Guatemala Public Holidays 2025
Guatemala has 12 public holidays and 11 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed | New Year's Day | public | |
| Tue | White Nun Day | observance | |
| Thu | Marimba Day | observance | |
| Sat | International Women's Day | observance | |
| Thu | Maundy Thursday | public | |
| Fri | Good Friday | public | |
| Sat | Easter Saturday | public | |
| Sun | Easter Sunday | observance | |
| Thu | Labour Day | public | |
| Sat | Mother's Day | optional | |
| Fri | Popol Vuh Day | observance | |
| Tue | Father's Day | optional | |
| Wed | Teacher's Day | observance | |
| Fri | Bank Employee Day | bank | |
| Mon | Army Day | public | |
| Mon | Independence Day | public | |
| Mon | Day of Race | bank | |
| Mon | Revolution Day | public | |
| Sat | All Saints' Day | public | |
| Sun | All Souls' Day | observance | |
| Wed | Christmas Eve | public | |
| Thu | Christmas Day | public | |
| Wed | New Year's Eve | public |
About Guatemala's Holidays
Guatemala has a mix of national, public, and cultural holidays that bring families and communities together. Big national days include New Year and Independence Day on September 15, with parades, flags, and music across the country.
Religious and cultural holidays are very important. Holy Week before Easter is the largest, with colorful processions and carpets on the streets. All Saints and Day of the Dead in early November blend Catholic customs with Maya traditions, when people remember loved ones.
Labor Day on May 1 is a public holiday for workers. Christmas and New Year are widely celebrated with family meals, fireworks, and festive markets. These holidays mix modern national pride with deep cultural and indigenous roots.
Holiday Traditions
In Guatemala many holidays mix Mayan and Spanish traditions. People honor saints and ancestors with colorful flowers, candles, and processions. Indigenous music and dance often appear, with marimbas and traditional costumes adding bright sounds and colors.
Food is a central part of celebrations. Families cook dishes like tamales, pepian, and atole. Sharing food shows love and keeps recipes alive. Street vendors sell sweet breads and hot drinks during public events.
Families gather at homes or churches to pray, sing, and eat together. Elders teach children songs and stories. These gatherings strengthen family bonds and pass cultural values to the next generation.
Public celebrations include parades, fireworks, and fairs. Towns decorate streets with banners and alfombras made from sawdust or flowers. Community participation makes holidays lively and deeply meaningful.
Travel Tips
Holiday season in Guatemala means many government offices, banks, and some shops close or have short hours. Tourist sites and restaurants often stay open, but expect altered schedules and local celebrations that change normal business hours.
Public buses and shuttles get very crowded. Airports and bus terminals are busier than usual. Book flights, long distance buses, and tourist shuttles well in advance to secure seats and better prices.
Roads around cities and popular towns are full, so plan extra travel time. Markets and main squares are lively and noisy. ATMs can run low on cash, so carry some local currency and a backup card.
Check schedules before you go and confirm reservations. Stay flexible, be patient with delays, and enjoy the festive atmosphere safely.