Public Holidays in Guatemala 2026 – National & Cultural Holidays
Guatemala observes a combination of national, religious (Christian), and municipal public holidays. On these days, government offices, banks, and many businesses close. Certain observances—such as Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve—are legally treated as half-day holidays.
Overview of Public Holidays in Guatemala
The Guatemalan Labor Code recognizes statutory public holidays known as días de asueto, which require paid leave. Some holidays fall on fixed calendar dates (such as Independence Day), while others—especially Holy Week—vary each year. A few observances apply only at the municipal level, most notably Assumption Day in Guatemala City.
List of Public Holidays in Guatemala (2026)
| Holiday | Date (2026) | Day | Remarks / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo) | January 1 | Thursday | Full national holiday |
| Maundy Thursday (Jueves Santo) | April 2 | Thursday | Part of Holy Week |
| Good Friday (Viernes Santo) | April 3 | Friday | Christian solemn observance |
| Holy Saturday (Sábado de Gloria) | April 4 | Saturday | Holy Week observance |
| Easter Monday (Lunes de Pascua) | April 6 | Monday | Public holiday after Easter Sunday |
| Labour Day (Día del Trabajo) | May 1 | Friday | National workers’ holiday |
| Army Day (Día del Ejército) | June 30 | Tuesday | Commemoration of the armed forces |
| Assumption of Mary * | August 15 | Saturday | Municipal holiday in Guatemala City only |
| Independence Day | September 15 | Tuesday | Independence from Spain |
| Revolution Day | October 20 | Tuesday | Commemorates the 1944 Revolution |
| All Saints’ Day | November 1 | Sunday | Christian remembrance day |
| Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) | December 24 | Thursday | Half-day holiday (after midday) |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday | Full Christian holiday |
| New Year’s Eve (Víspera de Año Nuevo) | December 31 | Thursday | Half-day holiday |
List of Public Holidays in Guatemala (2025)
| Holiday | Date (2025) | Day | Remarks / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo) | January 1 | Wednesday | Full national holiday |
| Maundy Thursday (Jueves Santo) | April 17 | Thursday | Part of Holy Week |
| Good Friday (Viernes Santo) | April 18 | Friday | Christian solemn day |
| Holy Saturday (Sábado de Gloria) | April 19 | Saturday | Holy Week observance |
| Easter Monday (Lunes de Pascua) | April 21 | Monday | Public holiday after Easter |
| Labour Day (Día del Trabajo) | May 1 | Thursday | National workers’ holiday |
| Army Day (Día del Ejército) | June 30 | Monday | Commemoration of armed forces |
| Assumption of Mary * | August 15 | Friday | Observed only in Guatemala City |
| Independence Day | September 15 | Monday | Independence from Spain |
| Revolution Day | October 20 | Monday | 1944 democratic revolution |
| All Saints’ Day | November 1 | Saturday | Christian remembrance holiday |
| Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) | December 24 | Wednesday | Half-day holiday |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Thursday | Full Christian holiday |
| New Year’s Eve (Víspera de Año Nuevo) | December 31 | Wednesday | Half-day holiday |
Note: *Assumption Day (August 15) is a public holiday only in Guatemala City.
Public Observance & Closures
On national public holidays, government institutions, banks, and many private offices close across Guatemala. On half-day holidays such as Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, business operations usually end by midday. Holy Week sees some of the most widespread closures nationwide.
Religious & Cultural Significance
Guatemala’s public holidays reflect strong Christian traditions, especially during Holy Week, which features elaborate processions and community rituals. National observances like Independence Day and Revolution Day celebrate political history and civic identity. All Saints’ Day blends religion and culture, marked by cemetery visits and traditional kite festivals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Guatemala observe?
Guatemala observes around 13 statutory public holidays each year, including full-day and half-day observances.
Are half-day holidays common in Guatemala?
Yes. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve are legally observed as half-day holidays, typically starting from midday.
Is Assumption Day a nationwide holiday?
No. Assumption Day (August 15) is observed only in Guatemala City as a municipal holiday.
Which holidays are part of Holy Week?
Holy Week public holidays include Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Monday.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Guatemala reflect a rich blend of Christian devotion, national history, and local tradition. From Holy Week processions to independence celebrations and year-end half-day observances, these holidays shape Guatemala’s civic and cultural rhythm.
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