The calendar of labor holidays in Colombia for the year 2025 is made up of a combination of national and religious holidays and special dates that are of great relevance to the country's culture and tradition. These dates are mandatory rest times for most workers, as stipulated by law, and also represent an opportunity to strengthen family and community ties. Below, we present the detailed list of labor holidays in 2025 and the context that surrounds them.
National Holidays in Colombia
In Colombia, national holidays are governed by Law 51 of 1983, known as the "Emiliani Law", which establishes the transfer of certain holidays to the following Monday in order to promote tourism and extended rest. However, some holidays are kept on their original date due to their historical or religious importance. In 2025, the calendar includes 18 holidays, distributed as follows:
January
January 1 (Wednesday) : New Year's Day. This day marks the beginning of the calendar year and is a universal celebration. It is a time to reflect on the year that is ending and set goals for the new cycle.
March
March 24 (Monday) : St. Joseph's Day. This holiday, which honors the husband of the Virgin Mary and adoptive father of Jesus, is moved to the nearest Monday according to the Emiliani Law.
April
April 17 (Thursday) : Holy Thursday.
April 18 (Friday) : Good Friday. These days are part of Holy Week, one of the most important religious celebrations in Colombia, and commemorate the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus.
May
May 1 (Thursday) : International Workers' Day. This date celebrates the achievements of workers and is a day of labor protest worldwide.
May 19 (Monday) : Ascension Day (moved). It is commemorated 40 days after Easter and its move allows for a long weekend.
June
June 9 (Monday) : Corpus Christi (moved).
June 16 (Monday) : Sacred Heart (moved). These festivities have deep religious roots and are usually celebrated with masses and processions in many regions of the country.
July
July 1 (Monday) : St. Peter and St. Paul (moved).
July 20 (Sunday) : Independence Day. This date commemorates the signing of the Act of Independence in 1810 and is a day of national pride.
August
August 7 (Thursday) : Battle of Boyacá.
August 19 (Monday) : Assumption of the Virgin (moved). The first is a celebration of historical character, while the second has a religious character that honors the ascension of the Virgin Mary to heaven.
October
October 14 (Monday) : Columbus Day (moved). Also known as "Day of Cultural Diversity," this day celebrates the mix of cultures that characterizes Latin America.
November
November 4 (Monday) : All Saints' Day (moved).
November 11 (Monday) : Cartagena's Independence Day. The first date honors the saints and the second commemorates a key milestone in the country's independence.
December
December 8 (Monday) : Day of the Immaculate Conception.
December 25 (Thursday) : Christmas. Both dates are of great importance to Colombians, both in the religious and family spheres.
Importance of Labor Holidays
Labor holidays are not only a time of rest for workers, but also an opportunity to promote tourism, culture and the local economy. Many of these dates are accompanied by traditions such as parades, processions, fairs and activities that enrich the social fabric of the country.
In regions such as Antioquia, Valle del Cauca and the Caribbean Coast, celebrations take on a particular character that reflects Colombia's cultural and religious diversity. In addition, the transfer of some holidays to Monday allows families and travelers to enjoy long weekends, promoting recreational and tourist activities.
Recommendations for Planning for 2025
To make the most of the 2025 calendar of public holidays, we suggest you:
Plan your vacation in advance : Identify long weekends and coordinate your travel or recreational activities.
Explore local destinations : Colombia has a wide diversity of landscapes, from paradisiacal beaches to mountains and colonial cities.
Participate in local celebrations : Attend processions, fairs and cultural events in your region to enjoy the cultural richness of the country.
Take religious days into account : Respect the traditions and customs of communities that celebrate days such as Easter or Christmas.
The calendar of Colombian holidays for 2025 offers numerous opportunities for rest, reflection and celebration. These dates, in addition to their historical or religious importance, reinforce national identity and unity. When planning your activities for this year, remember to value and respect the traditions that make Colombia a unique and diverse country.
With a total of 18 holidays, 2025 promises to be a year full of moments to enjoy with family and friends. Make the most of each one!