Public holidays

Costa Rica observes nine statutory public holidays each calendar year. These are New Year's Day, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Juan Santamaría Day, Labor Day, Annexation of the Party of Nicoya to Costa Rica, Independence Day, Mother's Day, and Christmas Day. On these dates, most private and public sector employees are entitled to rest from work while receiving their regular daily wage.

The public holiday framework is established under the Costa Rican Labor Code (Código de Trabajo) and supplemented by various executive decrees that designate specific dates and commemorate national events. The Ministry of Labor and Social Security (Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social) oversees compliance and enforcement of holiday regulations across all sectors.

Costa Rica's public holiday calendar reflects the nation's cultural, religious, and historical identity. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday align with the Christian calendar and vary annually, while fixed-date holidays such as Independence Day (September 15) and Juan Santamaría Day (April 11) honor Costa Rican independence and national heroes. The Annexation of the Party of Nicoya (July 25) commemorates the 1824 territorial incorporation that shaped modern Costa Rica's borders.

Employers must ensure that employees working on public holidays receive appropriate compensation, typically at a premium rate or compensatory time off. Payroll teams should maintain an updated holiday calendar and verify which holidays apply to their workforce, as certain sectors or regions may have additional observances. Failure to grant public holiday entitlements or provide proper compensation can result in labor violations and penalties under Costa Rican employment law.