Chileans have several official holidays during the year. Some are the product of Chile’s history and others are based on Catholic celebrations.
Chile’s Annual Holidays:
- January 1: New Year’s Day
- Chile welcomes in the new year with the rest of the world.
- March or April: Easter and Holy Week
- Traditional Christian holidays celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, includes Good Friday and the Saturday following
- May 1: Labor Day or Day of the Worker
- Celebrate economic and social contributions of workers. Why is May 1st a holiday in Chile?
- May 21: Navy Day
- Commemorates the great naval battle of Iquique and other naval victories
- June 29: Saint Peter and Saint Paul
- Catholic feast celebrating these saints
- July 16: Fiesta de la Virgin del Carmen:
- Feast celebrated by Catholics
- August 15: Assumption of Mary
- Catholic holiday remembering Mary’s passage to heaven
- September 18: Independence Day
- Chile officially proclaimed independence from Spain on February 12, 1818. Nevertheless, Chileans celebrate their independence September 18th with the Fiestas Patrias.
- September 19: Armed Forces Day
- Honors the military and their past victories
- October 12: Columbus Day (Day of the Race)
- Remembers day Columbus arrived in the Americas
- October 31: Reformation Day
- Day of the Evangelical and Protestant Churches
- November 1: All Saints Day
- Catholic holiday celebrating all saints and martyrs
- December 8: Immaculate Conception
- Catholic holiday remembering the virgin Mary
- mid-December: Public Holiday (Presidential Elections)
- During presidential election years, a public holiday is declared for voting to take place.
- December 25: Christmas Day
- Christmas in Chile brings Santa, family time, and fun.
