Nicaragua Public Holidays 2025
Nicaragua has 11 public holidays and 5 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wed | New Year's Day | public |
| 18 Jan | Sat | Birthday of Rubén Darío | observance |
| 17 Apr | Thu | Maundy Thursday | public |
| 18 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | public |
| 1 May | Thu | Labour Day | public |
| 30 May | Fri | Mother's Day | observance |
| 1 Jun | Sun | Children's Day | public |
| 23 Jun | Mon | Father's Day | observance |
| 19 Jul | Sat | Revolution Day | public |
| 14 Sep | Sun | Battle of San Jacinto | public |
| 15 Sep | Mon | Independence Day | public |
| 12 Oct | Sun | Indigenous Resistance Day | public |
| 8 Dec | Mon | Immaculate Conception | public |
| 24 Dec | Wed | Christmas Eve | observance |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
| 31 Dec | Wed | New Year's Eve | observance |
About Nicaragua's Holidays
Nicaragua has a mix of national, public, and cultural holidays that mark history, faith, and community life. Important state days honor independence and revolutionary history and are often marked by official ceremonies, parades, and school events across the country.
Religious celebrations are very strong. Holy Week and Christmas bring processions, church services, and family gatherings. La Purisima and patron saint festivals light up towns with singing, decorations, and fireworks. These events blend Catholic traditions with local customs.
On public holidays many banks, government offices, and schools close. People travel to family, attend parades, visit beaches, or join town festivals. Work pauses and communities celebrate with food, music, and colorful street events.
Holiday Traditions
In Nicaragua people celebrate holidays with loud music, colorful parades, and church services. Many towns hold processions and patron saint festivals where neighbors decorate streets and carry statues. Fireworks and light displays are common at night.
Families cook special foods and eat together. Typical dishes include nacatamal, gallo pinto, vigoron, fresh seafood, and sweet breads. Sharing food is a way to show love and welcome guests from near and far.
Public celebrations mix indigenous, Spanish, and Afro Caribbean traditions. Dance, marimba music, colorful costumes, and folk dances fill plazas. Markets and street vendors sell snacks, crafts, and flags for everyone to enjoy.
Travel Tips
Travelers to Nicaragua ni during the holiday season should expect many government offices and banks closed on public holidays. Small shops in towns may also close, while hotels and big tourist services usually stay open.
Public buses and ferries run less often and can be crowded. Book intercity buses, flights, and domestic ferries early. Allow extra travel time because traffic near cities and popular beaches gets heavy.
Tourist sites and restaurants fill up fast, especially around major holidays. Reserve tours and hotels ahead. Carry cash for small vendors because ATMs can be empty and banks closed.
Be respectful of local customs and celebrations. Pack sunscreen, light rain gear, and patience. Plan for slower logistics and more crowds during the season.