Public Holidays in Uruguay 2026 – National & Public Celebrations
Uruguay observes a series of public holidays (and bank / government holidays) that reflect its historical, cultural, and religious heritage. Some holidays are national non-working days, while others mainly apply to banks and government offices. These holidays often create long weekends that are ideal for domestic travel and family gatherings.
Explore more: Public Holidays in United States
Overview of Public Holidays in Uruguay
Uruguay’s holidays include fixed national days such as Independence Day and Constitution Day, religious observances like Good Friday, and secular bank holidays such as Carnaval and Tourism Week (Semana de Turismo). Some holidays are legally “moveable” and may shift to Mondays to promote extended weekends and tourism.
During major holiday periods, locals often explore popular places to visit in Uruguay or plan short stays at top hotels across the country, particularly during Carnival and Tourism Week.
List of Public Holidays in Uruguay (2026)
| Holiday | Date (2026) | Day | Significance / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo) | January 1 | Thursday | National non-working holiday. |
| Epiphany / Children’s Day | January 6 | Tuesday | Bank / government holiday. |
| Carnival Monday | February 16 | Monday | Bank / government holiday. |
| Carnival Tuesday | February 17 | Tuesday | Bank / government holiday. |
| Maundy Thursday | April 2 | Thursday | Part of Tourism Week. |
| Good Friday | April 3 | Friday | Religious observance (Semana Santa). |
| Landing of the 33 Patriots | April 19 | Sunday | Historical independence commemoration. |
| Labour Day / May Day | May 1 | Friday | International Workers’ Day. |
| Battle of Las Piedras | May 18 | Monday | Bank / government holiday. |
| José Artigas’ Birthday | June 19 | Friday | Honors Uruguay’s national hero. |
| Constitution Day | July 18 | Saturday | May be observed on adjacent weekday. |
| Independence Day | August 25 | Tuesday | National independence celebration. |
| Day of Cultural Diversity | October 12 | Monday | Bank / government holiday. |
| All Souls’ Day | November 2 | Monday | Bank / government holiday. |
| Family Day (Christmas) | December 25 | Friday | Secular name for Christmas. |
List of Public Holidays in Uruguay (2025)
| Holiday | Date (2025) | Day | Significance / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo) | January 1 | Wednesday | National holiday. |
| Epiphany / Children’s Day | January 6 | Monday | Bank / government holiday. |
| Carnival Monday | March 3 | Monday | Bank / government holiday. |
| Carnival Tuesday | March 4 | Tuesday | Bank / government holiday. |
| Maundy Thursday | April 17 | Thursday | Part of Tourism Week. |
| Good Friday | April 18 | Friday | Holy Week observance. |
| Landing of the 33 Patriots | April 19 | Saturday | Commemorates fight for independence. |
| Labour Day / May Day | May 1 | Thursday | International Workers’ Day. |
| Battle of Las Piedras | May 18 | Sunday | Bank / government holiday. |
| José Artigas’ Birthday | June 19 | Thursday | Honors national hero Artigas. |
| Constitution Day | July 18 | Friday | Promulgation of Constitution. |
| Independence Day | August 25 | Monday | Declaration of Independence. |
| Day of Cultural Diversity | October 12 | Sunday | Bank / government holiday. |
| All Souls’ Day | November 2 | Sunday | Bank / government holiday. |
| Family Day (Christmas) | December 25 | Thursday | Secular name for Christmas. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Uruguay have in 2026?
Uruguay observes around 11 national non-working holidays each year, along with several additional bank and government holidays.
What is Tourism Week in Uruguay?
Semana de Turismo coincides with Holy Week and is one of the busiest travel periods in the country, featuring festivals, domestic tourism, and family travel.
Are all holidays non-working days?
No. Some holidays apply mainly to banks and government offices, while others are nationwide non-working public holidays.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Uruguay reflect the country’s independence, secular governance, and cultural traditions. From Carnival to Tourism Week and Independence Day, holidays play a key role in national identity, leisure, and domestic travel.
