Bank Holidays in Colombia 2026: An Essential Guide
Planning a trip to Colombia in 2026 or doing business there? Understanding bank holidays (known locally as festivos or días no laborales) is crucial. These public holidays lead to bank closures, reduced business hours, and vibrant celebrations. Colombia has around 15-18 national holidays annually, more than the UK’s typical eight bank holidays. Many are religious, reflecting the country’s strong Catholic heritage.
In 2026, several holidays fall mid-week and shift to the following Monday under Law 51 of 1983, creating extended long weekends. This guide lists all dates, explains the rules, highlights key periods like Easter in April, and compares to UK bank holidays for British travellers.
Full List of National Bank Holidays in Colombia 2026
Here’s the comprehensive list of national holidays when banks and most businesses close:
- New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo): Thursday, 1 January 2026
- Epiphany (Día de Reyes Magos): Monday, 12 January 2026 (moved from Tuesday, 6 January)
- St Joseph’s Day (Día de San José): Monday, 23 March 2026 (moved from Thursday, 19 March)
- Maundy Thursday (Jueves Santo): Thursday, 2 April 2026
- Good Friday (Viernes Santo): Friday, 3 April 2026
- Labour Day (Día del Trabajo): Monday, 4 May 2026 (moved from Friday, 1 May)
- Ascension Day (Ascensión del Señor): Thursday, 14 May 2026
- Corpus Christi: Thursday, 4 June 2026
- Saints Peter and Paul (San Pedro y San Pablo): Monday, 29 June 2026
- Battle of Boyacá: Monday, 10 August 2026 (moved from Friday, 7 August)
- Assumption of Mary (Asunción de la Virgen): Saturday, 15 August 2026
- Columbus Day / Day of the Race (Día de la Raza): Monday, 12 October 2026
- All Saints’ Day (Día de Todos los Santos): Sunday, 1 November 2026
- Immaculate Conception (Inmaculada Concepción): Monday, 14 December 2026 (moved from Tuesday, 8 December)
- Christmas Day (Navidad): Friday, 25 December 2026
Note: 20 July (Independence Day) is a special case – it’s a paid holiday if worked, but banks often close. Regional holidays vary by city (e.g., Bogotá’s 6 August or Medellín’s 16 July).
How the Holiday Shift Rule Works
Colombia’s unique system boosts tourism by creating ‘puentes’ (bridges) or long weekends. Holidays on Tuesday to Friday (except religious movables like Holy Week) shift to the next Monday. Fixed dates like New Year’s and Christmas don’t shift. This results in 2026 highlights like:
- A four-day weekend from Thursday 1 January to Sunday 4 January.
- Epiphany creating Monday 12 January off after a quiet weekend.
- Easter (2-3 April) plus weekend for a four-day break.
- Labour Day on Monday 4 May.
Always check official decrees from the Ministry of Work, as changes occur (e.g., post-COVID adjustments).
Easter Bank Holidays in Colombia 2026
With the context of April 2026, focus on Semana Santa (Holy Week). Maundy Thursday 2 April and Good Friday 3 April mean banks close Thursday-Friday, followed by the weekend – a prime time for processions in Popayán or beach escapes to Cartagena. Unlike the UK, there’s no Easter Monday holiday, but the vibe is festive with family gatherings and seafood feasts (no red meat on Good Friday).
Regional Bank Holidays
Colombia has 32 departments with local holidays:
- Bogotá: 6 August (Battle of Las Navas), 8 December (already national).
- Medellín: 16 July (Virgin of Mount Carmel).
- Cali: 25 July (St Peter), 30 November (Independence).
- Barranquilla: 19 November (Independence).
Banks in these areas may close additionally. Use the official calendar from MinTIC or apps like ‘Festivos Colombia’ for city-specific info.
Comparison: Colombia vs UK Bank Holidays 2026
As a UK-focused guide, here’s how Colombia stacks up against British bank holidays. The UK has fewer but more uniform dates (source: gov.uk confirmed for 2026):
UK Bank Holidays 2026 (England, Wales, Northern Ireland unless noted):
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January
- Good Friday: Friday, 3 April
- Easter Monday: Monday, 6 April
- Early May: Monday, 4 May
- Spring: Monday, 25 May
- Summer: Monday, 31 August
- Christmas: Friday, 25 December; Boxing Day substitute: Monday, 28 December
Scotland extras:
- 2 January (Friday)
- Summer: Monday, 3 August
- St Andrew’s: Monday, 30 November
| Aspect | Colombia | UK |
|---|---|---|
| Total National | 15+ | 8-10 |
| Movable | Many religious | Easter + late May/Aug |
| Long Weekends | Frequent (e.g., 4-day Easter) | Occasional (e.g., Easter 4 days) |
| Christmas | 25 Dec only | 25 + 26 Dec (or subs) |
Colombia offers more breaks, ideal for internal travel, while UK holidays cluster in summer. British expats or tourists note: Colombian holidays mean crowded transport but lively fiestas.
Planning Travel from the UK to Colombia in 2026
Avoid peak holidays for cheaper flights:
- Book Easter (April) early – direct flights from London to Bogotá (9 hours).
- Best times: February-March or September-October, dodging December rush.
- Visa: UK citizens get 90 days visa-free; check ESTA-like requirements.
- Weather: Dry season Dec-March, May ideal post-Easter.
Long weekends like August Battle of Boyacá (10 Aug Mon) are great for Boyacá region hikes.
Business and Banking Impact
Banks (Bancolombia, Davivienda) close fully on holidays. ATMs work but limits apply; carry cash. Stock markets (BVC) halt. Multinationals often give ‘puente’ days off. For UK firms trading with Colombia, plan shipments around December (14 Dec + Christmas = week off).
Remote work rises, but festivities dominate. Use TransferWise or similar for currency amid closures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are shops open on bank holidays? Supermarkets often yes (reduced hours); street vendors thrive. **Do tourists get days off? No, but enjoy the parties! How many long weekends? About 8 in 2026.
UK-Colombia Time Difference: 5-6 hours behind (Bogotá GMT-5).
Conclusion
Colombia 2026 bank holidays promise vibrant culture and rest, with Easter in April a highlight. Compared to the UK’s structured breaks, Colombia’s 15+ days encourage exploration. Bookmark this for updates from official sources. Safe travels!
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