Nicaragua holiday calendar

Public holidays in Nicaragua 2026

Calendar compilation last reviewed

Plan the year with every Nicaragua 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
14
Regional dates
2
Observances
2
Substitute dates
3

How public holidays work in Nicaragua

The calendar separates public holidays from regional dates and cultural observances. Public holidays are the broadest category in our Nicaragua 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.

3 holidays have a separate substitute or observed date in 2026. Those dates are shown in the table, but entitlements can still depend on location, employer and the governing authority. December is the busiest month, with 4 listed dates.

Nicaragua holiday dates in 2026

The table lists 18 calendar entries. Follow a holiday name for its full background, observance details and traditions.

Public holidays, regional dates and cultural observances in Nicaragua for 2026
DateHolidayTypeObserved day
New Year’s DayNicaragua’s January 1 national paid holiday, following the Nochevieja celebrations of New Year’s Eve.Public holiday—
Rubén Darío DayA January 18 national paid holiday honoring Rubén Darío, the Nicaraguan poet associated with Spanish-American Modernismo.Public holiday
Reconciliation and Peace DayNicaragua’s February 2 national paid holiday, established in 2026 as a day of reconciliation and peace.Public holiday—
Sandino DayA February 21 national paid holiday commemorating Augusto C. Sandino, added to Nicaragua’s calendar in 2026.Public holiday—
Holy ThursdayA national paid holiday on the Thursday before Easter, at the start of Nicaragua’s Semana Santa break.Public holiday—
Good FridayA national paid holiday at the solemn center of Nicaragua’s Holy Week observance.Public holiday—
Labor DayNicaragua’s May 1 national paid holiday honoring workers and the international labor movement.Public holiday—
Mother’s DayNicaragua’s May 30 national paid holiday honoring mothers, caregivers and their contributions to family and community life.Public holiday—
Sandinista Revolution DayNicaragua’s July 19 national paid holiday commemorating the 1979 triumph of the Sandinista Revolution.Public holiday
Santo Domingo Opening DayA Managua-only paid holiday on August 1, beginning the city’s Santo Domingo de Guzmán festivities.Regional public holiday—
Santo Domingo Closing DayA Managua-only paid holiday on August 10, linked to the return procession of Santo Domingo de Guzmán.Regional public holiday—
Battle of San Jacinto DayNicaragua’s September 14 national paid holiday commemorating the 1856 Battle of San Jacinto.Public holiday—
Independence DayNicaragua’s September 15 national paid holiday marking Central America’s independence from Spain in 1821.Public holiday—
Carlos Fonseca DayA November 8 national paid holiday honoring Carlos Fonseca Amador, added to Nicaragua’s calendar in 2026.Public holiday
La GriteríaA December 7 evening observance of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated with song, prayer and neighborhood visiting before the December 8 holiday.Cultural observance—
Immaculate Conception DayNicaragua’s December 8 national paid holiday celebrating the Immaculate Conception after the La Gritería vigil.Public holiday—
Christmas DayNicaragua’s December 25 national paid holiday celebrating Christmas with faith, family and seasonal gatherings.Public holiday—
New Year’s EveThe December 31 Nochevieja celebration closing the year with family meals, music and midnight greetings in Nicaragua.Cultural observance—

Sources for Nicaragua 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.