Costa Rica Public Holidays
Costa Rica observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Overview
Costa Rica observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Some holidays are observed nationwide, while others may apply only to specific regions or communities.
Explore the holiday calendar for Costa Rica by year below.
2026 holidays
A quick look at upcoming holidays in Costa Rica.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year's Day |
| Apr 2 | Thursday | Maundy Thursday |
| Apr 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| Apr 11 | Saturday | Juan Santamaría Day |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day |
| Jul 25 | Saturday | Annexation of the Party of Nicoya to Costa Rica |
| Aug 2 | Sunday | Feast of Our Lady of the Angels |
| Aug 15 | Saturday | Mother's Day |
| Sep 15 | Tuesday | Independence Day |
| Dec 1 | Tuesday | Army Abolition Day |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
Holiday calendar by year
Years are listed in ascending order.
About public holidays in Costa Rica
This guide provides an overview of public holidays in Costa Rica. Our site lists holidays by country, making it easy to plan your year. For a general understanding of what constitutes a public holiday, please see our definitions page.
You can find a comprehensive list of all public holidays for Costa Rica in 2026.
Major public holidays in 2026
In 2026, Costa Rica observes several significant public holidays. These dates are important for cultural and historical reasons and often involve national observances.
Other holidays in 2026 include New Year's Day on January 1, Labour Day on May 1, and Christmas Day on December 25. For a complete list, please visit the 2026 holidays page.
- Maundy Thursday — 2 April 2026. A significant day in the Christian calendar, observed widely.
- Good Friday — 3 April 2026. Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
- Juan Santamaría Day — 11 April 2026. Honors the national hero Juan Santamaría.
- Annexation of the Party of Nicoya to Costa Rica — 25 July 2026. Celebrates the incorporation of the Nicoya region.
- Feast of Our Lady of the Angels — 2 August 2026. A major religious festival.
- Independence Day — 15 September 2026. Marks Costa Rica's independence from Spain.
- Army Abolition Day — 1 December 2026. Commemorates the abolition of the army in 1948.
Planning around holidays
Public holidays in Costa Rica are spread throughout the year, with a notable cluster around Easter and several in the latter half of the year. Understanding these dates can help you plan travel or business activities.
- Spring: Easter holidays often fall in April, which may affect business operations.
- Summer: July and August feature significant national and religious celebrations.
- Autumn: September's Independence Day is a key national holiday.
- Winter: December includes important holidays like Army Abolition Day and Christmas.
Plan Your Year Around CR Holidays
View Costa Rica holidays in calendar mode
Explore public holidays in a visual calendar layout and plan ahead more easily.