When hiring remote workers in Colombia, understanding the country’s holiday calendar isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for smooth business operations. Colombia has one of the highest numbers of public holidays in the world, with a mix of national, religious, and regional observances that influence work schedules.
Colombians take their holidays seriously, and many long weekends (or "puentes") can impact employee availability. Knowing which dates affect your team allows you to plan ahead, avoid disruptions, and build strong relationships with your workforce.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key national and regional holidays, discuss their business impact, and share best practices for managing your Colombian remote team efficiently.
Overview of Colombian Public Holidays
Colombian holidays fall into three main categories:
- National Holidays: These are observed nationwide, and most businesses, banks, and government offices are closed.
- Religious Holidays: Many of these fall on Mondays, creating extended weekends that employees often use for travel or rest.
- Regional or Local Holidays: Some holidays are only observed in certain cities or departments, affecting employees differently depending on their location.
Many of Colombia’s holidays are governed by the "Monday Holiday Law," which moves certain celebrations to the nearest Monday, ensuring plenty of three-day weekends throughout the year.
List of Major Colombian Holidays
January 1 – New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo)
A global celebration, New Year's Day is a national holiday in Colombia, with businesses, schools, and government offices closed.
January 6 (Moved to Monday) – Epiphany (Día de los Reyes Magos)
This religious holiday marks the visit of the three wise men. Observed on the first Monday after January 6, it’s a widely respected holiday.
March 19 – Saint Joseph's Day
Also known as the Feast of Saint Joseph, is the principal feast day of Saint Joseph, husband of the Virgin Mary and legal father of Jesus Christ. It’s celebrated on March 19 or on the first Monday after this date.
March/April – Holy Week (Semana Santa)
Holy Week is one of the most important religious observances in Colombia. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are official holidays, but many businesses slow down for the entire week.
May 1 – Labor Day (Día del Trabajo)
A day dedicated to workers’ rights, similar to global Labor Day celebrations. Businesses close nationwide.
May/June – Ascension Day (Día de la Ascensión)
Celebrated on a Monday, this Catholic holiday marks the ascent of Jesus to heaven and is a public holiday.
June – Corpus Christi
Falling on a Monday, this holiday has religious significance and is widely observed in Colombia.
June 29 (Moved to Monday) – Feast of Saints Peter and Paul (San Pedro y San Pablo)
A religious holiday commemorating two major saints of Christianity.
July 20 – Independence Day (Día de la Independencia)
Colombia’s Independence Day is a patriotic celebration marked by parades, official ceremonies, and national pride.
August 7 – Battle of Boyacá (Batalla de Boyacá)
A national holiday celebrating the decisive battle that led to Colombia’s independence.
August 15 (Moved to Monday) – Assumption of Mary (La Asunción de la Virgen)
A Catholic holiday widely observed throughout the country.
October 12 (Moved to Monday) – Columbus Day (Día de la Raza)
Also known as "Day of Ethnic and Cultural Diversity," this holiday acknowledges Colombia’s multicultural heritage.
November 1 (Moved to Monday) – All Saints’ Day (Día de Todos los Santos)
A Catholic holiday honoring all saints and widely recognized in Colombia.
November 11 (Moved to Monday) – Cartagena Independence Day (Independencia de Cartagena)
Celebrated in Cartagena, this holiday marks the city’s role in Colombia’s fight for independence.
December 8 – Immaculate Conception (Día de la Inmaculada Concepción)
A significant religious holiday that often kicks off the Christmas season.
December 25 – Christmas Day (Navidad)
A national holiday celebrated with family gatherings, religious services, and festive traditions.
Regional and Local Holidays
Colombia’s diverse regions also celebrate local holidays, which may affect business operations. Some examples include:
- Barranquilla Carnival (February/March): One of Colombia’s largest festivals, with multiple days of celebrations in the city.
- Medellín’s Flower Festival (August): While not an official holiday, this event draws widespread participation in the Antioquia region.
- Bogotá’s Birthday (August 6): Marked with city-wide celebrations and some business closures.
If your remote team is spread across different cities, keeping track of local holidays ensures smoother communication and planning.
Impact on Business Operations
Colombia’s frequent public holidays mean businesses must plan ahead. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Many Holidays Are Moved to Mondays: Thanks to the Monday Holiday Law, expect long weekends and reduced work availability.
- Holy Week is a Major Break: While only Thursday and Friday are official holidays, many workers take the entire week off.
- December Slowdown: The holiday season extends beyond Christmas, with many workers taking leave until early January.
- Regional Holidays Can Vary: Depending on where your employees are based, additional days off may apply.
Best Practices for Managing Remote Teams During Holidays
To ensure efficient operations with your Colombian remote team, follow these key strategies:
- Keep a Holiday Calendar Handy – Stay updated on national and regional holidays that could impact your team.
- Plan Around Long Weekends – Avoid scheduling important meetings or deadlines on the days before or after public holidays.
- Be Flexible with Time Off – Allow team members to take time off for local or cultural observances.
- Communicate in Advance – Set clear expectations about availability and response times during holiday periods.
- Use Asynchronous Workflows – Leverage digital tools to maintain productivity even when some team members are offline.
- Stay Compliant with Labor Laws – If hiring under Colombian employment regulations, ensure proper holiday pay and time-off policies are followed.
The Takeaway
Hiring remote workers in Colombia is a fantastic way to tap into a talented workforce, but it requires understanding the country’s holiday culture. By planning ahead, accommodating long weekends, and staying aware of regional observances, you can ensure seamless operations and a motivated team.
With the right approach, your business can thrive while respecting Colombia’s rich traditions. Ready to build a successful remote team in Colombia? Let’s make it happen. Schedule a free call with us and hire your new favorite employee today.
