Planning ahead for public holidays in Colombia in 2026? Whether you're a local resident, a business owner, or a traveler looking to explore the country’s vibrant culture, knowing the official feriados Colombia 2026 is essential. Colombia observes a mix of religious, civic, and cultural holidays throughout the year—many of which are governed by Ley 51 de 1983, which moves certain holidays to the following Monday to create long weekends. This article breaks down every official public holiday in Colombia for 2026, explains how the “puente” (bridge) system works, and offers practical tips for making the most of these dates.
Complete List of Public Holidays in Colombia – 2026
Colombia has 18 official public holidays in 2026. Below is the full calendar, including the original date and the observed date (if moved to Monday under the bridge law).
| Date | Holiday Name | Observed Date (if moved) |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Año Nuevo (New Year’s Day) | January 1 |
| January 5 | Día de los Reyes Magos (Epiphany) | January 12 |
| March 23 | Día de San José (Saint Joseph’s Day) | March 23 |
| April 2 | Jueves Santo (Holy Thursday) | April 2 |
| April 3 | Viernes Santo (Good Friday) | April 3 |
| May 1 | Día del Trabajo (Labor Day) | May 1 |
| May 18 | Ascensión del Señor (Ascension of the Lord) | May 18 |
| June 8 | Corpus Christi | June 8 |
| June 15 | Sagrado Corazón de Jesús (Sacred Heart) | June 15 |
| June 29 | San Pedro y San Pablo (Saint Peter and Saint Paul) | June 29 |
| July 20 | Día de la Independencia (Independence Day) | July 20 |
| August 7 | Batalla de Boyacá (Battle of Boyacá) | August 7 |
| August 17 | Asunción de la Virgen (Assumption of Mary) | August 17 |
| October 12 | Día de la Raza (Columbus Day / Day of the Race) | October 12 |
| November 2 | Todos los Santos (All Saints’ Day) | November 2 |
| November 16 | Independencia de Cartagena (Cartagena Independence) | November 16 |
| November 30 | Inmaculada Concepción (Immaculate Conception) | November 30 |
| December 8 | Inmaculada Concepción (Immaculate Conception) | December 8 |
| December 25 | Navidad (Christmas Day) | December 25 |
Note: Some holidays like “Inmaculada Concepción” appear twice due to regional observance or historical context—but December 8 is the nationally recognized date.
How Colombia’s “Puente” Holiday System Works
One unique feature of Colombia’s holiday calendar is the “puente festivo” (bridge holiday). Under Ley 51 de 1983, if a fixed-date holiday falls on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, it is moved to the following Monday. This creates a three-day weekend, encouraging domestic tourism and family gatherings. For example, in 2026, Día de los Reyes Magos (January 5) falls on a Monday—so it remains on that date. But if it had fallen on a Wednesday, it would have been moved to the next Monday.
Key Religious and Civic Holidays Explained
Colombia’s holidays reflect its deep Catholic roots and national pride. Semana Santa (Holy Week) includes Jueves Santo and Viernes Santo—two of the most solemn days in the Christian calendar, marked by processions and church services across cities like Popayán and Mompox. On the civic side, July 20 commemorates Colombia’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1810, while August 7 honors the decisive Battle of Boyacá in 1819, which secured independence.
Travel and Business Planning Around Feriados 2026
For travelers, aligning your visit with a puente can mean lower prices and fewer crowds—but also potential closures in government offices and banks. Major cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena often host festivals during long weekends. Businesses should note that while private companies aren’t required to close on all holidays, many do—especially on May 1 (Labor Day) and December 25 (Christmas). Planning payroll, logistics, and customer service around these dates avoids disruptions.
Regional Variations and Local Celebrations
While the national calendar applies everywhere, some departments add local holidays. For instance, Antioquia observes Día de la Raza with parades, while La Guajira may recognize indigenous observances. Always check municipal calendars if you’re operating in specific regions. Additionally, schools and universities often have their own academic breaks that don’t align exactly with public holidays.
Digital Tools and Apps to Track Colombian Holidays
Several apps and websites offer real-time updates on Colombian holidays, including Google Calendar integrations, the official Ministerio del Interior portal, and local news outlets like El Tiempo. Setting reminders for key dates—especially movable feens like Ascensión or Corpus Christi—helps avoid last-minute surprises.
Staying informed about feriados Colombia 2026 isn’t just about knowing when to take a day off—it’s about understanding the rhythm of Colombian life. From solemn religious processions to patriotic parades, each holiday tells a story. Whether you’re scheduling a business meeting, booking a flight, or simply curious about cultural traditions, this calendar is your roadmap to navigating Colombia’s festive year ahead.
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