Code distinguishes between two categories of nationwide public holidays. Understanding this distinction is especially important for employees and employers because holiday pay depends on the applicable wage-payment system.

Mandatory-Paid Public Holidays

Mandatory-paid holidays, known as feriados de pago obligatorio, are dates for which the Labour Code establishes compulsory holiday remuneration according to the applicable payment arrangements.

Costa Rica has nine mandatory-paid public-holiday dates in 2026. These include New Year's Day, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Juan Santamaría Day, Labour Day, the Annexation of Nicoya, Mother's Day, Independence Day and Christmas Day.

Employees who work on these dates are subject to the statutory rules for additional holiday compensation.

Non-Mandatory-Paid Public Holidays

Costa Rica recognizes three non-mandatory-paid public holidays in 2026:

• August 2: Our Lady of the Angels Day.
• August 31: Day of the Black Person and Afro-Costa Rican Culture.
• December 1: Army Abolition Day.

These dates remain official nationwide holidays even though their payment classification differs from mandatory-paid holidays.

For employees paid weekly in non-commercial activities based only on days actually worked, an unworked non-mandatory-paid holiday generally does not require additional payment.

Monthly-paid, fortnightly-paid and certain weekly-paid commercial employees receive remuneration for all days included in their regular pay period. Under these systems, the non-mandatory-paid holidays are already included in the normal salary.

The detailed rules are explained in the Ministry of Labour's official public-holiday guidance.

National and Civic Holidays in Costa Rica

Several Costa Rican public holidays commemorate events that shaped the country's independence, national identity, cultural heritage and political institutions.

Juan Santamaría Day – April 11

Juan Santamaría Day (Día de Juan Santamaría) commemorates the Costa Rican national hero associated with the Battle of Rivas in 1856 during the campaign against William Walker's forces.

The holiday honors Santamaría's role in Costa Rican national history and is particularly important in Alajuela, where commemorative ceremonies and cultural activities are traditionally organized.

In 2026, April 11 falls on Saturday. The holiday remains on that date and is classified as mandatory-paid.

Annexation of the Party of Nicoya – July 25

The Annexation of the Party of Nicoya (Anexión del Partido de Nicoya) is commemorated annually on July 25.

The holiday marks the 1824 decision by communities in the Partido de Nicoya to join Costa Rica. It remains an important occasion for the cultural and historical identity of Guanacaste.

Traditional celebrations may feature regional music, folk dancing, cultural performances and local festivities.

In 2026, July 25 falls on Saturday. The Ministry of Labour confirmed that the holiday is mandatory-paid and is not transferred to another date.

Day of the Black Person and Afro-Costa Rican Culture – August 31

The Day of the Black Person and Afro-Costa Rican Culture (Día de la Persona Negra y la Cultura Afrocostarricense) recognizes the history, heritage and contributions of Afro-Costa Rican communities.

The occasion is especially significant in Limón and the Caribbean region, where Afro-Costa Rican cultural traditions are an important part of local identity.

In 2026, the holiday falls on Monday, August 31, and is classified as non-mandatory-paid.

The Ministry of Labour's August 25, 2026 announcement confirms that the holiday remains on August 31 and is not transferred.

Independence Day – September 15

Costa Rica celebrates Independence Day (Día de la Independencia) on September 15.

The holiday commemorates Central American independence from Spanish rule in 1821. It is one of the country's most important national celebrations.

Independence Day is traditionally associated with school parades, patriotic music, flag displays and the independence torch tradition.

In 2026, September 15 falls on Tuesday and is a mandatory-paid nationwide public holiday.

Army Abolition Day – December 1

Army Abolition Day (Día de la Abolición del Ejército) commemorates Costa Rica's abolition of its permanent military following the 1948 civil war.

The abolition became an important element of the country's modern national identity and was reflected in the Constitution of 1949.

The holiday recognizes Costa Rica's commitment to civilian institutions and its distinctive historical approach to national security.

Army Abolition Day falls on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, and is classified as non-mandatory-paid.

Religious Public Holidays in Costa Rica

Christian religious celebrations form part of Costa Rica's statutory holiday calendar. These include Holy Week, the feast of Our Lady of the Angels, the Assumption of Mary and Christmas.

Holy Thursday and Good Friday

Holy Thursday (Jueves Santo) and Good Friday (Viernes Santo) are nationwide mandatory-paid public holidays.

In 2026, Holy Thursday falls on April 2 and Good Friday falls on April 3.

Holy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ, while Good Friday commemorates his crucifixion.

Holy Week, known as Semana Santa, is an important period for religious observance and domestic travel in Costa Rica. Families may attend church services, visit relatives or travel to coastal and mountain destinations.

Easter Sunday falls on April 5, but it is not included as a separate statutory public holiday in Costa Rica's 12-date official calendar.

Our Lady of the Angels Day – August 2

Our Lady of the Angels Day (Día de la Virgen de los Ángeles) is celebrated annually on August 2.

It honors Costa Rica's patron saint, the Virgin of the Angels, and is associated with an important Catholic pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in Cartago.

The annual pilgrimage, commonly known as La Romería, is among Costa Rica's best-known religious traditions.

In 2026, the holiday falls on Sunday, August 2. It is classified as non-mandatory-paid and remains on its original date.

Mother's Day and the Assumption of Mary – August 15

Mother's Day (Día de la Madre) is celebrated in Costa Rica on August 15, coinciding with the Catholic feast of the Assumption of Mary.

The date combines recognition of mothers and families with the Christian religious observance.

Unlike countries where Mother's Day is held on a Sunday in May, Costa Rica celebrates it annually on August 15.

In 2026, August 15 falls on Saturday and remains a mandatory-paid public holiday.

The Ministry of Labour's official August 2026 notice confirms that the holiday is not transferred to another day.

Christmas Day – December 25

Christmas Day (Navidad) is celebrated annually on December 25 and commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.

Christmas celebrations in Costa Rica commonly include family gatherings, religious services, traditional meals and community festivities.

In 2026, Christmas falls on Friday, December 25, creating a three-day weekend for employees who normally have Saturdays and Sundays off.

Christmas Day is a mandatory-paid nationwide public holiday.

Long Weekends in Costa Rica in 2026

Costa Rica's 2026 holiday calendar offers several opportunities for long weekends and extended breaks. The following examples assume a normal Monday-to-Friday working schedule.

Holy Week – April 2 to April 5

Holy Thursday and Good Friday fall on April 2 and April 3.

These two consecutive public holidays create a four-day break through Easter Sunday for employees who normally have Saturdays and Sundays off.

Labour Day Weekend – May 1 to May 3

Labour Day falls on Friday, May 1, creating a three-day weekend from Friday through Sunday.

Day of the Black Person and Afro-Costa Rican Culture – August 29 to August 31

The August 31 holiday falls on Monday, creating a three-day weekend beginning Saturday, August 29, for employees who normally have weekends off.

August 31 is a non-mandatory-paid holiday, so its wage treatment depends on the employee's payment arrangement.

Christmas Weekend – December 25 to December 27

Christmas Day falls on Friday, December 25, providing a three-day weekend through Sunday, December 27.

Holidays That Can Be Extended With Annual Leave

Several Tuesday holidays also provide opportunities to plan extended breaks.

Epiphany is not a statutory nationwide public holiday in Costa Rica, but Independence Day falls on Tuesday, September 15, and Army Abolition Day falls on Tuesday, December 1.

Employees who take approved annual leave on the preceding Monday may be able to enjoy four consecutive days away from work.

Such arrangements are optional leave-planning opportunities, not additional government-declared holidays.

Are Public Holidays Moved to Mondays in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica's official 2026 public holidays remain on the dates published by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

The calendar does not provide additional Monday substitutes for holidays falling on Saturdays or Sundays.

For example, Juan Santamaría Day falls on Saturday, April 11; the Annexation of Nicoya falls on Saturday, July 25; and Our Lady of the Angels Day falls on Sunday, August 2. All remain on their original dates.

The Ministry also expressly confirmed that the August 15 and August 31 holidays would not be transferred.

Temporary holiday-transfer arrangements used in earlier years should not be assumed to apply to the 2026 calendar.

Are Public Holidays Paid in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica's holiday payment rules depend on whether the date is mandatory-paid or non-mandatory-paid and on how the employee receives their wages.

The Ministry of Labour's 2026 circular explains these rules under Articles 147 to 152 of the Labour Code.

Employees Paid Weekly in Non-Commercial Activities

For employees paid weekly based only on days actually worked, mandatory-paid public holidays require the applicable additional holiday payment.

When a non-mandatory-paid holiday is not worked, the employer generally does not have to pay for that day under this wage arrangement.

If the employee works on a non-mandatory-paid holiday, the day is paid according to the ordinary applicable rate.

Employees Paid Monthly or Fortnightly

For employees receiving monthly or fortnightly salaries, payment generally covers all days of the pay period, including weekends and public holidays.

Under this arrangement, all 12 public holidays are included in the regular salary, whether classified as mandatory-paid or non-mandatory-paid.

If the employee works on a public holiday, an additional day's ordinary salary must generally be paid to complete the statutory double payment.

Employees Working on Public Holidays

The Ministry of Labour explains that work performed on a public holiday may attract double payment under the applicable wage arrangement.

Overtime worked on holidays can also attract additional remuneration. For monthly-paid employees and other covered wage arrangements, eligible holiday overtime may be payable at triple the ordinary hourly rate.

The exact calculation depends on the employee's payment system and the legal rules governing their employment.

Can Employees Be Required to Work on Public Holidays?

Under Costa Rica's Labour Code, employees generally have the right to enjoy statutory public holidays and cannot ordinarily be compelled to work on those dates without their agreement.

The Ministry of Labour's 2026 circular expressly states that an employee cannot be sanctioned merely for refusing to work on a public holiday.

Exceptions apply to the activities and workplaces identified in the relevant Labour Code provisions, including Articles 150 and 151.

These rights apply to employees working in Costa Rica regardless of whether their employer is a domestic, multinational or international company.

Are Shops, Banks and Government Offices Open on Public Holidays?

Government Offices

Public administrative offices generally observe nationwide statutory holidays. Essential services and specially authorized activities may continue operating under applicable rules.

Anyone arranging government appointments, official documents or administrative procedures should check the relevant agency's opening schedule.

Banks and Financial Institutions

Bank branch hours and payment processing can be affected by public holidays.

Customers should consult their bank or the relevant financial authority for holiday-specific service hours, transaction deadlines and settlement arrangements.

A general labour holiday classification does not independently establish every banking system's operational schedule.

Shops, Restaurants and Tourist Services

Retail and hospitality businesses may operate on public holidays, particularly in tourist destinations.

Opening hours can vary by business type, location and holiday. Services in popular destinations such as San José, Guanacaste and the Central Pacific coast may follow different schedules from government administrative offices.

Visitors should confirm specific opening hours during Holy Week, Independence Day and Christmas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the next public holiday in Costa Rica?

The next public holiday depends on the current date. The Next Public Holiday in Costa Rica section near the top of this page displays the upcoming holiday using the VisaBoards public holiday database.

What is Costa Rica's country code?

Costa Rica's ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country code is CR.

How many public holidays are there in Costa Rica in 2026?

Costa Rica has 12 nationwide public-holiday dates in 2026. Nine are mandatory-paid holidays and three are non-mandatory-paid holidays, according to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

Which public holidays are non-mandatory-paid in Costa Rica?

The three non-mandatory-paid holidays in 2026 are Our Lady of the Angels Day on August 2, the Day of the Black Person and Afro-Costa Rican Culture on August 31, and Army Abolition Day on December 1.

When is Holy Week in Costa Rica in 2026?

Holy Thursday falls on April 2 and Good Friday falls on April 3, 2026. Both are nationwide mandatory-paid public holidays. Easter Sunday falls on April 5 but is not separately included among the 12 statutory holiday dates.

When is Costa Rica's Independence Day in 2026?

Independence Day falls on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. It commemorates Central American independence from Spain in 1821 and is a mandatory-paid nationwide public holiday.

Is Mother's Day a public holiday in Costa Rica?

Yes. Costa Rica celebrates Mother's Day on August 15, the same date as the Assumption of Mary. It is a mandatory-paid public holiday and falls on Saturday in 2026.

Does Costa Rica move weekend holidays to Mondays?

No additional Monday substitute holidays are scheduled in Costa Rica's official 2026 calendar. Holidays falling on Saturdays or Sundays remain on their listed dates.

Are non-mandatory-paid holidays still official public holidays?

Yes. Non-mandatory-paid holidays are legally recognized nationwide public holidays. Their classification affects wage-payment obligations under different salary arrangements, not their official holiday status.

Are employees paid double for working on public holidays in Costa Rica?

Holiday work may require double payment under Costa Rica's Labour Code, depending on the employee's wage system and the holiday classification. Monthly-paid and fortnightly-paid employees generally receive an additional day's salary when they work on a public holiday.

Official Sources for Public Holidays in Costa Rica

The following official sources confirm Costa Rica's 2026 public holiday dates, payment classifications and employment rights.

• Ministry of Labour and Social Security – Official 2026 Public Holiday Calendar: Circular CARTA-MTSS-DAJ-AER-1076-2025, issued December 4, 2025, confirming all 12 public-holiday dates and their mandatory-paid or non-mandatory-paid classifications.
• Ministry of Labour and Social Security – Public Holidays and Labour Rights: Explains statutory public holidays, wage treatment and the legal distinction between mandatory-paid and non-mandatory-paid dates.
• Ministry of Labour – August 31, 2026 Holiday Announcement: Confirms the Day of the Black Person and Afro-Costa Rican Culture as a non-mandatory-paid holiday without a date transfer.
• Ministry of Labour – Mother's Day 2026 Announcement: Confirms August 15 as a mandatory-paid public holiday and explains applicable wage rules.
• Ministry of Labour – Annexation of Nicoya 2026 Announcement: Confirms July 25 as a mandatory-paid holiday that remains on its original date.
• Ministry of Labour – Our Lady of the Angels Day 2026 Announcement: Confirms August 2 as a non-mandatory-paid public holiday and explains wage-payment arrangements.