Public Holidays in Costa Rica 2026 – National & Public Holidays
Costa Rica celebrates a mix of public holidays that showcase its Catholic heritage, independence, and national pride. With strong cultural traditions and a peaceful identity, the country’s holidays unite citizens in celebration and reflection.
Overview of Public Holidays in Costa Rica
Public holidays in Costa Rica combine Christian observances and national commemorations. Key holidays include Independence Day, Annexation Day, and religious events such as Holy Week and Christmas. On these days, government offices, schools, and banks remain closed, and families gather to celebrate with parades, festivals, and community events.
List of Public Holidays in Costa Rica (2026)
| Holiday | Date (2026) | Day | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday | Marks the beginning of the new year with family and community gatherings. |
| Juan Santamaría Day | April 11 | Saturday | Honors national hero Juan Santamaría, who died defending the nation in 1856. |
| Maundy Thursday | April 2 | Thursday | Commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ during Holy Week. |
| Good Friday | April 3 | Friday | Observes the crucifixion of Jesus Christ; a solemn national observance. |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Friday | Celebrates workers and their rights; marked by public events. |
| Annexation of Nicoya Day | July 25 | Saturday | Commemorates the annexation of the Nicoya region from Nicaragua in 1824. |
| Virgin of Los Angeles Day | August 2 | Sunday | Honors Costa Rica’s patron saint “La Negrita” with pilgrimages to Cartago. |
| Mother’s Day & Assumption Day | August 15 | Saturday | Celebrates mothers and the Virgin Mary’s assumption into heaven. |
| Independence Day | September 15 | Tuesday | Marks independence from Spain in 1821 with parades and torch processions. |
| Day of the Cultures (Día de las Culturas) | October 12 | Monday | Celebrates Costa Rica’s multicultural heritage and diversity. |
| All Souls’ Day | November 2 | Monday | Honors deceased loved ones with remembrance ceremonies. |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday | Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ with religious and family gatherings. |
List of Public Holidays in Costa Rica (2025)
| Holiday | Date (2025) | Day | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Wednesday | Marks the beginning of the new year. |
| Juan Santamaría Day | April 14 | Monday | Honors Costa Rica’s national hero. |
| Maundy Thursday | April 17 | Thursday | Part of Holy Week observances. |
| Good Friday | April 18 | Friday | Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Thursday | Celebrates workers and labor rights. |
| Annexation of Nicoya Day | July 25 | Friday | Marks the annexation of Nicoya in 1824. |
| Virgin of Los Angeles Day | August 2 | Saturday | Honors Costa Rica’s patron saint. |
| Mother’s Day & Assumption Day | August 15 | Friday | Celebrates mothers and Assumption of Mary. |
| Independence Day | September 15 | Monday | Celebrates independence from Spain. |
| Day of the Cultures | October 13 | Monday | Celebrates cultural diversity. |
| All Souls’ Day | November 2 | Sunday | Remembers deceased loved ones. |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Thursday | Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. |
Religious and Cultural Significance
Holy Week and Christmas are the most important religious celebrations in Costa Rica, marked by church services, processions, and traditional foods. Independence Day and Annexation Day reflect the nation’s peaceful history and civic pride.
Public Observances and Closures
On national holidays, schools, banks, and government offices close nationwide. Shops and restaurants often remain open, especially in tourist destinations such as San José, Guanacaste, and Puntarenas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Costa Rica have in 2026?
Costa Rica observes around 12 official public holidays in 2026.
When is Independence Day celebrated in Costa Rica?
Independence Day is celebrated on September 15 each year.
What is the Annexation of Nicoya Day?
Annexation Day on July 25 commemorates the peaceful union of the Nicoya region with Costa Rica in 1824.
What religious holidays are important in Costa Rica?
Holy Week, Assumption Day, and Christmas are the most significant religious holidays in Costa Rica.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Costa Rica reflect the country’s devotion to faith, peace, and national identity. From Independence Day to Holy Week and Christmas, these celebrations bring communities together in unity and tradition.
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