Introduction
Planning a trip to Uruguay or doing business there in 2026? Understanding local bank holidays—known as ‘feriados’ in Uruguay—is essential, especially for UK travellers and expats. While UK bank holidays are mostly secular and spread evenly, Uruguay’s calendar blends Catholic traditions, national commemorations, and lively festivals like Carnival. This guide lists all Uruguay bank holidays 2026, with a focus on April events given the current context, and compares them to UK equivalents for easy reference.
Whether you’re booking flights from London Heathrow, coordinating with Montevideo partners, or enjoying Montevideo’s beaches, knowing when offices close and services halt will save you hassle. Uruguay doesn’t substitute weekend holidays with extra days off like some countries, so plan accordingly. All dates are confirmed based on official sources and the 2026 calendar (New Year’s Day falls on Thursday 1 January).
Full List of Uruguay Bank Holidays 2026
Here’s a comprehensive calendar of Uruguay’s public holidays in 2026. Banks, government offices, and most businesses close; some retail may open partially.
| Date | Day of Week | Holiday Name | Type/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo) | National |
| 16 February | Monday | Carnival Monday | National, festivities |
| 17 February | Tuesday | Carnival Tuesday | National, festivities |
| 2 April | Thursday | Maundy Thursday (Jueves Santo) | Religious |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday (Viernes Santo) | Religious |
| 19 April | Sunday | Landing of the 33 Orientals | National, no substitute |
| 1 May | Friday | Labour Day (Día de los Trabajadores) | National |
| 18 May | Monday | Battle of Las Piedras | National |
| 19 June | Friday | Artigas’ Birthday | National |
| 18 July | Saturday | Constitution Day | National |
| 25 August | Tuesday | Independence Day | National |
| 12 October | Monday | Day of Cultural Diversity | National |
| 2 November | Wednesday | All Souls’ Day (Día de Difuntos) | Religious |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day (Navidad) | National, religious |
Note: Uruguay observes 14 public holidays, more than the UK’s eight or nine. Carnival and Holy Week create long weekends, ideal for travel but challenging for deadlines.
Key Uruguay Bank Holidays 2026 Explained
New Year’s Day (1 January)
Kicks off the year with family gatherings and fireworks in Montevideo and Punta del Este. Similar to the UK, but expect beach parties rather than quiet pub lunches.
Carnival (16-17 February)
Uruguay’s Carnival rivals Brazil’s: street parades, candombe drumming, and murgas (satirical theatre). Two full days off mean a four-day weekend—perfect for UK visitors seeking summer vibes (Uruguay’s summer peaks now).
Holy Week (2-3 April)
In April 2026, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday create a long Easter break. Processions in Colonia del Sacramento draw crowds. UK travellers note: this aligns closely with UK Good Friday (3 April) and Easter Monday (6 April, England/Wales/NI).
Landing of the 33 Orientals (19 April)
Commemorates independence fighters’ arrival. Falls on a Sunday, so minimal disruption, but cultural events abound.
Labour Day (1 May)
Parades and barbecues (asados). A Friday off extends the weekend.
Battle of Las Piedras (18 May)
Honours the 1811 battle for independence—a Monday holiday.
Artigas’ Birthday (19 June)
José Artigas, national hero, celebrated with events. Friday off.
Constitution Day (18 July)
Mid-winter (Uruguay’s winter) reflection on the 1830 constitution. Saturday, so short impact.
Independence Day (25 August)
Marks 1825 declaration. Tuesday closure.
Day of Cultural Diversity (12 October)
Replaces Columbus Day; celebrates Afro-Uruguayan and indigenous heritage. Monday long weekend.
All Souls’ Day (2 November)
Cemetery visits and family time.
Christmas Day (25 December)
Family-focused, with asados. Friday off, like UK.
Comparison: Uruguay vs UK Bank Holidays 2026
Uruguay has more frequent closures (14 vs UK’s 8-10), with emphasis on religious (Holy Week, Christmas) and historical dates. UK holidays are ‘bank holidays’ under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, varying by nation.
UK Bank Holidays 2026 Reference
- New Year’s Day: Thursday 1 January (all UK)
- 2 January: Friday (Scotland only)
- Good Friday: Friday 3 April (all UK)
- Easter Monday: Monday 6 April (England, Wales, NI; not Scotland)
- Early May: Monday 4 May (all UK)
- Spring: Monday 25 May (all UK)
- Summer (Scotland): Monday 3 August
- Summer (England, Wales, NI): Monday 31 August
- St Andrew’s Day: Monday 30 November (Scotland)
- Christmas Day: Friday 25 December
- Boxing Day: Saturday 26 December (substitute Monday 28 December where applicable)
Key Differences:
- Uruguay’s Carnival (Feb) has no UK parallel; UK’s May Day is secular.
- Both share Good Friday timing in 2026.
- UK has late summer bank holidays; Uruguay focuses on independence in August.
- For UK-Scots, extra January and November days, but Uruguay packs more mid-year.
This comparison helps UK firms syncing calendars—e.g., April overlaps mean joint Easter breaks.
Planning Tips for UK Travellers in 2026
Best Times to Visit
Avoid Carnival and Holy Week for crowds; target post-Easter or June-July for milder weather. Direct flights from London to Montevideo (c.11 hours) via LATAM or Iberia.
Travel Disruptions
Public transport runs reduced; ferries to Colonia may sell out. Book ahead for April 2026 Holy Week.
Visas and Entry
UK citizens get 90 days visa-free. Check for holiday extensions.
Costs and Bookings
Holidays spike hotel prices 20-50% in Punta del Este. Use Booking.com or local sites.
Business Implications for UK Companies
With strong UK-Uruguay trade (wine, beef exports), align meetings around feriados. April 2026’s Holy Week (2-3 April) matches UK Easter, ideal for virtual calls post-6 April. Use tools like Google Calendar imports. Expats in Montevideo: schools and shops often close too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Uruguay bank holidays paid?
Yes, for formal workers; self-employed vary.
Do banks open on holidays?
No, fully closed.
Any regional differences?
Minimal; national uniformity.
How does 2026 Easter affect travel?
Holy Thursday-Friday off creates a ‘puente’ (bridge) weekend—busy roads.
This guide (approx. 1050 words) equips you for seamless 2026 planning. For updates, check Uruguay’s Ministry of Labour site. Safe travels!