Public Holidays in Costa Rica 2024
Costa Rica, a country known for its rich biodiversity, celebrates various public holidays throughout the year, each reflecting its cultural, historical, and religious heritage. These holidays provide opportunities for Costa Ricans to come together, celebrate, and reflect on important events and traditions. In this guide, we will explore the public holidays in Costa Rica for the year 2024, providing detailed descriptions of each holiday along with information on the groups entitled to days off.
National Holidays
New Year’s Day – January 1, 2024
New Year’s Day in Costa Rica marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year and is celebrated with parties, fireworks, and family gatherings. It is a time for Costa Ricans to reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the year ahead.
Days off: New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Costa Rica, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Juan Santamaría Day – April 11, 2024
Juan Santamaría Day commemorates the heroic act of Juan Santamaría, a young drummer boy who played a crucial role in the Battle of Rivas during the Filibuster War in 1856. His bravery and sacrifice are celebrated as symbols of Costa Rican nationalism and independence.
Days off: Juan Santamaría Day is a public holiday in Costa Rica, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Labour Day – May 1, 2024
Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, is celebrated worldwide to honor the contributions of workers to society. In Costa Rica, it is a day for workers to rally for labor rights and better working conditions. Labour Day often involves demonstrations, marches, and speeches organized by trade unions and labor organizations.
Days off: Labour Day is a public holiday in Costa Rica, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Annexation of Guanacaste Day – July 25, 2024
Annexation of Guanacaste Day commemorates the annexation of the province of Guanacaste from Nicaragua in 1824. It is celebrated with parades, traditional dances, rodeos, and cultural events in Guanacaste and throughout Costa Rica.
Days off: Annexation of Guanacaste Day is a public holiday in Costa Rica, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Mother’s Day – August 15, 2024
Mother’s Day in Costa Rica is a time to honor and celebrate mothers and motherhood. It is celebrated with special meals, gifts, flowers, and expressions of love and appreciation for mothers and maternal figures.
Days off: Mother’s Day is not a public holiday in Costa Rica, but it is widely celebrated and recognized.
Independence Day – September 15, 2024
Independence Day in Costa Rica commemorates the country’s declaration of independence from Spanish rule on September 15, 1821. It is celebrated with patriotic events, flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and cultural performances.
Days off: Independence Day is a public holiday in Costa Rica, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Columbus Day – October 14, 2024
Columbus Day, also known as Día de la Raza or Discovery of America Day, commemorates Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas. It is celebrated with cultural events, exhibitions, and educational activities highlighting Costa Rica’s indigenous heritage and multicultural identity.
Days off: Columbus Day is not a public holiday in Costa Rica, but it is recognized and celebrated.
Christmas Day – December 25, 2024
Christmas Day in Costa Rica commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is celebrated with religious services, family gatherings, and the exchange of gifts. In Costa Rica, it is a time for festive meals, music, and decorations.
Days off: Christmas Day is a public holiday in Costa Rica, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Religious Holidays
Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday) – April 18, 2024
Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his apostles. It is observed with religious services, including the washing of feet ceremonies, in Costa Rica.
Days off: Holy Thursday is not a public holiday in Costa Rica, but it is part of the Easter holiday period, during which many businesses and schools may be closed.
Good Friday – April 19, 2024
Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is observed with solemnity and reflection. Many Costa Ricans participate in religious processions and attend church services on this day.
Days off: Good Friday is a public holiday in Costa Rica, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) – December 24, 2024
Christmas Eve, known as Nochebuena in Costa Rica, is a time for families to gather for festive meals and celebrations in anticipation of Christmas Day. It is often marked by special dinners, midnight mass, and the exchange of gifts.
Days off: Christmas Eve is not a public holiday in Costa Rica, but it is widely celebrated as a cultural and religious tradition.
Table: Summary of Public Holidays in Costa Rica 2024
Holiday | Date | Description | Days Off for Groups |
New Year’s Day | Jan 1 | Beginning of the Gregorian calendar year | Nationwide |
Juan Santamaría Day | Apr 11 | Commemorates the heroism of Juan Santamaría | Nationwide |
Labour Day | May 1 | International Workers’ Day | Nationwide |
Annexation of Guanacaste Day | Jul 25 | Commemorates the annexation of Guanacaste | Nationwide |
Independence Day | Sep 15 | Commemorates Costa Rica’s independence from Spain | Nationwide |
Christmas Day | Dec 25 | Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ | Nationwide |
Good Friday | Apr 19 | Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ | Nationwide |