Venezuela (VE)
Oil-rich South American nation with dramatic landscapes from the Andes to Angel Falls and the Caribbean coast, experiencing economic recovery after years of crisis, with a warm culture and very low cost of living for dollar-earning expats.
Capital: Caracas
Region: Americas
Language: Spanish
Currency: VES (Bs.)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 10)
Emergency: 171
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Public Holidays 2026
17 holidays in Venezuela. Some may vary by region.
January 2026
Thu 1
New Year's Day Public Holiday
Año Nuevo
National holiday. Banks, government offices, and most businesses closed. Fireworks at midnight on Dec 31.
Tue 6
Epiphany / Three Kings Day Public Holiday
Día de Reyes
Three Kings Day — children traditionally receive gifts. Public holiday.
February 2026
Mon 16
Carnival Monday Public Holiday
Lunes de Carnaval
First day of Carnival (dates change annually). Major celebrations across Venezuela, especially in El Callao (UNESCO-listed Carnival). Streets filled with music, parades, and costumes.
Tue 17
Carnival Tuesday Public Holiday
Martes de Carnaval
Second day of Carnival. All businesses closed. Expect traffic before and after as Venezuelans travel to beach destinations.
April 2026
Thu 2
Maundy Thursday Public Holiday
Jueves Santo
Holy Thursday — beginning of Semana Santa (Holy Week). Banks close. Many Venezuelans travel to the beach. Quiet period for businesses.
Fri 3
Good Friday Public Holiday
Viernes Santo
National holiday. All businesses closed. Religious processions nationwide. One of the most observed holidays in Venezuela.
Sun 19
Declaration of Independence Public Holiday
Declaración de Independencia
Commemorates the April 19, 1810 uprising that initiated Venezuela's independence movement. Parades and government ceremonies. Banks and offices closed.
May 2026
Fri 1
Workers' Day Public Holiday
Día del Trabajador
International Labour Day. Public holiday with union marches in major cities.
June 2026
Wed 24
Battle of Carabobo Public Holiday
Batalla de Carabobo
Commemorates the decisive 1821 battle that secured Venezuelan independence. Military parade at Carabobo field. National holiday.
July 2026
Sun 5
Independence Day Public Holiday
Día de la Independencia
Venezuela declared independence from Spain on 5 July 1811. The most important national holiday — parades, military ceremony, and public celebrations.
Fri 24
Simón Bolívar's Birthday Public Holiday
Día del Libertador / Natalicio de Simón Bolívar
Birthday of Simón Bolívar (1783), Venezuela's founding father and Libertador of South America. Major national holiday with ceremonies at the National Pantheon.
October 2026
Mon 12
Indigenous Resistance Day Public Holiday
Día de la Resistencia Indígena
Previously known as Columbus Day, renamed in 2002 to honour indigenous peoples. Public holiday.
November 2026
Sun 1
All Saints' Day Public Holiday
Día de Todos los Santos
Catholic observance. Public holiday — families visit cemeteries to honour the deceased.
December 2026
Tue 8
Immaculate Conception Public Holiday
Día de la Inmaculada Concepción
Catholic feast day. Public holiday. Marks the beginning of the Christmas season — families begin decorating and planning hallacas.
Thu 24
Christmas Eve Public Holiday
Noche Buena
The main Christmas celebration in Venezuela — family dinners with hallacas, pan de jamón, pernil (roast pork). Most businesses close from midday. Fireworks at midnight are intense.
Fri 25
Christmas Day Public Holiday
Día de Navidad
National holiday. Family day following Noche Buena celebrations. Most businesses and government offices closed.
Thu 31
New Year's Eve Public Holiday
Fin de Año
Public holiday. Venezuelan traditions include burning Old Year effigies (muñecos del año viejo), wearing yellow underwear for luck, and eating 12 grapes at midnight. Extremely loud fireworks throughout the night.
Note: Some holidays in Venezuela apply only to specific regions or states. Check local regulations for your area.