Costa Rica Public Holidays 2025
Costa Rica has 11 public holidays and 1 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wed | New Year's Day | public |
| 11 Apr | Fri | Gesta Heroica de Juan Santamaría | public |
| 17 Apr | Thu | Maundy Thursday | public |
| 18 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | public |
| 20 Apr | Sun | Easter Sunday | observance |
| 1 May | Thu | Labour Day | public |
| 25 Jul | Fri | Guanacaste Day | public |
| 2 Aug | Sat | Our Lady of Los Ángeles | public |
| 15 Aug | Fri | Mother's Day | public |
| 15 Sep | Mon | Independence Day | public |
| 12 Oct | Sun | Columbus Day | public |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
About Costa Rica's Holidays
Costa Rica has a mix of national, religious and local cultural holidays. Many days bring parades, family gatherings and school closures. People celebrate with music, food and communal events that show strong national pride and faith traditions.
Independence Day and Holy Week are big public moments with civic ceremonies and community processions. Christmas and New Year focus on family and festive meals. Local patron saint festivals and town fiestas add colorful traditions and popular fairs across the country.
Public and bank holidays are observed nationwide so government offices and banks close. Tourism and travel increase around these dates, and local customs shape how each holiday is celebrated in different regions.
Holiday Traditions
In Costa Rica people celebrate with warm family gatherings. Relatives and friends share time, stories, and laughter. Homes fill with music while children play and older family members pass on traditions and customs.
Food is central and comforting. Families cook rice, beans, chicken, tamales, and sweet desserts. Meals are served slowly so everyone can talk and enjoy each bite. Sharing food shows love and togetherness.
Public celebrations are colorful and lively. Towns hold parades, folk dances, and live music. People wear traditional clothing and carry flags. Streets fill with joy as neighbors meet, dance, and celebrate their national pride.
Travel Tips
Visiting Costa Rica (CR) during the holiday season means many government offices and banks are closed. Some shops and smaller businesses use reduced hours. Tourist restaurants and hotels usually stay open but can change schedules on big celebration days.
Transportation gets very busy. Flights, buses, and domestic shuttles sell out faster than usual. Roads near popular beaches and cities can have heavy traffic. Plan extra travel time and expect delays when moving between destinations.
Book flights, buses, car rentals, and lodging well in advance. Bring some cash since ATMs may have lines. Check local opening hours before you go. Be ready for higher prices and crowded sights during peak holiday weeks.