Why are some holidays in Colombia moved to Monday ?
Colombia is known for having a rich holiday calendar , but what raises the most questions each year is : Why are n't certain dates celebrated on the exact day ? The reason lies in a legal regulation known as the Emiliani Law , which for decades has organized some of the national holidays with the goal of promoting rest and tourism .
What is the Emiliani Law and what is its purpose ?
Law 51 of 1983 , better known as the Emiliani Law , was promoted by Congressman Raimundo Emiliani Román and aims to move certain religious and civil holidays to the Monday following their original date . The intention behind this measure was :
Stimulate domestic tourism .
Facilitate long weekends for rest .
Generate a positive economic impact on transportation, commerce , and hospitality.
Promote the planning of family and recreational activities .
Since its approval, many holidays have been discontinued on their exact dates and have become part of the popular “ long weekends .”
Which holidays are moved to Monday in Colombia ?
In 2025 , several holidays will be moved to Monday , creating opportunities for long weekends . Below is a list of the original dates and the actual days :
| Original date | Festive | Celebration day in 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| January 6 | Three Kings ' Day | Monday , January 6 |
| March 19 | Saint Joseph 's Day | Monday , March 24 |
| June 29 | Saint Peter and Saint Paul | Monday , June 30 |
| July 20 | Independence Day | It does not move |
| August 7 | Battle of Boyacá | It does not move |
| August 15 | Assumption of the Virgin | Monday , August 18 |
| October 12 | Columbus Day | Monday , October 13 |
| November 1st | All Saints ' Day | Monday , November 3 |
| November 11 | Independence of Cartagena | Monday , November 17 |
Note: Some religious holidays such as Corpus Christi , the Sacred Heart or the Ascension of the Lord are also moved to Monday, although their liturgical date varies each year according to the ecclesiastical calendar .
Holidays that are not transferred: they are celebrated on their fixed date
Not all holidays are covered by the Emiliani Law . Some days retain their exact date due to their historical or religious significance . These are the main immutable holidays in Colombia :
January 1 – New Year
July 20 – Independence Day
August 7 – Battle of Boyacá
December 8 – Immaculate Conception
December 25 – Christmas
Good Friday and Holy Thursday – Within Holy Week ( movable dates but not transferable )
May 1 – Labor Day
These dates are celebrated regardless of the day of the week on which they fall .
What impact do relocated holidays have on tourism and the economy ?
Long weekends play a key role in the country's economic activity , especially in the following sectors :
Domestic tourism : Travel to destinations such as Villa de Leyva, Cartagena, San Andrés , and the Coffee Region increases significantly each long weekend .
Hotels and transportation : Hotel occupancy and air and ground ticket sales are up .
Commerce and gastronomy: Shopping centers , restaurants , and tourist areas report higher revenues during these days.
This demonstrates that moving holidays to Monday has been an effective strategy for boosting the economy during periods that would normally be quieter .
Effects on education and the school calendar
The Colombian education system is also influenced by mobile holidays . Some effects include :
Adjustments to the academic calendar : Institutions must plan ahead for activities, assessments , and make-ups.
Reduction in full weeks : in months with several long weekends, pedagogical continuity is reduced .
More opportunities for family outings : Many families take advantage of these long weekends to travel with their children or visit out - of - town relatives .
Despite these adjustments , the Ministry of Education 's official school calendar includes holidays from the beginning of the year to ensure compliance with the academic calendar .
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ)
What is the Emiliani Law and what does it seek?
Law 51 of 1983 moves certain holidays to Monday in order to promote tourism , leisure , and economic development .
Why are some holidays not moved ?
For their historical, religious , or constitutional significance . They are considered immutable dates , such as July 20th or December 25th .
What happens if a holiday falls on a Sunday ?
It is generally celebrated on the same day . Not all holidays that fall on Sundays are moved , unless they are covered by the Emiliani Law .
Are religious holidays moved ?
Some do, such as Ascension Day , Corpus Christi , and the Sacred Heart. Others , such as Easter , Christmas , and the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, remain on their respective dates.
How do you know if a Monday is a holiday in Colombia?
You can consult the official government calendar or specialized sites like the Colombia Calendar , which publishes an updated list of holidays each year .
Understanding which dates move to Monday, which don't, and how this impacts your routine allows you to make better use of your time, plan getaways, or simply rest consciously .