Overview of Public Holidays in Central America

Public holidays in Central America reflect the region's rich cultural heritage, historical milestones, and religious devotion. Comprising Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama, Central America celebrates a variety of holidays that unite communities and highlight their unique identities. These holidays often blend indigenous traditions, Catholic influences, and modern national pride, creating vibrant, meaningful events that resonate deeply with locals and visitors alike.

Key holidays include Holy Week, a deeply religious observance marked by processions and alfombras (elaborate sawdust carpets) in Guatemala, and Independence Day on September 15, celebrated jointly by five nations to commemorate their 1821 liberation from Spain. Unique traditions such as the Garifuna Settlement Day in Belize or Guatemala's All Saints’ Day kite festivals showcase the region's diverse cultural fabric.

In 2025, these holidays continue to play a vital role in fostering unity and cultural pride. From Carnival’s exuberant parades in Panama to the solemnity of Christmas across the region, each holiday provides an opportunity to honor history, celebrate achievements, and preserve cherished traditions. Public holidays in Central America are more than days of rest; they are windows into the soul of its nations, reflecting their shared histories and distinctive identities

Learn more: Latin America Calendar 2025 with Public Holidays: Significance, Celebrations, and Unique Traditions

Central America Calendar 2025 - List of Public Holidays: Significance/Activities, And Unique Traditions
Public Holidays in Central America

A Full List of Public Holidays in Central America - Calendar 2025

January

New Year’s Day (January 1)

  • Celebrated in: All countries.
  • Significance and Activities:

    Marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. Families and friends celebrate with fireworks, parties, and traditional meals.

  • Unique Traditions:
    • In Belize, tamales are a festive staple.
    • In Costa Rica, many families head to beaches or countryside retreats for picnics and relaxation.

Epiphany / Three Kings' Day (January 6)

  • Celebrated in: Guatemala and other Catholic-majority countries.
  • Significance and Activities:

    Commemorates the visit of the Magi to baby Jesus, symbolizing the revelation of Christ to the world. Families come together to share "Rosca de Reyes," a sweet bread containing hidden figurines representing baby Jesus.

  • Unique Traditions:
    • In Guatemala, whoever finds the figurine in the bread hosts a feast for Candlemas (February 2).

February

Carnival (February 8–13)

  • Celebrated in: Panama, Belize, and other countries.
  • Significance and Activities:

    A vibrant pre-Lenten festival rooted in Catholic tradition, featuring parades, music, and celebrations.

  • Unique Traditions:
    • Panama: Las Tablas hosts the most elaborate Carnival, with colorful floats, music, and water-throwing festivities.
    • Belize: Street parties and cultural performances reflect the nation’s diverse heritage.
List of Public Holidays for South American Countries - 2025 Calendar List of Public Holidays for South American Countries - 2025 Calendar

March

International Women’s Day (March 8)

  • Celebrated in: Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and others.
  • Significance and Activities:

    Recognizes the social, economic, and political achievements of women and advocates for gender equality. Marches, speeches, and cultural programs are organized.

  • Unique Traditions:
    • In Nicaragua, public events often focus on women’s rights and progress in society.

April

Holy Week (April 13–19)

  • Celebrated in: All countries.
  • Significance and Activities:

    Observes the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Processions, reenactments, and religious gatherings are widespread.

  • Unique Traditions:
    • Guatemala: Antigua’s alfombras (sawdust carpets) are intricately designed with religious themes and laid along processional routes.
    • Costa Rica: Families often combine religious observances with leisure, traveling to beaches or mountains during the holiday.
    • Nicaragua: Dramatic biblical reenactments and traditional processions are common.

May

Labor Day (May 1)

  • Celebrated in: All countries.
  • Significance and Activities:

    Honors workers and the labor movement. Political rallies, parades, and speeches by unions mark the day.

  • Unique Traditions:
    • In Costa Rica and El Salvador, the holiday is also a family day, with outdoor picnics and relaxation.
Top 20 Weirdest Holidays and Festivals in the World 2025 Top 20 Weirdest Holidays and Festivals in the World 2025

September

Independence Day (September 15)

  • Celebrated in: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua.
  • Significance and Activities:

    Commemorates the 1821 independence from Spain, celebrated across these five countries.

  • Unique Traditions:
    • Parades featuring schoolchildren in traditional costumes, flag-raising ceremonies, and torch runs (antorcha de independencia) symbolize unity.
    • In Costa Rica, folk dances, public speeches, and cultural events reflect national pride.

October

Indigenous Resistance Day (October 12)

  • Celebrated in: Nicaragua, Guatemala, and others.
  • Significance and Activities:

    Reflects on the legacy of colonization and honors the resilience and culture of indigenous communities. Public ceremonies, educational events, and cultural performances are held.

  • Unique Traditions:
    • In Guatemala, indigenous communities host festivals and rituals to honor their heritage.

November

All Saints’ Day (November 1)

  • Celebrated in: Guatemala, El Salvador, and other Catholic-majority countries.
  • Significance and Activities:

    Honors all saints and martyrs. Families visit cemeteries to clean and decorate graves, offering prayers and flowers.

  • Unique Traditions:
    • Guatemala: Sumpango and Santiago Sacatepéquez host kite festivals, where giant, colorful kites are flown to communicate with the deceased.

Garifuna Settlement Day (November 19)

  • Celebrated in: Belize.
  • Significance and Activities:

    Commemorates the arrival of the Garifuna people in 1802 and celebrates their contributions to Belizean culture. Parades, traditional music, and reenactments of their landing are key features.

  • Unique Traditions:
    • Garifuna dances and drum performances create an atmosphere of cultural pride and joy.
Full List of Festivals in the US for 2025: Music, Food, Art, Film, Street and More Full List of Festivals in the US for 2025: Music, Food, Art, Film, Street and More

December

Christmas Day (December 25)

  • Celebrated in: All countries.
  • Significance and Activities:

    Marks the birth of Jesus Christ. Midnight Mass (Misa de Gallo), nativity scenes, and family feasts are central to the celebrations.

  • Unique Traditions:
    • Panama: Firework displays illuminate the skies.
    • Nicaragua: Families enjoy traditional nacatamales, a Christmas delicacy, and exchange gifts.

Conclusion

Public holidays in Central America showcase the region’s cultural richness and historical legacy. From the solemnity of Holy Week to the exuberance of Carnival, and the unity of Independence Day to the vibrant kite festivals of All Saints’ Day, these holidays offer a window into the heart and soul of Central American nations. They provide moments of reflection, celebration, and pride for communities across the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What are the most widely celebrated holidays in Central America?

    New Year’s Day, Independence Day (September 15), and Christmas are celebrated across the entire region.

  2. What is unique about Independence Day in Central America?

    It is celebrated collectively on September 15 by five countries, commemorating their shared liberation from Spain in 1821.

  3. What makes Holy Week special in Guatemala?

    The processions and alfombras (sawdust carpets) in Antigua are world-famous for their beauty and devotion.

  4. Which holiday is unique to Belize?

    Garifuna Settlement Day on November 19 honors the Garifuna people’s arrival and celebrates their contributions to Belizean identity.

  5. How is Day of the Dead celebrated in Guatemala?

    The kite festivals in Sumpango and Santiago Sacatepéquez are iconic, symbolizing communication with deceased loved ones.

2025 Cuba Calendar - Full List of Public Holidays And Observances 2025 Cuba Calendar - Full List of Public Holidays And Observances

Situated 90 miles south of Florida, Cuba is the largest Caribbean island. In 2025, there will be 22 holidays in Cuba.
2025 Brazil Calendar - Full List of Public Holidays And Observances 2025 Brazil Calendar - Full List of Public Holidays And Observances

Because Brazil has deep religious roots, most of its holidays are similar to those in most Western nations, which helps you plan your trip a ...
Mexico Calendar 2025 - List of Public Holidays, Observances, And Celebrations Mexico Calendar 2025 - List of Public Holidays, Observances, And Celebrations

This article will explore Mexico’s key public holidays and observances in 2025, highlighting their unique cultural significance, how they’re celebrated, and their regional variations.