Public Holidays in Costa Rica 2026
11 listed public holiday dates in 2026
Costa Rica's public holidays combine independence history, Catholic traditions and distinctive national commemorations such as the Annexation of Guanacaste and the abolition of the army.
Costa Rica Public Holidays 2026
| 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 Guanacaste |
| Aug 2 | Sunday | Our Lady of Los Ángeles |
| Aug 15 | Saturday | Mother's Day |
| Sep 15 | Tuesday | Independence Day |
| Dec 1 | Tuesday | Army Abolition Day |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
Holiday entitlement and pay can differ by statutory category. Employers and workers should check Costa Rican labour guidance for payroll treatment.
Guanacaste and Army Abolition Day 2026
The Annexation of Guanacaste is celebrated on 25 July. Army Abolition Day on 1 December commemorates the country's 1948 decision to abolish its standing military.
Holiday Rules in Costa Rica
Costa Rican labour law distinguishes holidays with compulsory and non-compulsory payment treatment. A date being a public holiday does not always mean the same pay obligation for every worker.
Costa Rica Holiday Calendar: What to Know
- Independence Day is 15 September.
- The Annexation of Guanacaste is 25 July.
- Army Abolition Day is 1 December.
- Holiday pay treatment varies by statutory category.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Costa Rica Independence Day?
It is observed on 15 September.
What is celebrated on 25 July?
Costa Rica marks the Annexation of Guanacaste.
Is 1 December a public holiday?
Yes. Army Abolition Day is a public holiday, with its own pay classification under labour law.
Are all Costa Rican holidays paid the same way?
No. Labour law distinguishes between compulsory-payment and non-compulsory-payment holidays.
Sources & methodology
View sources used for this page
Official 2026 application of statutory holidays under the Labour Code.
Independent calendar cross-check used for date, weekday and observed-day review. Government notices and statutory rules take precedence where they differ.
Source hierarchy: government, statutory or institutional material is used as the primary reference where available. Timeanddate is retained only as an independent calendar cross-check. Later official declarations take precedence.