National holidays are an essential part of a country's culture and identity. These days not only celebrate historical and religious events, but also serve as moments of rest and unity for the population.
Colombia is one of the countries with the most holidays in the world. In total, there are 18 national holidays per year. These holidays are mainly divided between religious celebrations and commemorations of historical events. Below, we present a list of the most important holidays in Colombia:
New Year (January 1): Celebration of the beginning of the new year.
Three Kings Day (January 6): Also known as Epiphany, it celebrates the visit of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus.
Saint Joseph's Day (March 19): In honor of Saint Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus.
Holy Week (variable): Includes Holy Thursday and Good Friday, celebrating the passion, death and resurrection of Christ.
Labor Day (May 1): Celebration of workers' rights.
Ascension Day (variable): Celebrates Christ's ascension to heaven.
Corpus Christi (variable): Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ.
Sacred Heart of Jesus (variable): Celebration of Christ's love for humanity.
Saint Peter and Saint Paul (June 29): In honor of the apostles Peter and Paul.
Independence Day (July 20): Commemoration of Colombia's independence from Spanish rule.
Battle of Boyacá (August 7): Celebration of the decisive victory in the fight for independence.
The Assumption of the Virgin (August 15): Celebration of the ascension of the Virgin Mary to heaven.
Columbus Day (October 12): Commemoration of the meeting of two worlds with the arrival of Columbus to America.
All Saints' Day (November 1): In honor of all the saints.
Independence of Cartagena (November 11): Celebration of the independence of the city of Cartagena.
Immaculate Conception (December 8): In honor of the Virgin Mary conceived without original sin.
Christmas (December 25): Celebration of the birth of Jesus.
Comparison with other Latin American countries
Mexico
Mexico has 10 official holidays, although there are many other days of celebration that, although they are not national holidays, have great cultural importance. Some of the most notable holidays are:
New Year (January 1): Similar to Colombia, celebrates the beginning of the year.
Constitution Day (February 5): Commemorates the promulgation of the 1917 Constitution.
Birth of Benito Juárez (March 21): Celebration in honor of the former president and key figure in the history of Mexico.
Holy Week (variable): As in Colombia, the passion, death and resurrection of Christ is celebrated.
Labor Day (May 1): Similar to Colombia, celebrates workers' rights.
Independence Day (September 16): Commemoration of the Grito de Dolores that marked the beginning of Mexico's independence.
Revolution Day (November 20): Commemorates the beginning of the Mexican Revolution in 1910.
Christmas (December 25): Celebration of the birth of Jesus.
In addition to these days, Mexico celebrates the Day of the Dead (November 1 and 2), a very important cultural holiday although it is not an official holiday.
Argentina
Argentina has 15 national holidays. Some of the most notable are:
New Year (January 1): Celebration of the beginning of the year.
Carnival (variable): Two days of celebration before Ash Wednesday.
Memorial Day (March 24): Commemoration of the victims of the military dictatorship.
Veteran's Day and those who fell in the Falklands War (April 2): In honor of the veterans and those who fell in the Falklands War.
Holy Week (variable): Celebration of the passion, death and resurrection of Christ.
Workers' Day (May 1): Celebration of workers' rights.
May Revolution Day (May 25): Commemoration of the May Revolution of 1810.
Independence Day (July 9): Celebration of Argentina's independence from Spanish rule.
Day of the Immaculate Conception (December 8): Celebration in honor of the Virgin Mary.
Christmas (December 25): Celebration of the birth of Jesus.
Argentina also celebrates Flag Day (June 20) in honor of Manuel Belgrano, creator of the Argentine flag, and Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity (October 12), similar to Columbus Day in Colombia.
Brazil
Brazil has 12 national holidays. Some of the most important are:
New Year (January 1): Celebration of the beginning of the year.
Carnival (variable): Four-day celebration before Ash Wednesday, one of the most important holidays in the country.
Holy Week (variable): Celebration of the passion, death and resurrection of Christ.
Tiradentes Day (April 21): In honor of Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, leader of the Inconfidencia Mineira.
Labor Day (May 1): Celebration of workers' rights.
Independence Day (September 7): Commemoration of Brazil's independence from Portuguese rule.
Our Lady of Aparecida (October 12): Celebration in honor of the patron saint of Brazil.
Republic Proclamation Day (November 15): Commemoration of the proclamation of the republic in 1889.
Christmas (December 25): Celebration of the birth of Jesus.
Additionally, in Brazil the Day of the Dead (November 2) is celebrated, similar to the Day of the Dead in Mexico, in honor of the deceased.
Chili
Chile has 16 national holidays. Some of the most notable are:
New Year (January 1): Celebration of the beginning of the year.
Holy Week (variable): Celebration of the passion, death and resurrection of Christ.
Labor Day (May 1): Celebration of workers' rights.
Day of Naval Glories (May 21): Commemoration of the battle of Iquique.
Saint Peter and Saint Paul Day (June 29): Similar to Colombia, in honor of the apostles Peter and Paul.
Day of the Assumption of the Virgin (August 15): Celebration of the ascension of the Virgin Mary to heaven.
Independence Day (September 18): Celebration of Chile's independence from Spanish rule.
Day of the Glories of the Army (September 19): Celebration in honor of the Chilean army.
Day of the Discovery of Two Worlds (October 12): Similar to Columbus Day in Colombia.
All Saints' Day (November 1): Celebration in honor of all the saints.
Day of the Immaculate Conception (December 8): Celebration in honor of the Virgin Mary.
Christmas (December 25): Celebration of the birth of Jesus.
Additionally, Chile celebrates the Day of the Virgin of Carmen (July 16), the country's patron saint, although it is not an official holiday.
Peru
Peru has 12 national holidays. Some of the most important are:
New Year (January 1): Celebration of the beginning of the year.
Holy Week (variable): Celebration of the passion, death and resurrection of Christ.
Labor Day (May 1): Celebration of workers' rights.
National Holidays (July 28 and 29): Celebration of Peru's independence from Spanish rule.
Saint Rose of Lima Day (August 30): In honor of the patron saint of Lima and the Americas.
Battle of Angamos Day (October 8): Commemoration of the naval battle during the Pacific War.
All Saints' Day (November 1): Celebration in honor of all the saints.
Day of the Immaculate Conception (December 8): Celebration in honor of the Virgin Mary.
Christmas (December 25): Celebration of the birth of Jesus.
Additionally, Peru celebrates Saint Peter and Saint Paul's Day (June 29), similar to Colombia, and Creole Song Day (October 31), which celebrates traditional Peruvian music.
Economy
Holidays have a significant impact on a country's economy. In Colombia, holidays can influence labor productivity and the tourism sector. Religious holidays, such as Holy Week, attract many national and international tourists, which benefits the hotel sector and the service industry. However, the high number of holidays can also present a challenge for businesses, which must adjust their operations to maintain productivity.
Culture and social cohesion
National holidays play a crucial role in preserving and promoting culture and traditions. In Colombia, Christmas and Easter celebrations are moments of family and community unity. Holidays also provide an opportunity to reflect on history and national values, strengthening the sense of identity and belonging.
Education
Holidays also have an impact on the school calendar. In Colombia, schools adjust their academic calendar to include national holidays, which can affect the length of the school year and vacations. Additionally, these celebrations offer an educational opportunity to teach students about the history, religion, and culture of their country.
Comparing holidays between Colombia and other Latin American countries reveals both similarities and differences in the way historical and religious events are celebrated and commemorated. While some holidays are common throughout the region, such as Labor Day and Christmas, others reflect cultural traditions unique to each country. Holidays not only have an impact on the economy and productivity, but also play an essential role in social cohesion and the preservation of cultural identity. Ultimately, national holidays are a reflection of the rich diversity and shared history of Latin America.