Costa Rica holiday calendar

Public holidays in Costa Rica 2026

Calendar compilation last reviewed

Plan the year with every Costa Rica public holiday, regional date and major cultural observance in our calendar. Each entry links to a detailed guide covering its history, status, traditions and sources.

Public holidays
12
Regional dates
0
Observances
3
Substitute dates
0

How public holidays work in Costa Rica

The calendar separates public holidays from regional dates and cultural observances. Public holidays are the broadest category in our Costa Rica calendar. Regional holidays may apply only in a particular state, province, territory or community, while an observance does not automatically mean that workplaces, schools or public services close.

No separate substitute dates are currently listed for 2026. Weekend and time-off rules can still vary by employer, region and holiday, so consult the linked guide and primary source before making arrangements. December is the busiest month, with 4 listed dates.

Costa Rica holiday dates in 2026

The table lists 15 calendar entries. Follow a holiday name for its full background, observance details and traditions.

Public holidays, regional dates and cultural observances in Costa Rica for 2026
DateHolidayTypeObserved day
New Year’s DayCosta Rica’s January 1 statutory holiday, following the Nochevieja family celebrations of New Year’s Eve.Public holiday—
Holy ThursdayA statutory holiday with mandatory pay on the Thursday before Easter, at the start of Costa Rica’s Semana Santa break.Public holiday—
Good FridayA statutory holiday with mandatory pay at the solemn center of Costa Rica’s Christian Holy Week observance.Public holiday—
Juan Santamaría DayCosta Rica’s April 11 statutory holiday honoring Juan Santamaría and the 1856 Battle of Rivas.Public holiday—
Labor DayCosta Rica’s May 1 statutory holiday with mandatory pay, honoring workers and the international labor movement.Public holiday—
Annexation of NicoyaCosta Rica’s July 25 statutory holiday with mandatory pay, commemorating Nicoya’s 1824 decision to join Costa Rica.Public holiday—
Our Lady of the Angels DayCosta Rica’s August 2 statutory holiday honoring the Virgen de los Ángeles, though pay is not mandatory for every weekly-paid worker.Public holiday—
Mother’s DayCosta Rica’s August 15 statutory holiday with mandatory pay, combining Mother’s Day with the Feast of the Assumption.Public holiday—
Afro-Costa Rican Culture DayCosta Rica’s August 31 statutory holiday recognizing Afro-Costa Rican history and culture; pay is not mandatory for every weekly-paid worker.Public holiday—
Independence DayCosta Rica’s September 15 statutory holiday with mandatory pay, marking Central American independence from Spain in 1821.Public holiday—
All Souls’ DayA November 2 religious observance when many Costa Ricans remember deceased relatives and visit cemeteries.Cultural observance—
Abolition of the Army DayCosta Rica’s December 1 statutory holiday commemorating the 1948 abolition of the standing army; pay is not mandatory for every weekly-paid worker.Public holiday—
Christmas EveThe December 24 Nochebuena celebration, centered on family meals, faith and preparations for Christmas Day in Costa Rica.Cultural observance—
Christmas DayCosta Rica’s December 25 statutory holiday with mandatory pay, celebrating Christmas with family, faith and seasonal food.Public holiday—
New Year’s EveThe December 31 Nochevieja celebration closing the year with family dinners, music and a midnight countdown in Costa Rica.Cultural observance—

Sources for Costa Rica holidays

Calendar dates and classifications are checked against the primary calendar sources below. Historical and cultural claims have additional citations on each individual holiday guide.