Costa Rican public holidays, or “feriados” are all about spending a little more quality time connecting with those you care about and living well. To boost local tourism, specific holidays in Costa Rica were rescheduled to Mondays from 2020 to 2024, creating extended weekends.
In Costa Rica, there are two types of holidays: those entailing double pay for working and others where receiving extra payment is optional. According to Costa Rican law, no employee can be compelled to work on a holiday; their agreement to work on that day is a prerequisite.
In 2024, there will be 12 holidays, with two shifted to other days and three designated as optional paid holidays.
January 1 New Year's Day
March 28 and 29 Semana Santa, also known as Dias Santos or Easter Week, is one of the region's busiest times of the year for vacation.
April 11, moved to April 15, Batalla de Rivas commemorating Costa Rican hero Juan Santamaría victory in the Battle of Rivas, due to its significance for the country.
May 1 International Worker’s Day
July 25, moved to July 29, Anexión de Guanacaste, Celebrating the annexation of Guanacaste to Costa Rica. This is especially important here in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
August 2 Día de la Virgen de los Ángeles, a Catholic holiday celebrating the Virgin Mary, the patron saint of Costa Rica, as Queen of the Angels. This is a holiday that is not obligated to pay an extra hourly rate.
August 15, Mother’s Day
August 31, Afro-Costa Rican Culture Day is a holiday that is s not obligated to pay an extra hourly rate.
September 15, Costa Rican Independence Day
December 1, Abolition of the Costa Rican Army, this is a holiday that is not obligated to pay an extra hourly rate.
December 25, Christmas Day
Holidays may lead to bank and school closures, increased beach town traffic, and slightly slower services due to reduced staffing, so plan accordingly if you are in Las Catalinas, or Guanacaste during these dates, and take advantage of a little extra time off.