When is Our Lady of Chiquinquirá?
In 2026, Our Lady of Chiquinquirá falls on Monday, July 13, 2026. It is classified here as a paid public holiday.
History of Our Lady of Chiquinquirá
Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquirá is venerated as Colombia’s patroness and is associated with a colonial-era image kept in Chiquinquirá, Boyacá. Tradition centres on the image’s reported renewal on December 26, 1586. The city subsequently became an important pilgrimage centre; Pope John Paul II’s 1986 visit and the basilica’s national role reinforced the connection between Marian devotion, Colombian religious heritage and Chiquinquirá’s civic identity.
A major legal change occurred in 2026. Article 6 of Law 2578 of June 1 declared July 9 a national holiday of mandatory observance and granted paid rest to workers in both public and private sectors. The statute also directed authorities to apply Law 51 of 1983 when determining the actual rest day. Banco de la República confirmed that the first holiday moved from Thursday July 9 to Monday July 13, 2026.
The guide therefore generates the paid holiday only from 2026 onward and places it on the Monday on or after July 9. The religious feast remains July 9, when Chiquinquirá can receive pilgrims for Mass, prayer and cultural programmes. The legal Monday may be used for pilgrimage or family travel, but it should not be presented as proof that every devotional event has moved from the feast date.
How Our Lady of Chiquinquirá is observed
Beginning in 2026, paid rest falls on the Monday on or after July 9; the Marian feast itself remains July 9, especially at Chiquinquirá’s basilica.
Traditions of Our Lady of Chiquinquirá
Pilgrimage to Chiquinquirá
Pilgrims travel to the Boyacá basilica to honour the patroness of Colombia before the historic image associated with the city.
Rosary and Marian Mass
Catholic communities celebrate with the rosary, hymns and Mass, particularly on July 9 even when paid rest falls later.
Boyacá cultural programmes
Religious events may be accompanied by local music, heritage interpretation and tourism activities highlighting Chiquinquirá’s history and community life.
Dates and observance rules are checked against the official Colombia official holiday calendar or legislation. Government, regional, school and employer schedules in Colombia may differ; check the linked official source and current local notices before making time-sensitive plans.
History sources: Colombia, Law 2578 of 2026, Ministry of the Interior: new July 9 holiday, Banco de la República implementation notice.
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