2024 Public Holidays in Chile

Public Holidays in Chile 2024

Chile, located in South America, celebrates various public holidays throughout the year. These holidays reflect the country’s cultural, historical, and religious heritage, providing opportunities for Chileans to come together, celebrate, and commemorate significant events. In this guide, we will explore the public holidays in Chile for the year 2024, providing detailed descriptions of each holiday along with information on the groups entitled to days off.

New Year’s Day – January 1, 2024

New Year’s Day in Chile marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year and is celebrated with enthusiasm and joy. It is a time for gatherings with family and friends, festive meals, and reflection on the year ahead. Many Chileans participate in New Year’s Eve parties and countdowns to midnight, followed by New Year’s Day festivities.

Days off: New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Chile, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.

Good Friday – April 19, 2024

Good Friday is a Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. In Chile, it is observed with solemnity and reflection, with many Catholics attending church services and participating in religious rituals to mark the significance of the day.

Days off: Good Friday is a public holiday in Chile, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.

Labour Day – May 1, 2024

Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, is celebrated worldwide on May 1st to honor the contributions of workers to society and advocate for labor rights and improved working conditions. In Chile, it is a day of rallies, marches, and speeches organized by trade unions and labor organizations. Workers from various sectors come together to demand better wages, working conditions, and social benefits.

Days off: Labour Day is a public holiday in Chile, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.

Navy Day – May 21, 2024

Navy Day, also known as Glorias Navales, commemorates the anniversary of the Battle of Iquique on May 21, 1879, during the War of the Pacific. It honors the bravery and sacrifice of the Chilean Navy and celebrates the country’s maritime heritage. Navy Day is marked by naval parades, ceremonies, and patriotic events across Chile.

Days off: Navy Day is a public holiday in Chile, primarily observed by members of the armed forces and naval personnel, but it is also recognized by the wider population, with many businesses and schools closing for the occasion.

Feast of the Sacred Heart – June 7, 2024

The Feast of the Sacred Heart is a Christian holiday that honors the love and compassion of Jesus Christ as symbolized by his heart. In Chile, it is observed with religious services, processions, and prayers. Many Catholics attend Mass and participate in special devotions to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Days off: The Feast of the Sacred Heart is a public holiday in Chile, primarily observed by members of the Christian community, but it is also recognized by the wider population, with many businesses and schools closing for the occasion.

National Independence Day – September 18, 2024

National Independence Day in Chile commemorates the country’s declaration of independence from Spain on September 18, 1810. It is the most significant national holiday in Chile and is celebrated with great fervor and patriotism. The day is marked by flag-raising ceremonies, traditional dances (cueca), music, fireworks, and feasting on traditional Chilean cuisine.

Days off: National Independence Day is a public holiday in Chile, observed nationwide, providing several days off for government offices, businesses, and schools, often extending into what is known as “Fiestas Patrias” or National Holidays.

Glorious Army Day – September 19, 2024

Glorious Army Day, also known as Day of the Glories of the Chilean Army, commemorates the Chilean Army’s victories in the War of the Pacific. It is observed on September 19th, the day after National Independence Day, and is marked by military parades, ceremonies, and patriotic events.

Days off: Glorious Army Day is a public holiday in Chile, primarily observed by members of the armed forces and military personnel, but it is also recognized by the wider population, with many businesses and schools closing for the occasion.

Columbus Day – October 14, 2024

Columbus Day, also known as Día de la Raza or Day of the Race, commemorates Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas. In Chile, it is observed with cultural events, exhibitions, and educational activities that celebrate the country’s multicultural heritage and indigenous peoples.

Days off: Columbus Day is not a public holiday in Chile, but some indigenous communities and organizations may observe it with cultural events and activities.

All Saints’ Day – November 1, 2024

All Saints’ Day is a Christian holiday that honors all saints, known and unknown, and is observed with religious services, prayers, and visits to cemeteries to pay respects to deceased loved ones. In Chile, it is a day of remembrance and reflection on the lives of the saints and the deceased.

Days off: All Saints’ Day is not a public holiday in Chile, but it is widely observed by members of the Christian community, with some businesses and schools closing for the occasion.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception – December 8, 2024

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a Christian holiday that celebrates the belief in the sinless conception of the Virgin Mary. In Chile, it is observed with religious services, processions, and prayers. Many Catholics attend Mass and participate in special devotions to honor the Immaculate Conception of Mary.

Days off: The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is not a public holiday in Chile, but it is widely observed by members of the Christian community, with some businesses and schools closing for the occasion.

Christmas Day – December 25, 2024

Christmas Day is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed with religious services, festive meals, and the exchange of gifts. In Chile, Christmas is a time for family gatherings, church services, and traditional celebrations. Many people attend Mass and participate in special rituals to commemorate the birth of Christ.

Days off: Christmas Day is a public holiday in Chile, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.

Table: Summary of Public Holidays in Chile 2024