Colombia (CO)
Colombia offers expats an extraordinary combination of year-round spring climate (especially in Medellín), very affordable living, rich culture, improving safety, and one of Latin America's most welcoming visa systems.
Capital: Bogotá
Region: Americas
Language: Spanish
Currency: COP ($)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 30)
Emergency: 123
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Public Holidays 2026
18 holidays in Colombia. Some may vary by region.
January 2026
Thu 1
New Year's Day Public Holiday
Año Nuevo
National holiday. Banks and government offices closed. Major celebrations in cities and coastal resorts on New Year's Eve.
Mon 12
Epiphany (Three Kings Day) Public Holiday
Día de los Reyes Magos
Moved to nearest Monday (Jan 6 is Tue in 2026 → Mon Jan 12). In Colombia, children traditionally receive gifts on this day rather than Christmas Day.
March 2026
Mon 23
Saint Joseph's Day Public Holiday
Día de San José
Moved to nearest Monday (Mar 19 is Thu in 2026 → Mon Mar 23). Patron saint of workers and fathers.
April 2026
Thu 2
Holy Thursday Public Holiday
Jueves Santo
Fixed holiday — always falls on the Thursday before Easter. Semana Santa (Holy Week) is one of Colombia's most important cultural and religious events. Many Colombians travel; book accommodation and transport weeks in advance.
Fri 3
Good Friday Public Holiday
Viernes Santo
Fixed holiday — Friday before Easter. Semana Santa processions occur in towns across the country. Mompox and Popayán have spectacular UNESCO-recognised Holy Week celebrations. All businesses closed.
May 2026
Fri 1
Labour Day Public Holiday
Día del Trabajo
Fixed national holiday. Large union marches in Bogotá and other cities. Workers' rights demonstrations common. Banks and government closed.
Mon 18
Ascension of the Lord Public Holiday
Ascensión del Señor
Moved to nearest Monday (40 days after Easter = May 14, Thursday in 2026 → Mon May 18). Religious holiday marking Christ's ascension.
June 2026
Mon 8
Corpus Christi Public Holiday
Corpus Christi
Moved to nearest Monday (60 days after Easter = June 4, Thursday → Mon Jun 8). Catholic feast day celebrated with street processions.
Mon 15
Sacred Heart Public Holiday
Sagrado Corazón de Jesús
Moved to nearest Monday (68 days after Easter = June 12, Friday → Mon Jun 15). Colombia is one of the few countries that still observes this as a public holiday.
Mon 29
Saints Peter and Paul Public Holiday
San Pedro y San Pablo
Jun 29 falls on Monday in 2026 — no adjustment needed. Festival of San Pedro celebrated especially in Neiva (Huila) with Bambuco dance and music festival.
July 2026
Mon 20
Independence Day Public Holiday
Grito de Independencia
Fixed national holiday — Jul 20 falls on Monday in 2026. Celebrates the 1810 declaration of independence from Spain. Military parades in Bogotá. National pride celebrations across the country.
August 2026
Fri 7
Battle of Boyacá Day Public Holiday
Batalla de Boyacá
Fixed holiday. Commemorates the decisive 1819 battle that secured Colombian independence under Simón Bolívar. Military ceremonies at the Puente de Boyacá monument.
Mon 17
Assumption of the Virgin Public Holiday
Asunción de la Virgen
Moved to nearest Monday (Aug 15 is Saturday in 2026 → Mon Aug 17). Religious feast of the Virgin Mary's assumption.
October 2026
Mon 12
Columbus Day / Day of the Race Public Holiday
Día de la Raza
Oct 12 falls on Monday in 2026 — no adjustment. Increasingly reframed as Día de la Diversidad Étnica y Cultural (Day of Ethnic and Cultural Diversity) to acknowledge Indigenous peoples.
November 2026
Mon 2
All Saints' Day Public Holiday
Todos los Santos
Moved to nearest Monday (Nov 1 is Sunday in 2026 → Mon Nov 2). Families visit cemeteries to honour deceased relatives. Flowers and candles placed on graves.
Mon 16
Independence of Cartagena Public Holiday
Independencia de Cartagena
Moved to nearest Monday (Nov 11 is Wednesday in 2026 → Mon Nov 16). Commemorates Cartagena's 1811 declaration of absolute independence. Major festival week in Cartagena with the Reinado Nacional de Belleza (National Beauty Pageant).
December 2026
Tue 8
Immaculate Conception Public Holiday
Inmaculada Concepción
Fixed holiday. The night of December 7 (Día de las Velitas — Day of Candles) is when Colombians light candles and lanterns outside their homes in one of the country's most beloved traditions. Dec 8 itself is a quieter holiday.
Fri 25
Christmas Day Public Holiday
Navidad
Fixed holiday. Colombian Christmas is a month-long celebration (Novenas de Aguinaldo start Dec 16). Christmas Eve (Nochebuena, Dec 24) is the main family celebration with dinner and fireworks at midnight. Dec 25 is quieter. Extended family reunions, aguardiente, and music.
Note: Some holidays in Colombia apply only to specific regions or states. Check local regulations for your area.