Because Costa Rica is a Roman Catholic country, most of its holidays are church-related. The biggest are Christmas, New Year's and Eastern, which are celebrated for several days. Keep in mind that Holy Week(Easter Week) is the biggest holyday time in Costa Rica, and many families head for the beach. Also, there is no public transportation on Holy Thursday or Good Friday. Government offices and banks are closed on official holidays, transportation services are reduced and stores and markets may also close.

Oficial Holidays in Costa Rica include:

January 1: New Year's Day

March 19: St Joseph's Day, Thursday and Friday of Holy Week.

April 11: Juan Santamaría's Day

May 1: Labor Day

June 29: Saints Peter and Paul's Day

July 25: Annexation of the province of Guanacaste

August 2: Virgin of Los Angeles's Day

August 15: Mother's Day

September 15: Independence Day

October 12: Discovery of América/ Día de la Raza

December 8: Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary

December 24 and 25: Christmas

December 31: New Year's Eve

Costa Rica Calendar of Events