Chile (CL)
South America's most stable and developed economy, Chile stretches 4,300 km from the Atacama Desert to Patagonia.
Capital: Santiago
Region: Americas
Language: Spanish
Currency: CLP ($)
Cost of living: Affordable (index 45)
Emergency: 133
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Public Holidays 2026
16 holidays in Chile. Some may vary by region.
January 2026
Thu 1
New Year's Day Public Holiday
Año Nuevo
National public holiday. Santiago empties as residents head to the coast (Viña del Mar, Pichilemu) for summer holidays. New Year's Eve fireworks at Valparaíso are world-famous, drawing 1M+ spectators.
April 2026
Fri 3
Good Friday Public Holiday
Viernes Santo
National public holiday. No alcohol sales permitted on Good Friday and Holy Saturday — supermarkets and restaurants cannot serve alcohol. Many businesses close. Religious processions throughout Chile.
Sat 4
Holy Saturday Public Holiday
Sábado de Gloria
National public holiday. Alcohol sales remain restricted. Long weekend combined with Good Friday; many Chileans travel.
May 2026
Fri 1
Labour Day Public Holiday
Día del Trabajo
National workers' holiday. Large marches and demonstrations in Santiago and other cities, particularly in the Plaza Italia / Dignidad area. Public transport runs but may be disrupted. Government offices and banks closed.
Thu 21
Day of Naval Glories Public Holiday
Día de las Glorias Navales
Commemorates the Battle of Iquique (1879) and the heroic death of Captain Arturo Prat. Military parade at naval bases. Presidential address to Congress (Mensaje Presidencial) traditionally given on this date.
June 2026
Sun 21
Day of Indigenous Peoples Public Holiday
Día de los Pueblos Indígenas
Coincides with the winter solstice (We Tripantu / Inti Raymi — Mapuche/Aymara new year). Celebrates Chile's 11 officially recognised indigenous peoples. Cultural events and ceremonies across the country. Originally Columbus Day — replaced by this holiday in 2021.
Mon 29
Saints Peter and Paul Public Holiday
San Pedro y San Pablo
Patron saints of fishermen — significant celebrations in coastal communities. Under Ley 19.973, if this holiday falls on a Tuesday or Wednesday, it moves to the previous Monday; if Thursday or Friday, to the following Monday. In 2026 (Monday), it is observed on June 29.
July 2026
Thu 16
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Public Holiday
Virgen del Carmen
Patron of the Chilean Armed Forces. Religious celebrations, particularly in regions with strong military tradition. Government offices and banks closed.
August 2026
Sat 15
Assumption of Mary Public Holiday
Asunción de la Virgen
Catholic religious holiday. Under Ley 19.973 (moveable holidays), if August 15 falls on a non-bridge day it is observed as listed. 2026: August 15 is a Saturday; businesses may observe the preceding Friday.
September 2026
Fri 18
Chile Independence Day (Fiestas Patrias) Public Holiday
Día de la Independencia — Fiestas Patrias
Chile's most important national holiday, celebrating independence declared in 1810. Week-long Fiestas Patrias celebrations feature fondas (traditional stands serving empanadas, anticuchos, chicha, pisco), cueca dancing, and military parades. Virtually all businesses close September 18–19. Major traffic jams as Chileans travel between cities.
Sat 19
Armed Forces Day Public Holiday
Día de las Glorias del Ejército
Military parade (desfile militar) in O'Higgins Park, Santiago — the largest military parade in South America. Combined with September 18 to form the key 2-day holiday of the year. Many companies give the entire week as paid leave by custom.
October 2026
Mon 12
Meeting of Two Worlds Public Holiday
Encuentro de Dos Mundos
Formerly Columbus Day (Día de la Raza), renamed in 2020 to reflect both indigenous and European heritage. Under Ley 19.973, if October 12 falls on a Tuesday or Wednesday it moves to the preceding Monday; if Thursday or Friday to the following Monday. In 2026 (Monday), observed October 12.
Sat 31
Evangelical and Protestant Churches Day Public Holiday
Día de las Iglesias Evangélicas y Protestantes
Added in 2008 to recognise the significant evangelical and Protestant Christian population (~28% of Chile). Often creates a long weekend combined with All Saints Day. Under Ley 19.973 moveable rules, may shift to nearest Monday. In 2026, October 31 is a Saturday — observe Friday October 30 or confirm with employer.
November 2026
Sun 1
All Saints' Day Public Holiday
Día de Todos los Santos
Catholic tradition of visiting cemeteries to honour deceased family members. Florists and cemetery vendors are very busy this weekend. Government offices and banks closed.
December 2026
Tue 8
Immaculate Conception Public Holiday
Inmaculada Concepción
Catholic religious holiday marking the immaculate conception of the Virgin Mary. Government offices, banks, and many businesses closed. Religious masses held throughout Chile.
Fri 25
Christmas Day Public Holiday
Navidad
National public holiday. Unlike Europe, Christmas Day in Chile is midsummer — many families celebrate with an asado outdoors. Malls extremely busy the preceding weeks. Most businesses closed December 25; some reopen December 26.
Note: Some holidays in Chile apply only to specific regions or states. Check local regulations for your area.