Costa Rica Bank Holidays and Holiday List

Planning a trip, managing business, or living in Costa Rica? Knowing the official Costa Rica bank holidays is important. This guide provides the complete list of Costa Rica national holidays, covering everything from major public holidays like Juan Santamaria Day (commemorating the Battle of Rivas) and the Guanacaste Day celebration to key Costa Rica holidays. We’ve included the public holidays in the Costa Rica calendar, notes on Semana Santa Costa Rica closures, and insights into Costa Rica holiday traditions to help you navigate the year seamlessly.

Costa Rica Public Holidays Overview

Costa Rica celebrates a vibrant mix of official holidays, including statutory holidays mandated by law and cultural observances. The Costa Rica holiday schedule typically includes 11 paid national holidays, as well as several other business and school holidays. Key dates across the Costa Rica Holiday Calendar include New Year’s Day (January 1), Labor Day (May 1), Independence Day (September 15), and Christmas Day (December 25). Major religious periods like Holy Week in Costa Rica (featuring Maundy Thursday and Good Friday) also see widespread closures.

Costa Rica Bank Holidays 2025

Here is the official schedule of Costa Rica bank holidays and Costa Rica federal holidays for the 2025 calendar year.

Costa Rica Bank Holidays 2026

Plan with these Costa Rica holiday dates for 2026. This Costa Rica holiday calendar PDF-ready list includes all Costa Rica mandatory holidays.

Costa Rica Bank Holidays 2027

Mark your Costa Rica Holiday Calendar for 2027 with these confirmed bank holidays in Costa Rica.

Major National Holidays & Bank Closures Explained

These Costa Rican patriotic celebrations are mandatory public holidays, meaning banks, government offices, and most businesses are closed.

• Juan Santamaría Day (April 11): This Costa Rican holiday honors the national hero who fought in the 1856 Battle of Rivas on April 11. Expect parades and civic ceremonies.

• Labor Day (May 1): A global celebration of workers’ rights, this is one of the key Costa Rica business holidays.

• Guanacaste Day (July 25): Celebrates the peaceful annexation of Guanacaste on July 25 of the Nicoya Peninsula in 1824. It’s a major point of regional pride.

• Independence Day (September 15): Costa Rica’s most significant national holiday, marking freedom from Spanish rule in 1821. The night before features the “Faroles” lantern parade.

Religious Holidays & Observances

As a predominantly Catholic nation, Catholic holidays in Costa Rica play a central role. Key Costa Rican Christian holidays include:

• Holy Week (Semana Santa): The Maundy Thursday date and Good Friday date are national holidays. Easter week in Costa Rica is the quietest time of year, with widespread Costa Rica business closures for holidays.

• Lady of the Angels Day (August 2): A major pilgrimage holiday where many travel to the Basílica in Cartago.

• Assumption Day (August 15): Coincides with Mother’s Day, blending Costa Rica Catholic traditions with family celebration.

• Christmas Day (December 25): The culmination of the Costa Rica festive season closures.

Cultural & Special Observance Days

These Costa Rican cultural observances are important to the social fabric but may not be official bank holidays.

• Mother’s Day (August 15): Unlike many countries, Mother’s Day, August 15, is fixed and a major family holiday.

• Day of the Black Person (August 31): Celebrates Afro-Costa Rican culture and contributions.

• Other Observances: These include Father’s Day, June 21; Children’s Day, September 9; Teacher’s Day, November 22; All Souls’ Day in Costa Rica; and National Parks Day, August 24.

Holiday Types in Costa Rica

National Holiday vs. Observance

Understanding Costa Rica holiday types is key:

• National Holiday (Día Feriado Obligatorio): Mandatory paid day off for most employees. These are your primary Costa Rica bank holidays.

• Observance (Día de Conmemoración): Days like Saint Joseph’s Day, March 19, or the September Equinox in Costa Rica. Work continues as normal unless otherwise stated in an employment contract.

• Non-Compulsory Payment Holiday: A unique category where work may stop, but payment is not mandatory unless stipulated by contract.

Also Read: US Bank Holidays

FAQs

Q1. Are banks closed on observances?

No. Banks and public offices typically remain open on observances like Father’s Day in Costa Rica, June 21, or Children’s Day on September 9. Only official national holidays guarantee closures.

Q2. What is a “Non-Compulsory Payment Holiday”?

It’s a day, like Lady of the Angels, August 2, where businesses may close, but employers are not legally required to pay staff unless it’s in the employment contract. Always check your company policy.

Q3. How does Semana Santa affect business hours?

Drastically. Most banks, government offices, and many shops close from the afternoon of Holy Wednesday through Easter Sunday. Essential services and tourist hotels remain open but with skeleton crews.

Q4. Is the Day of the Black Person a bank holiday?

No. The Day of the Black Person, August 31, is an important cultural observance, but it is not an official national holiday where banks are required to close.

Q5. Do Costa Rica holiday pay rules apply to all workers?

Yes, Costa Rica’s mandatory time off and holiday compensation rules apply to all workers under the national labour code for official national holidays, regardless of contract type.

Navigating Costa Rica bank holidays and the wider Costa Rica holiday schedule is straightforward with a reliable Costa Rica national holidays list. If you’re marking Costa Rica bank holidays, this guide provides the Costa Rica holiday dates you need for planning travel, business, or life in this beautiful country.

Link to Official Source:
For definitive legal reference, you can consult the official government labour code or the comprehensive page on Public holidays in Costa Rica on Wikipedia.