If your company is hiring remote workers in Costa Rica, it’s essential to understand the country’s holiday schedule to keep operations running smoothly. Costa Ricans, or "Ticos," deeply value their national and religious celebrations, which often lead to business closures or reduced work hours.
Some holidays are fixed, while others shift to create long weekends, impacting availability. By familiarizing yourself with these key dates, you can better manage your workforce, avoid disruptions, and build stronger relationships with your remote employees.
This guide outlines Costa Rica’s holiday calendar, its effects on business, and best practices for managing your remote team effectively.
Overview of Costa Rican Public Holidays
Costa Rica’s holidays fall into several categories:
- Fixed National Holidays – These holidays occur on the same date each year.
- Movable Holidays – Some holidays are rescheduled to the nearest Monday to allow for long weekends.
- Religious Holidays – Many Catholic observances influence business operations.
- Regional Holidays – Some celebrations are unique to specific areas of the country.
Key Public Holidays in Costa Rica
January 1 – New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo)
A national holiday when most businesses, banks, and government offices remain closed.
March/April – Holy Week (Semana Santa) (Movable Dates)
Good Friday is an official public holiday, but many businesses shut down for the entire week, particularly in tourism-heavy areas.
April 11 – Juan Santamaría Day (Día de Juan Santamaría)
A national holiday honoring a national hero from the 1856 Battle of Rivas. Schools and government offices close, while some businesses operate on reduced schedules.
May 1 – Labor Day (Día del Trabajador)
A significant workers’ holiday, with most businesses and government offices closed.
July 25 – Annexation of Guanacaste (Anexión del Partido de Nicoya)
Celebrates the 1824 incorporation of the Guanacaste province into Costa Rica. Businesses in Guanacaste may close, while others operate normally.
August 2 – Virgin of the Angels Day (Día de la Virgen de los Ángeles)
A religious holiday honoring Costa Rica’s patron saint. Pilgrims travel to Cartago, leading to business closures in certain regions.
August 15 – Asunción de la Virgen
A national holiday when most businesses close, as Costa Ricans spend the day off.
September 15 – Independence Day (Día de la Independencia de Costa Rica)
Marks Costa Rica’s independence from Spain in 1821. Celebrations include parades, school performances, and some business closures.
December 1 – Abolition of the Army Day (Día de la Abolición del Ejército)
An observance rather than a full holiday, but significant in Costa Rican history.
December 24 – Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) & December 25 – Christmas Day (Navidad)
Businesses often close early on Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day is a national holiday.
December 31 – New Year’s Eve (Nochevieja)
Though not an official holiday, many businesses close early for celebrations
Regional and Local Holidays
Certain regions of Costa Rica observe additional holidays that could impact business operations:
- Civic and Patron Saint Celebrations – Many towns have local festivals with parades, music, and temporary business closures.
- Pilgrimages and Religious Events – Some regions experience lower productivity due to widespread participation in religious traditions.
- Carnival in Limon (October) – A major cultural event in the Caribbean region, affecting business operations there.
Impact on Business Operations
Public holidays in Costa Rica can affect your remote workforce in several ways:
- Long Weekends – Some holidays are moved to Mondays, affecting productivity.
- Holy Week Closures – Many businesses shut down for several days.
- Independence Day and Major Celebrations – Employees may take additional leave.
- Regional Disruptions – Certain holidays impact only specific areas.
Best Practices for Managing Remote Teams During Holidays
To keep operations running smoothly while respecting Costa Rica’s holiday schedule, consider these strategies:
- Monitor Holiday Adjustments – Be aware of movable holidays that could impact work schedules.
- Prepare for September and December Celebrations – These months have major holidays that may affect availability.
- Embrace Cultural Awareness – Acknowledging Costa Rican traditions builds positive relationships with employees.
- Plan Holiday Schedules in Advance – Establish clear expectations for availability and workloads.
- Offer Flexibility – Allow for asynchronous work, especially around extended holiday periods.
- Ensure Compliance with Local Laws – Follow labor regulations regarding holiday pay and time off.
The Takeaway
Successfully managing a remote team in Costa Rica requires an understanding of the country’s holiday calendar. By planning ahead and respecting local traditions, your business can maintain productivity while fostering a strong, engaged workforce.
Ready to build a successful remote team in Costa Rica? Let’s make it happen. Schedule a free call with us and hire your new favorite employee today.
