Public Holidays in El Salvador 2026 – National & Catholic Holidays

Public holidays in El Salvador in 2026 include 11 nationwide paid holiday dates covering Holy Week, national celebrations, family observances and Christmas. The country also recognizes additional regional holidays, particularly during the San Salvador patron saint festivities in August. Holiday entitlements differ between public-sector and private-sector employees, making it important to distinguish nationwide paid holidays from local celebrations and government vacation periods.

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The 2026 calendar is supported by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources' official Marine-Astronomical Almanac and announcements from the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare. This guide explains the holiday schedule, regional differences, paid leave rules and opportunities for extended weekends.

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Next Public Holiday in El Salvador

Date	Day	Holiday	Status
November 2, 2026	Monday	All Souls' Day	Confirmed

Public Holidays in El Salvador 2026

Date	Day	Holiday	Status
January 1, 2026	Thursday	New Year's Day	Confirmed
April 2, 2026	Thursday	Maundy Thursday	Confirmed
April 3, 2026	Friday	Good Friday	Confirmed
April 4, 2026	Saturday	Holy Saturday	Confirmed
May 1, 2026	Friday	Labour Day	Confirmed
May 10, 2026	Sunday	Mother's Day	Confirmed
June 17, 2026	Wednesday	Father's Day	Confirmed
August 3, 2026	Monday	San Salvador Patron Saint Festivities	Regional
August 5, 2026	Wednesday	San Salvador Patron Saint Festivities	Regional
August 6, 2026	Thursday	Feast of the Divine Saviour of the World	Confirmed
September 15, 2026	Tuesday	Independence Day	Confirmed
November 2, 2026	Monday	All Souls' Day	Confirmed
December 25, 2026	Friday	Christmas Day	Confirmed

El Salvador has 11 nationwide paid public-holiday dates in the verified 2026 calendar. These include three consecutive Holy Week holidays, national commemorations, Mother's Day, Father's Day and other legally recognized occasions.

The official 2026 Marine-Astronomical Almanac, published by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, contains a detailed calendar of paid holidays for public-sector and private-sector workers in Annex IV, page 84.

Although the same national celebrations may appear in both employment calendars, the length of leave can differ. Public employees receive designated vacation periods, while private-sector workers generally follow the paid-holiday dates established under the Labour Code.

National Holidays in El Salvador

El Salvador's national public holidays commemorate the country's independence, recognize workers and celebrate important cultural and family occasions.

Independence Day

El Salvador celebrates Independence Day on 15 September each year. The holiday commemorates the declaration of Central American independence from Spanish rule in 1821.

In 2026, Independence Day falls on Tuesday, 15 September. It is one of the country's most important national celebrations, traditionally marked by civic ceremonies, school activities, patriotic events and official observances.

Labour Day

Labour Day, also known as International Workers' Day, is observed on 1 May. The holiday recognizes workers, labour rights and the importance of employment in Salvadoran society.

In 2026, Labour Day falls on Friday, 1 May, providing a potential three-day weekend for employees who normally have Saturday and Sunday off.

Mother's Day

Mother's Day is celebrated on 10 May and is recognized as a paid public holiday in El Salvador. Unlike countries where Mother's Day is simply a social observance, El Salvador includes it in its statutory holiday arrangements.

In 2026, Mother's Day falls on Sunday, 10 May. Families traditionally mark the occasion by recognizing mothers and their contributions to family life.

Father's Day

Father's Day is observed on 17 June every year. It is a recognized paid public holiday, giving families an opportunity to celebrate fathers and their contributions.

In 2026, Father's Day falls on Wednesday, 17 June. Its recognition as a paid holiday is reflected in the official government holiday calendar.

Religious Public Holidays in El Salvador

Christian celebrations have an important place in El Salvador's holiday calendar. Holy Week is particularly significant, with several consecutive paid public holidays in the private sector and a longer vacation period for public employees.

Holy Week in El Salvador 2026

Holy Week, known locally as Semana Santa, is among the most important religious observances in El Salvador. In 2026, the nationwide private-sector paid holidays fall on Maundy Thursday, 2 April; Good Friday, 3 April; and Holy Saturday, 4 April.

Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper, Good Friday marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and Holy Saturday is observed before Easter Sunday. Religious processions, church services and family gatherings are common during this period.

The Ministry of Labour's March 2026 announcement confirms that Thursday, Friday and Saturday of Holy Week are paid holidays under Article 190 of the Labour Code.

Public-sector employees receive a longer designated Holy Week vacation period under the applicable public-employment framework. These additional vacation days should not be confused with the three nationwide private-sector paid holidays.

Feast of the Divine Saviour of the World

The Feast of the Divine Saviour of the World, known locally as the Fiesta del Divino Salvador del Mundo, is celebrated on 6 August.

It honours the Divine Saviour of the World, the patron of San Salvador, and is closely associated with the city's annual August festivities. Religious ceremonies, cultural events and community celebrations form part of the occasion.

Thursday, 6 August 2026 is a nationwide paid public holiday. Other days within the August festivities have different regional and public-sector classifications.

All Souls' Day

All Souls' Day is observed on 2 November and is known locally as Día de los Difuntos. The holiday is dedicated to remembering deceased relatives and loved ones.

Families traditionally visit cemeteries, clean and decorate graves, and participate in remembrance activities. In 2026, the holiday falls on Monday, 2 November.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day is celebrated on 25 December and is a nationwide paid public holiday. It commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is associated with religious services, family gatherings and traditional celebrations.

In 2026, Christmas Day falls on Friday, 25 December. Public-sector employees may also receive an extended year-end vacation period under separate government leave arrangements.

Regional Public Holidays in El Salvador

Not every recognized holiday applies throughout El Salvador. Some public holidays are associated with municipal or district patron saint festivities and apply only to workers in the relevant location.

San Salvador Patron Saint Festivities

San Salvador's August festivities are an important example of the distinction between regional and nationwide paid holidays.

For private-sector employees in San Salvador district, Monday, 3 August and Wednesday, 5 August 2026 are recognized as local paid holidays. Thursday, 6 August is a nationwide paid holiday.

The Ministry of Labour's official August 2026 announcement confirms this distinction and explains that public-sector workers receive a longer vacation period during the celebrations.

Other localities may have their own patron saint festivities. Their employment implications should be verified under the relevant local and national labour provisions rather than assuming that every local celebration creates a nationwide holiday.

Public-Sector and Private-Sector Holidays in El Salvador

El Salvador distinguishes between paid holidays for private-sector employees and vacation or holiday entitlements for public-sector workers.

Private-Sector Paid Holidays

The Labour Code establishes paid public holidays for eligible private-sector workers. These include nationwide holidays such as Labour Day, Independence Day, Christmas Day and the three designated days of Holy Week.

Regional holiday entitlements may also apply according to the employee's place of work and the relevant local provisions.

Public-Sector Vacation Periods

Public employees have a separate statutory framework governing holidays, vacations and leave. The official 2026 calendar identifies extended periods associated with Holy Week, the August festivities and the Christmas and New Year season.

These vacation periods do not mean that every day within them is a general nationwide private-sector public holiday. Employees in essential public services may also follow special operational rules.

Teacher's Day

Teacher's Day is observed on 22 June in El Salvador. The official 2026 calendar recognizes leave arrangements for qualifying teaching personnel under the applicable education-sector provisions.

Teacher's Day is not a general nationwide paid holiday for all workers and should therefore remain separate from the principal public holiday database.

Are Public Holidays Paid in El Salvador?

Yes. El Salvador's Labour Code establishes paid public holidays for covered employees. Article 190 identifies statutory paid holidays, while Article 192 addresses the additional compensation due when employees work during a public holiday.

Under the rules described by the Ministry of Labour, employees who work on an applicable paid holiday by agreement with their employer are entitled to their ordinary remuneration plus an additional 100% holiday-work premium.

The Ministry of Labour specifically emphasized these rights during its 2026 Holy Week inspection campaign.

Employers and workers should apply the rules according to the relevant employment relationship, work schedule and legally applicable holiday.

Long Weekends in El Salvador in 2026

Several public holidays in 2026 offer opportunities for extended breaks, especially for employees following a Monday-to-Friday working schedule.

• Holy Week: Paid holidays from Thursday, 2 April through Saturday, 4 April connect with Easter Sunday, 5 April, creating a potential four-day break.
• Labour Day: Friday, 1 May can provide a three-day weekend through Sunday, 3 May.
• All Souls' Day: Monday, 2 November creates a potential three-day weekend from Saturday, 31 October.
• Christmas: Friday, 25 December can provide a three-day weekend through Sunday, 27 December.

Employees in San Salvador district may have additional opportunities around the August festivities. However, regional holiday rules and public-sector vacations must be considered separately from nationwide private-sector holidays.

Any longer break created by taking annual leave is a personal planning option, not an additional statutory public holiday.

Are Banks, Schools and Government Offices Closed?

Public holidays can affect banking services, educational institutions, government appointments and commercial operating hours, but closures are not necessarily identical across every organization.

Government Offices

Government institutions generally follow the applicable public-sector holiday and vacation schedule. Public employees may receive extended leave periods during Holy Week, August and the year-end holidays, while essential public services may continue operating.

Banks and Financial Institutions

Bank branches may close or operate reduced hours on public holidays. Customers should check their bank's official notices before planning branch visits, cash transactions or time-sensitive payments.

Schools and Educational Institutions

School closures depend on the academic calendar, relevant education regulations and the institution involved. Public holidays may coincide with school breaks, but school vacations should not automatically be treated as additional nationwide employment holidays.

Private Businesses

Some retail businesses, restaurants, hotels and transport providers continue operating during public holidays. Employees required to work on legally applicable paid holidays remain subject to the relevant holiday-pay rules.

How Are Official Public Holidays Announced in El Salvador?

Public holiday arrangements in El Salvador are established through legislation and clarified by official institutions, particularly the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.

The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources also publishes the annual Marine-Astronomical Almanac, which includes a summary of legally recognized paid holidays and vacation arrangements for the public and private sectors.

The Ministry of Finance provides an institutional calendar that can assist with administrative planning. However, a ministry's extended office closure period should not be mistaken for a nationwide paid holiday applicable to every employee.

For legal or payroll purposes, the Labour Code, applicable public-employment legislation and specific official announcements should take precedence over general holiday websites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the next public holiday in El Salvador?

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

What is El Salvador's country code?

El Salvador's ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country code is SV.

How many nationwide public holidays are there in El Salvador in 2026?

The verified 2026 schedule contains 11 nationwide paid public-holiday dates. This count excludes district-specific holidays, public-sector-only vacation days and Teacher's Day leave for qualifying education personnel.

When is Holy Week in El Salvador in 2026?

The three nationwide private-sector paid holidays during Holy Week fall on Thursday, 2 April; Friday, 3 April; and Saturday, 4 April 2026. Public-sector workers have a separate extended vacation schedule.

When is Independence Day in El Salvador in 2026?

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

Is Mother's Day a public holiday in El Salvador?

Yes. Mother's Day is a legally recognized paid public holiday on 10 May. In 2026, it falls on a Sunday.

Is Father's Day a public holiday in El Salvador?

Yes. Father's Day is recognized as a paid public holiday on 17 June. In 2026, it falls on a Wednesday.

Are the August festivities public holidays throughout El Salvador?

Only 6 August is a nationwide paid holiday during the August festivities. The additional paid holidays on 3 and 5 August 2026 apply specifically to private-sector workers in San Salvador district, while public-sector employees follow a longer vacation schedule.

Do employees receive extra pay for working on public holidays?

Yes. Under the applicable Labour Code provisions, covered employees who work on a paid holiday by agreement with their employer are entitled to their ordinary remuneration plus an additional 100% holiday-work premium.

Is Teacher's Day a nationwide public holiday?

No. Teacher's Day on 22 June is associated with leave entitlements for qualifying education personnel. It is not a general nationwide paid holiday for all employees.

Official Sources for Public Holidays in El Salvador

• Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources – Marine-Astronomical Almanac 2026: Annex IV, page 84, provides the official calendar of paid holidays and distinguishes public-sector and private-sector arrangements.
• Ministry of Labour – Holy Week Labour Inspection Plan 2026: Explains the paid holidays during Holy Week and applicable employee compensation rights.
• Ministry of Labour – August Holidays Announcement 2026: Confirms nationwide and San Salvador district-specific paid holidays during the August festivities.
• Ministry of Labour – Public Employees' Holidays, Vacations and Leave Legislation: Provides the legal framework concerning public-sector holiday and leave arrangements.
• Ministry of Finance – Official Events and Holiday Calendar: Provides institutional holiday and administrative calendar information.

For employment rights, payroll calculations and official closures, consult the applicable legislation and the most directly relevant government notification. Regional celebrations and public-sector vacation periods should be distinguished from nationwide paid holidays.