Public holidays

Costa Rica observes nine statutory public holidays annually: New Year's Day, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Juan Santamaría Day, Labor Day, Annexation of the Party of Nicoya to Costa Rica, Mother's Day, Independence Day, and Christmas Day. These holidays are recognized under the Costa Rican labor code and provide employees with paid time off from work obligations.

The legal framework governing public holidays in Costa Rica is established primarily through the Labor Code (Código de Trabajo) and supplementary legislation administered by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social). The specific dates and observance rules are codified in national employment regulations that employers must follow.

Public holidays in Costa Rica are mandatory days of rest for which employees must receive their regular wages, even if they do not work. When work is performed on a public holiday, employees are entitled to additional compensation, typically calculated as a premium on their ordinary wage. The exact premium percentage and calculation method depend on the nature of the work and whether the holiday falls on a regular workday or weekend.

Employers operating in Costa Rica must maintain accurate records of public holiday observance and ensure payroll systems correctly process holiday pay. Failure to provide appropriate holiday compensation can result in labor disputes and penalties. Payroll teams should verify the official holiday calendar annually, as dates may shift depending on religious observances or government declarations, and ensure all employees receive proper compensation for both worked and non-worked public holidays in accordance with Costa Rican labor law.