Hiring remote workers in Chile? That’s a fantastic decision! Chile is one of Latin America's most stable economies, with a well-educated workforce and strong Internet infrastructure, making it an attractive destination for remote work. However, understanding local holidays is crucial if you’re managing a team based in Chile.
Why? Because holidays impact work schedules, employee expectations, and overall productivity. By aligning your business operations with Chile’s holiday calendar, you’ll foster better relationships with your remote team and avoid scheduling hiccups.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Chilean holidays, from national celebrations to regional observances, and provide insights on how to manage your remote team’s workflow during these periods effectively.
Overview of Chilean Public Holidays
Chilean holidays fall into two main categories:
- Mandatory (Irrenunciable) Holidays: These are non-negotiable days off for most workers, including remote employees. Businesses must close, and workers cannot be required to work except in essential services (such as transportation, healthcare, or emergency response). Employers violating these rules can face hefty fines.
- Regular Public Holidays: While not mandatory for all industries, these are widely observed, and many employees take time off. Some businesses remain open but may operate with reduced staff.
Chile also has regional holidays that apply only to specific areas, such as Asalto y Toma del Morro de Arica in the Arica Region and Nacimiento del Prócer de la Independencia in Chillán. If your remote employees are based in different cities, you must be aware of location-specific holidays to avoid unexpected absences.
List of Major Chilean Holidays
Here’s a comprehensive rundown of the key holidays observed in Chile:
January 1 – New Year's Day
Like much of the world, Chile kicks off the year with celebrations, rest, and recovery from the previous night’s festivities. Many businesses remain closed on January 2 if it falls on a Monday or Friday, extending the break into a long weekend.
March/April – Holy Week (Semana Santa)
Just like in many countries around the world, Holy Week is a significant time for many Chileans. It includes Good Friday (a public holiday) and Easter Sunday. While Easter Sunday isn’t an official holiday, many businesses operate at reduced capacity. It’s also common for employees to take additional days off for travel or family gatherings.
May 1 – Labor Day (Día del Trabajador)
A mandatory holiday, Labor Day is a time to recognize workers' contributions. Expect your Chilean team to be fully offline, as nearly all businesses shut down.
May 21 – Navy Day (Día de las Glorias Navales)
This holiday commemorates the Battle of Iquique in 1879, an important event in Chilean history. While it’s a public holiday, some private businesses may still operate.
June – Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Día de los Pueblos Indígenas)
Celebrating the culture and heritage of Chile’s Indigenous communities, this holiday was introduced recently and reflects the growing recognition of Indigenous rights and traditions. It’s usually celebrated between June 20 and 24.
June 29 – Saint Peter and Saint Paul’s Day
A Catholic holiday that’s celebrated all over the country, especially in coastal and fishing communities. Some businesses in these regions may close or operate with limited staff.
July 16 – Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Día de la Virgen del Carmen)
The patron saint of Chile is honored on this day. In religious towns, processions and celebrations are common.
August 15 – Assumption of Mary
A Catholic observance resulting in a public holiday for many workers, often leading to an extended weekend when it falls near a Friday or Monday.
September 18-19 – Fiestas Patrias (National Holidays)
The biggest celebration of the year! September 18 marks Chile’s Independence Day, while September 19 celebrates the Day of the Glories of the Army. Many Chileans take extra days off, turning this into a week-long break. Government offices and businesses shut down, and it's a time for traditional food, dancing, and rodeo events.
October 12 – Columbus Day (Día del Encuentro de Dos Mundos)
A day to reflect on Chile’s colonial history and cultural diversity. Many businesses close, though some may operate with limited hours.
October 31 - Day of the Evangelical and Protestant Churches
This religious holiday has been commemorated in Chile on October 31 of each year—although it is moved to the previous Friday if it falls on a Tuesday and to the following Friday if it falls on a Wednesday—since 2008.
November 1 – All Saints' Day
A religious holiday that many Chileans observe, often visiting cemeteries to honor deceased loved ones.
December 8 – Immaculate Conception
A Catholic holiday widely observed across the country, leading to closures in government offices and schools.
December 25 – Christmas Day
A time for family, celebration, and rest. Expect your Chilean employees to be completely offline. Many businesses also close early on December 24.
Impact on Business Operations
Understanding Chilean holidays will help you manage expectations and workflows. Here are a few key points to consider:
- Holiday Clusters: Some holidays create long weekends, as Chileans love their "sandwich days" (feriados sandwich), where they take an extra day off between a holiday and a weekend.
- Fiestas Patrias Slowdown: Mid-September sees a significant drop in productivity. If you have tight deadlines, plan accordingly!
- Regional Holidays: If you employ workers from different regions, they may observe additional local holidays.
Best Practices for Managing Remote Teams During Holidays
Here’s how you can seamlessly integrate Chilean holidays into your business operations:
- Mark Important Dates in Your Calendar – Avoid scheduling critical meetings or deadlines around major holidays.
- Plan for Lower Productivity Around Fiestas Patrias and Christmas – These are peak vacation times, so expect slower response times.
- Offer Flexibility – If your business allows it, consider letting Chilean employees take off additional local holidays.
- Communicate Expectations Clearly – Discuss availability in advance to avoid disruptions.
- Consider Local Holiday Pay Norms – If you're hiring Chilean employees under local labor laws, be mindful of holiday pay requirements.
- Automate Workflows Where Possible – Using project management tools and automation can help mitigate productivity dips.
- Encourage Cultural Awareness – Understanding and respecting local traditions will help build strong relationships with your Chilean team.
The Takeaway
By understanding and respecting Chilean holidays, you’ll foster a positive work culture and improve collaboration with your remote team. Whether it’s navigating Fiestas Patrias celebrations or planning around public holidays, being proactive will set your business up for success.
Now that you’re armed with this knowledge, schedule a free call with us and start building a thriving remote team in Chile today.
