Uruguay (UY)
South America's most progressive and stable country — Uruguay consistently ranks first in Latin America for democracy, press freedom, and quality of life.
Capital: Montevideo
Region: Americas
Language: Spanish
Currency: UYU ($U)
Cost of living: Affordable (index 55)
Emergency: 911
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Public Holidays 2026
17 holidays in Uruguay. Some may vary by region.
January 2026
Thu 1
New Year's Day Public Holiday
Año Nuevo
National holiday. All offices, banks, and most businesses closed.
Tue 6
Epiphany Public Holiday
Día de Reyes
Three Kings Day. Gift-giving tradition for children. Public holiday.
February 2026
Mon 16
Carnaval Monday Public Holiday
Carnaval — Lunes
First day of Carnaval weekend. Uruguay has the world's longest Carnival season (40+ days of shows). Public transport runs on Sunday schedule.
Tue 17
Carnaval Tuesday Public Holiday
Carnaval — Martes
Shrove Tuesday. Many businesses close. Tablado and murga performances continue through the season until March.
April 2026
Sun 19
Landing of the 33 Orientales Public Holiday
Desembarco de los 33 Orientales
Commemorates the 1825 landing of patriots who began the struggle for independence. Major national holiday.
Wed 1
Tourism Week — Wednesday Public Holiday
Semana de Turismo
Uruguay replaced Holy Week with secular "Tourism Week" in 1919. Wednesday before Easter is a full public holiday.
Thu 2
Tourism Week — Thursday Public Holiday
Semana de Turismo
Holy Thursday equivalent. Public holiday. Banks and government offices closed.
Fri 3
Tourism Week — Friday Public Holiday
Semana de Turismo
Good Friday equivalent. Full public holiday. Many families travel to the interior or coast during this week.
Sat 4
Tourism Week — Saturday Public Holiday
Semana de Turismo
Holy Saturday. Part of Tourism Week break.
May 2026
Fri 1
Labour Day Public Holiday
Día del Trabajador
International Workers' Day. Major union marches in Montevideo. Banks and government offices closed.
Mon 18
Battle of Las Piedras Public Holiday
Batalla de Las Piedras
Commemorates the 1811 victory over Spanish royalist forces — first major patriot victory in the independence struggle.
June 2026
Fri 19
Birthday of Artigas Public Holiday
Natalicio de Artigas
José Gervasio Artigas, Uruguay's national hero and founding father, born 19 June 1764. Major national holiday.
July 2026
Sat 18
Constitution Day Public Holiday
Jura de la Constitución
Commemorates Uruguay's first constitution of 1830. One of the most important national holidays.
August 2026
Tue 25
Independence Day Public Holiday
Declaración de Independencia
Uruguay's formal declaration of independence in 1825. National day with ceremonies and events across the country.
October 2026
Mon 12
Columbus Day / Diversity Day Public Holiday
Día de la Raza / Diversidad Cultural
Officially renamed "Día de la Raza" and increasingly celebrated as a day of cultural diversity. Public holiday.
November 2026
Mon 2
Day of the Dead Bank Holiday
Día de los Difuntos
Bank holiday. Many offices close. Families visit cemeteries. Uruguay uses secular terminology — officially "All Souls' Day" equivalent.
December 2026
Fri 25
Christmas Day Public Holiday
Día de la Familia
Uruguay officially calls this "Family Day" (Día de la Familia) rather than Christmas, reflecting its secular constitution. Families gather for asado and paella. Most businesses closed Dec 24–26.
Note: Some holidays in Uruguay apply only to specific regions or states. Check local regulations for your area.