Public Holidays in Costa Rica for 2023
Are you planning to visit Costa Rica in 2023 and wondering about the country’s public holidays? Look no further!
Costa Rica’s “Pura Vida” spirit spreads. The Costa Rica Holidays in 2023 is a perfect opportunity to explore local cuisine, meet new friends, and learn about the country’s rich culture.
In Costa Rica, some holidays are moved to Mondays from 2020 to 2024 so that tourism can continue. This is thanks to a bill that was passed and signed into law. The idea is to have long weekends to get people to travel within the country and help the economy recover in all parts of the country.
For the most part, holidays in Costa Rica are mandatory, so if you work that day, you must recognize the double payment. On the other hand, no worker is obliged to work on holidays unless he agrees. Therefore, if he refuses to work, he cannot be penalized. Even if the company is national or international, it must grant these holidays to employees who work in Costa Rica.
You can plan your vacation and make the most of your stay in this lovely country. We’ll cover all the major dates and their importance:
Date | Day | Holiday | Moved to |
---|---|---|---|
1 January | Sunday | New Year’s Day | — |
6 April | Thursday | Maundy Thursday | — |
7 April | Friday | Good Friday | — |
11 April | Tuesday | Juan Santamaria Day | 10 April, Monday |
1 May | Monday | Labour Day | — |
25 July | Tuesday | Guanacaste Day | 24 July, Monday |
2 August | Wednesday | Lady of the Angels Day | — |
15 August | Tuesday | Mother’s Day | 14 August, Monday |
31 August | Thursday | Day of the Black Person and Afro-Costa Rican Culture | 03 September, Sunday |
15 September | Friday | Independence Day | — |
1 December | Friday | Abolition of the Army | — |
25 December | Monday | Christmas Day | — |
NOTE: These dates may be modified as official changes are announced, so please check back regularly for updates.
New Year’s Day is the first public holiday of the year is New Year’s Day, which falls on January 1st. This day is celebrated with fireworks, parades, and parties nationwide. Many Costa Ricans also take the opportunity to visit the beach or go on a trip with their families.
Epiphany, also known as Three Kings’ Day. This holiday is celebrated on January 6th and commemorates the three wise men’s visit to baby Jesus. In Costa Rica, eating Rosca de Reyes, a sweet bread shaped like a ring is traditional. The person who finds a tiny baby Jesus figurine in their slice must host a party on February 2nd, Día de la Candelaria.
Saint Joseph’s Day is celebrated on March 19th and honors the husband of the Virgin Mary and the father of Jesus. This day is significant for farmers, as it marks the start of the planting season. Many communities hold religious parades and processions to honor Saint Joseph.
Good Friday is celebrated on April 14th and is the most important holiday in the Christian calendar. This day marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is observed with solemnity and piety. Many Costa Ricans attend church services or participate in reenactments of the crucifixion.
Labour Day is celebrated on May 1st and honors workers’ contributions to the country. Parades, speeches, and a day off work for most people mark this day.
Ascension Day is celebrated on May 25th and marks the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. This day is observed with religious services and processions.
Corpus Christi is celebrated on June 15th and honors the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Religious processions mark this day and is particularly important for Catholics.
Saint Peter and Saint Paul’s Day is celebrated on June 29th and honors the two important Christian saints. This day is observed with religious services and processions.
The Lady of the Angels Day is celebrated on August 2nd and honors the Virgin Mary. Religious services and processions mark this day.
Independence Day is celebrated on September 15th and marks the country’s independence from Spain in 1821. Parades, speeches, and fireworks mark this day.
All Saints’ Day is celebrated on November 1st and honors all the saints in the Christian faith. Religious services mark this day and is particularly important for Catholics.
Immaculate Conception is celebrated on December 8th and honors the Virgin Mary. Religious services and processions mark this day.
Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25th and marks the birth of Jesus Christ. This day is observed with religious services and is also a time for families to gather and exchange gifts.
-Written by Glenn Tellier (Founder of CRIE and Grupo Gap).
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