Colombia Calendar 2025 - Public & Regional Holiday: Significance and Celebrations

Colombia, known for its vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse heritage, celebrates a variety of public holidays that reflect its rich history, religious traditions, and regional diversity. With both Catholic and Indigenous influences shaping its cultural calendar, Colombia’s holidays are colorful and lively, marked by nationwide celebrations and unique local observances.

In 2025, Colombians will enjoy a mix of religious holidays, national commemorations, and regional festivals that bring the country’s communities together in celebration.

Learn more: Top 10 Most Beautiful Colombian Women of All Time

Holidays in Colombia

List of Public Holidays in Colombia 2025: Significance, Celebrations

Colombia officially recognizes 18 national public holidays, one of the highest numbers in the world. Many of these are tied to Catholic observances, reflecting the country’s religious heritage, while others commemorate national history and achievements. On public holidays, schools, government offices, and most businesses are closed, though some tourist areas and essential services may remain open.

1. New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo)

• Date: January 1, 2025
• Type: Public Holiday
• Significance:

  Celebrates the beginning of the calendar year, symbolizing renewal and new beginnings.

• Celebrations:
  • Family gatherings and festive meals.
  • Fireworks displays and cultural events in cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena.

2. Epiphany (Día de los Reyes Magos)

• Date: January 6, 2025 (Observed on January 13 as per Colombia’s holiday policy to move holidays to the following Monday)
• Type: Public Holiday
• Significance:

  Celebrates the visit of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus, marking the end of the Christmas season.

• Celebrations:
  • Church services and processions.
  • Family gatherings and exchanging of gifts, especially in more traditional regions.

3. St. Joseph’s Day (Día de San José)

• Date: March 19, 2025 (Observed on March 24)
• Type: Public Holiday
• Significance:

  Celebrates St. Joseph, the patron saint of families and workers.

• Celebrations:
  • Church services and family gatherings.
  • Some regions organize parades and festivals in honor of St. Joseph.

4. Holy Week (Semana Santa)

• Dates: April 18 (Good Friday) and April 21 (Easter Monday), 2025
• Type: Public Holidays
• Significance:

  Holy Week is the most important period in the Catholic calendar, commemorating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

• Celebrations:
  • Processions, reenactments, and religious services, especially in Popayán and Mompox, known for their elaborate Holy Week traditions.
  • Families gather for meals and quiet reflection.

5. Labor Day (Día del Trabajo)

• Date: May 1, 2025
• Type: Public Holiday
• Significance:

  Recognizes the contributions of workers and the labor movement in Colombia.

• Celebrations:
  • Parades and rallies organized by labor unions.
  • Speeches and events advocating for workers’ rights.

6. Ascension Day (Día de la Ascensión)

• Date: May 29, 2025 (Observed on June 2)
• Type: Public Holiday
• Significance:

  Commemorates Jesus Christ’s ascension into heaven, 40 days after Easter.

• Celebrations:
  • Church services and prayers.
  • Families enjoy outings and leisure activities.

7. Corpus Christi

• Date: June 19, 2025 (Observed on June 23)
• Type: Public Holiday
• Significance:

  Celebrates the presence of Christ in the Eucharist and is a significant observance in Catholic communities.

• Celebrations:
  • Religious processions, particularly in rural and traditional areas.
  • Community feasts and gatherings.

8. Sacred Heart (Sagrado Corazón)

• Date: June 29, 2025 (Observed on July 1)
• Type: Public Holiday
• Significance:

  Honors the Sacred Heart of Jesus, symbolizing Christ’s love and compassion.

• Celebrations:
  • Special prayers, particularly in Catholic communities.
  • Family gatherings and reflection.

9. Independence Day (Día de la Independencia)

• Date: July 20, 2025
• Type: Public Holiday
• Significance:

  Celebrates Colombia’s independence from Spanish rule in 1810.

• Celebrations:
  • Military parades, cultural exhibitions, and concerts, particularly in Bogotá.
  • Schools and communities organize patriotic activities.

Learn more: Colombian National Anthem: English Translation, Original Lyrics And History

10. Battle of Boyacá Day (Batalla de Boyacá)

• Date: August 7, 2025
• Type: Public Holiday
• Significance:

  Commemorates the decisive victory of the Colombian forces against Spain, leading to Colombia’s independence.

• Celebrations:
  • Parades and speeches in Boyacá and other regions.
  • Exhibitions and educational programs about Colombia’s independence.

11. Assumption of Mary (Asunción de la Virgen)

• Date: August 15, 2025 (Observed on August 18)
• Type: Public Holiday
• Significance:

  Celebrates the belief that Mary, mother of Jesus, was assumed into heaven.

• Celebrations:
  • Church services and prayers.
  • Families gather for traditional meals.

12. Columbus Day (Día de la Raza)

• Date: October 12, 2025 (Observed on October 13)
• Type: Public Holiday
• Significance:

  Commemorates Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas, as well as Indigenous heritage and contributions.

• Celebrations:
  • Parades, cultural events, and exhibitions celebrating Colombia’s multicultural heritage.
  • Educational programs about Indigenous history and rights.

13. All Saints’ Day (Día de Todos los Santos)

• Date: November 1, 2025 (Observed on November 3)
• Type: Public Holiday
• Significance:

  Honors all saints, known and unknown, in the Catholic faith.

• Celebrations:
  • Special prayers and remembrance of loved ones.
  • Candles and flowers placed on graves.

14. Independence of Cartagena (Independencia de Cartagena)

• Date: November 11, 2025 (Observed on November 17)
• Type: Public Holiday
• Significance:

  Marks Cartagena’s declaration of independence from Spanish rule in 1811.

• Celebrations:
  • Parades, music, and cultural events in Cartagena.
  • Festivals celebrating Afro-Colombian culture and heritage.

15. Immaculate Conception (La Inmaculada Concepción)

• Date: December 8, 2025
• Type: Public Holiday
• Significance:

  Celebrates the belief in the Virgin Mary’s conception free of original sin.

• Celebrations:
  • Church services and prayers.
  • In some regions, people hold candlelight processions.

16. Christmas Day (Navidad)

• Date: December 25, 2025
• Type: Public Holiday
• Significance:

  Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is a central Christian holiday.

• Celebrations:
  • Midnight Mass, carol singing, and family gatherings.
  • Traditional Colombian dishes like buñuelos, natilla, and empanadas are shared.

Regional and Lesser-Known Observances in Colombia 2025

In addition to national public holidays, Colombia celebrates a variety of regional festivals and local traditions that showcase its cultural diversity and regional pride. These celebrations are unique to particular areas and often reflect the traditions and history of the local communities.

1. Carnival of Barranquilla (Carnaval de Barranquilla)

• Date: February 22–25, 2025
• Observed In: Barranquilla, Atlántico
• Significance:

  Recognized as one of the most vibrant and significant festivals in Colombia, the Barranquilla Carnival celebrates the country's Caribbean culture and folklore. This UNESCO-recognized event brings together elements of African, Indigenous, and European heritage.

• Celebrations:
  • Parades with elaborate costumes, dances, and floats.
  • Traditional dances like cumbia and mapalé performed in the streets.
  • Events such as La Batalla de Flores (The Battle of Flowers) and La Gran Parada (The Great Parade) showcasing traditional characters like the Marimonda and El Torito.

2. Black and White Carnival (Carnaval de Negros y Blancos)

• Date: January 2–7, 2025
• Observed In: Pasto, Nariño
• Significance:

  Celebrates Colombia’s multicultural heritage, particularly highlighting African and Indigenous influences. Recognized by UNESCO, the carnival emphasizes racial unity and acceptance.

• Celebrations:
  • People paint each other’s faces black and white as symbols of racial equality.
  • Floats, parades, and colorful costumes fill the streets.
  • Traditional music and dance performances honoring local culture.

3. Festival of the Flowers (Feria de las Flores)

• Date: August 2–11, 2025
• Observed In: Medellín, Antioquia
• Significance:

  A celebration of Medellín’s floral industry, this festival honors the culture of silleteros (flower carriers) and celebrates the beauty of Colombian flowers.

• Celebrations:
  • Desfile de Silleteros: A parade featuring silleteros carrying stunning floral arrangements.
  • Horse parades, concerts, and flower exhibitions.
  • The festival has grown to include urban events, such as art exhibitions and a flower fair.

4. Vallenato Legend Festival (Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata)

• Date: April 26–30, 2025
• Observed In: Valledupar, Cesar
• Significance:

  Celebrates vallenato music, a genre that originated on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. This festival highlights the traditional storytelling aspect of vallenato music, which often recounts local legends and historical events.

• Celebrations:
  • Vallenato music competitions and performances by renowned artists.
  • Competitions in four vallenato styles: puya, merengue, son, and paseo.
  • Parade of traditional vallenato musicians and street parties.

5. Independence of Cartagena (Independencia de Cartagena)

• Date: November 11, 2025 (Observed on November 17)
• Observed In: Cartagena, Bolívar
• Significance:

  This day commemorates Cartagena’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1811, making it one of the first cities in Colombia to break free from colonial rule. The celebration holds special significance as it highlights Cartagena’s unique Afro-Colombian heritage.

• Celebrations:
  • Parades featuring traditional Afro-Colombian music and dance, particularly champeta and cumbia.
  • Flag-raising ceremonies and historical reenactments.
  • Cultural events showcasing Cartagena’s culinary and musical traditions.

6. Manizales Fair (Feria de Manizales)

• Date: January 6–14, 2025
• Observed In: Manizales, Caldas
• Significance:

  Known as one of Colombia’s most important fairs, this event combines Spanish bullfighting traditions with Colombian cultural elements.

• Celebrations:
  • Bullfighting events and parades featuring traditional Colombian music and dance.
  • Coffee exhibitions celebrating the region’s coffee-growing heritage.
  • International performances and artistic exhibitions.

7. San Pacho Festival (Fiestas de San Pacho)

• Date: September 20–October 4, 2025
• Observed In: Quibdó, Chocó
• Significance:

  Celebrates St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of Quibdó. This Afro-Colombian festival is a vibrant celebration of faith and African heritage.

• Celebrations:
  • Colorful processions and parades with music and traditional dance.
  • Masked performances and Afro-Colombian cultural displays.
  • Events held along the Atrato River, where locals honor the environment and their spiritual beliefs.

Conclusion

Colombia’s public and regional holidays are a testament to its rich cultural heritage and regional diversity. From national celebrations like Independence Day and Semana Santa to vibrant local festivals such as the Carnival of Barranquilla and the Flower Festival in Medellín, each holiday brings Colombians together to celebrate shared values, history, and customs.

The country’s distinct regional festivals showcase Colombia’s unique blend of Indigenous, African, and Spanish influences, offering a fascinating glimpse into its multicultural identity. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Colombia’s celebrations provide unforgettable experiences filled with music, color, and joy, reflecting the resilience, pride, and warmth of the Colombian people.

FAQs

1. How many public holidays are there in Colombia?

   Colombia observes 18 national public holidays, many of which are religious in nature.

2. Are all holidays observed nationwide?

   Yes, public holidays are observed nationwide, though some celebrations, like Carnival, are more prominent in specific regions.

3. What is Colombia’s most significant holiday?

   Holy Week (Semana Santa) and Independence Day are among the most celebrated.

4. Are businesses closed on public holidays?

   Most businesses and schools are closed, though some tourist services and essential businesses may remain open.

5. How is Christmas celebrated in Colombia?

   Christmas is celebrated with religious services, family gatherings, and traditional foods like buñuelos and natilla.

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