Costa Rica's Holidays

Costa Ricans are very nationalistic and proudly celebrate their official holidays, called feriados. Plan your activities around these holidays and don't count on getting business of any kind done since most government and private offices will be closed. In fact, the whole country shuts down during Semana Santa (the week before Easter) and the week between Christmas and New Year's Day. Asterisks indicate paid holidays and days for workers.

January 1 New Year's Day*
March 19 Saint Joseph's Day
Holy Week Holy Thursday and Good Friday*
April 11 Juan Santa Maria's Day (local hero)*
May 1 Labor Day
May University Week (held in San Pedro)
June Father's Day ( the third Sunday)
July 25 Annexation of Guanacaste Province*
August 2 Virgin of LosAngeles Day
August 15 Mother's Day*
September 15 Independence Day*
October 12 Columbus Day - Discovery of America
October 12 Limón Carnival
October 31 Halloween
November 2 Day of the Dead
December 8 Immaculate Conception
December 25 Christmas*
December 25 Feria de Zapote (December 25th to January 2nd)
December 25 Fiestas del Fin del Año