2022 Holidays - Costa Rica

Costa Rica Public Holiday Observance Rules

1. Movable vs. Fixed Holidays

- Fixed (Feriados Fijos): Certain holidays (e.g., New Year’s Day, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Labor Day, Independence Day, Christmas) remain on their exact calendar date, even if they fall on a weekend.
- Movable (Feriados de Pago Obligatorio Trasladables): Other holidays can be shifted to a Monday if they fall on other weekdays or weekends, per legislation aiming to encourage long weekends.
- Annual government notice: Each year, the government clarifies which holidays will be moved and which remain fixed.

2. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Sunday

- Check if the holiday is movable: Fixed holidays remain on Sunday; movable holidays shift to the following Monday according to the official schedule.
- Employer obligations: If a holiday is moved to Monday, employers must treat that Monday as the holiday (holiday pay/day off).
- Work on a Sunday holiday: If a holiday stays on Sunday, employees who work that day receive double pay under the labor laws.

3. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Saturday

- Similar approach: Fixed holidays remain on Saturday; movable holidays shift to Monday if stated by law.
- Compensation: Working on a Saturday holiday typically grants double wages or compensatory rest, per the Código de Trabajo.
- Weekend workers: If Saturday is a normal workday, the holiday (if not moved) is observed on Saturday.

4. Bridge Holidays (Long Weekends)

- “Mondayization” principle: Certain holidays (e.g., July 25, August 15, October 12) may be moved to Monday to form a long weekend under laws like Ley 9875.
- Government announcements: Each year, the official decree specifies which holidays shift and which remain on their calendar date.
- Employer discretion: Employers cannot move a fixed holiday, but may offer extra days off if they wish.

5. Special Cases for Public Holidays

- Holy Thursday and Good Friday: Always occur on the Thursday and Friday before Easter; no shifting applies.
- Mother’s Day (Día de la Madre): 15 August is a mandatory paid holiday. In some years, it may be moved to Monday based on legal provisions or decrees.
- Local patron saint festivals: Certain regions celebrate local holidays that do not necessarily follow the national Mondayization rules.

6. Additional Notes

- Mandatory vs. non-mandatory: Costa Rica distinguishes between mandatory paid holidays (feriados de pago obligatorio) and non-mandatory holidays (feriados de pago no obligatorio). Most national holidays are mandatory.
- Overtime/holiday pay: Employees working on a mandatory holiday must receive double pay. Rates may differ for non-mandatory holidays, but are still typically above normal pay.
- Official calendar: The Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS) publishes the final list of holidays each year, indicating which are moved.
- Employer flexibility: Employers may grant more generous benefits (extra bridging days, etc.) but cannot reduce an employee’s legal holiday rights.