Religious Holidays in Colombia

Religious holidays in Colombia are an essential part of the national calendar and reflect not only the country's predominant Catholic tradition but also the cultural and spiritual heritage that has shaped generations. These special dates offer time for spiritual reflection, family togetherness, and, in many cases, for tourism and leisure activities. However, one question many Colombians ask year after year is: why do some holidays change dates? The answer lies in the liturgical origin of these celebrations and the laws that govern the work calendar. In this article, we will analyze the main religious holidays, how their dates are determined, and why their placement on the calendar varies over the years.

What are the religious holidays in Colombia?

Colombia is one of the countries with the highest number of holidays in Latin America, with 18 officially recognized dates. Of these, at least 12 have a purely religious origin and are related to the Catholic liturgical calendar. These days are observed nationwide, which means that both the public and private sectors must suspend their work activities, except for exceptions regulated by law. Some of the most important religious holidays include:

• Holy Week : Celebration commemorating the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Includes Holy Thursday and Good Friday.

• Corpus Christi : Feast that honors the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.

• Sacred Heart of Jesus : Devotion that highlights Christ's divine love for humanity.

• The Ascension of the Lord : Remember the ascension of Jesus into heaven.

• The Immaculate Conception : A Marian celebration deeply rooted in popular culture.

• Christmas (December 25) : The birth of Jesus, possibly the most famous Christian holiday worldwide.

Why do they change dates every year?

Based on the liturgical calendar

Most religious holidays in Colombia are not based on the everyday civil solar calendar, but on the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church. This calendar establishes the cycle of religious celebrations around Easter, the central festival of Christianity. Unlike dates like Christmas, which is fixed (December 25), Easter is a movable date that changes each year, which has a knock-on effect on other celebrations that depend on its location.

Emiliani Law and its impact

In Colombia, Law 51 of 1983 , known as the Emiliani Law , established that some religious holidays be moved to the Monday following their original date. The main objective of this law was to facilitate domestic tourism and provide workers with the opportunity to enjoy long weekends . This legal provision has been key in regulating work calendars in Colombia and has directly impacted social and economic behavior during those days.

Examples of holidays transferred by the Emiliani Law:

This means that, although these celebrations have a specific day in the liturgical calendar, Colombians officially commemorate them on the following Monday to maintain consistency with the law.

How are Easter and its associated holidays calculated?

Calculation of Easter

The calculation of the date of Easter is based on a method that combines the solar and lunar calendars, following a tradition dating back to the Council of Nicaea in 325. It was determined that Easter would be celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox (March 21). This allows Easter to fall between March 22 and April 25. This movable nature directly impacts a number of other religious festivals that align with it.

Holidays related to Easter

• Holy Thursday : Celebrated on the Thursday before Easter Sunday. It commemorates Jesus' Last Supper with his disciples.

• Good Friday : The day commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus. Considered a day of mourning and recollection.

• Ascension of the Lord : It is celebrated 40 days after Easter Sunday, although it is officially moved to the following Monday.

• Corpus Christi : It takes place 60 days after Easter. It is one of the major festivals of the Eucharistic calendar.

• Sacred Heart : This devotion is celebrated 68 days after Easter, in recognition of Jesus' divine love for humanity.

The variable dates of these holidays mean they must be recalculated each year, so it's common to consult the updated liturgical calendar when planning activities or vacations.

Religious holidays with fixed dates

Unlike the previous ones, there are some religious holidays whose dates remain unchanged because they are determined by tradition or by ecclesiastical decisions independent of the lunar or Easter calendar. These celebrations, although also religious, are more predictable:

• January 1 : Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. It coincides with the beginning of the calendar year.

• March 19 : Saint Joseph, patron saint of the home. It is usually moved to Monday by the Emiliani Law.

• August 15 : Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Moved to the corresponding Monday.

• December 8 : Immaculate Conception. Widely celebrated throughout the country, especially with candlelight and processions.

• December 25 : Christmas, commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

These dates are not dependent on any astronomical calculations nor are they affected by the mobile liturgical calendar, although some of them are also adjusted by law to coincide with holy Mondays.

Cultural and social importance of religious holidays

Time for reflection and devotion

Beyond their legal and labor-related nature, religious holidays in Colombia have a profound spiritual significance. For many believers, these dates represent key moments to strengthen their faith, participating in rituals such as masses, processions, confessions, or acts of charity. During Holy Week , for example, thousands of faithful travel to their hometowns or visit religious destinations to experience each ceremony intensely.

Impact on tourism and the economy

Colombia has managed to turn these holidays into opportunities for religious and cultural tourism. Regions such as Popayán , Mompox , Tunja , and Santa Fe de Antioquia are renowned for their solemn processions and traditional celebrations, which attract both national and international tourists. This type of tourism generates significant revenue for hotels, restaurants, transportation, and general commerce, becoming a temporary economic driver.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why are some religious holidays moved to Monday?
By virtue of the Emiliani Law, holidays are moved to Monday to promote tourism and allow for long weekends that benefit the economy and worker well-being.

Which religious holidays never change dates?
Holidays such as Christmas (December 25) and the Immaculate Conception (December 8) maintain their fixed date every year, regardless of the day of the week on which they fall.

How is the date of Easter determined each year?
It is calculated based on the lunar cycle: it is the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox (March 21), which makes it variable between March and April.

Do all religious holidays apply to the workplace?
Yes, Colombian labor law establishes these days as non-working days, which applies to most workers, except for special cases such as emergency services or specific shifts.

How many religious holidays are there in total in Colombia?
Of the 18 official national holidays, approximately 12 have a religious origin or foundation according to the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church.

A deeper look at the calendar

Understanding how religious holidays are calculated in Colombia allows us to appreciate not only the spiritual and cultural value of these dates, but also their social, economic, and legislative impact. Each holiday has a purpose that goes beyond rest: they are moments that reaffirm the collective identity and traditions of a country deeply rooted in faith. Understanding the origin and calculation of these dates is key to organizing the year, planning personal and professional activities, and consciously participating in the country's religious commemorations.