Introduction
Don’t get caught out!
Medellín experiences a notably high number of public holidays each year. With 18 official holidays annually, this places Colombia second in the Americas, behind only Venezuela, and 14th globally. The number of bank holidays compared with other countries is impressive. To put it into perspective, the USA celebrates 11 – that’s a remarkable 63.6% more days of national celebration in Colombia! Don’t let them catch you out though by causing disruptions to your day. Instead, they can be enjoyed as portals into the nation’s rich religious traditions and social rhythms.
In this article is everything you’d want to know about Medellín’s 18 bank holidays so that you can enjoy them as they should be.
Knowing the holiday calendar is highly advantageous for travellers, expatriates, and business professionals. It’s a matter of understanding when businesses might close, when public transportation might run differently. In other words, it can save you a big headache! Furthermore, it’s an insight into when and how communities come together to celebrate their heritage.
By familiarizing yourself with Colombia’s holiday landscape, you transform potential disruptions into opportunities for cultural immersion. So here we go!
Breakdown of Holidays in Medellín/Colombia
You may already know that Colombia is a Catholic country. As such, 12 of its 18 national holidays are rooted in Catholicism while the remaining 6 are civic holidays. The interplay between Catholic and civic holidays demonstrates how Colombia’s national identity is deeply shaped by both religious tradition and historical commemoration.
Take stock that Barranquilla observes two additional days of holiday that coincide with its famous carnival, which many consider to be one of the best in the world.
The six CIVIC bank holiday days that Medellín observes are:
1). New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo) – 1/01
2). Labour Day (Primero de Mayo) – 01/05
3). Declaration of Independence (Declaración de la Independencia de Colombia) – 20/07
4). Battle of Boyacá (Batalla de Boyacá) – 07/08
5). Columbus Day (Día de la Raza) – 12/10
6). Independence of Cartagena (Independencia de Cartagena) – 11/11
These are the 12 Catholic bank holidays in Medellín:
1). Epiphany (Día de los Reyes Magos) – January 6
2). Saint Joseph’s Day (Día de San José) – March 19
3). Maundy Thursday (Jueves Santo) – varies, Thursday before Easter
4). Good Friday (Viernes Santo) – varies, Friday before Easter
5). Ascension Day (Ascensión del Señor) – 39 days after Easter
6). Corpus Christi (Corpus Christi) – 60 days after Easter
7). Sacred Heart (Sagrado Corazón) – 68 days after Easter
8). Saint Peter and Saint Paul Day (San Pedro y San Pablo) – June 29
9). Assumption Day (La Asunción) – August 15
10). All Saints’ Day (Día de los Santos) – November 1
11). Immaculate Conception (La Inmaculada Concepción) – December 8
12). Christmas Day (Navidad) – December 25
NOTE: The dates of festivos can vary year-to-year and so it is important to review each year as it comes. Click here to access the 2025 festive calender.
Ley de Empalme" (Law 51 of 1983)
In Colombia, the “Ley de Empalme” (Law 51 of 1983) was implemented to promote domestic tourism and reduce workplace disruption by moving certain holidays (festivos) to Mondays. This creates what locals call “puentes” (bridges) – these are long weekends that Colombians often use for short trips or family gatherings. Rather than celebrating holidays on their actual dates, many are observed on the following Monday, giving workers predictable long weekends throughout the year.
What You Should Know During Bank Holidays (Festivos)
Something you’ll want to be aware of is that the festivos can bring about disruptions. Many things tend to shut down during bank holidays in Medellín and Colombia in general. This includes government buildings, banks, and certain local businesses. However, shopping malls do tend to stay open and can even be busy – Oviedo, Santa Fe, Arcadia are all such examples.
For travellers to Medellín, these aforementioned “puentes” can significantly impact their experience. Local tourism peaks during these long weekends, with many paisas travelling to nearby towns or popular destinations like Guatapé or Santa Fe de Antioquia. This means accommodations in and around Medellín can be more expensive and harder to book during these times. Transportation hubs like Terminal del Norte (the main bus terminal) become particularly busy as locals take advantage of the extended weekend.
Conversely, many travellers and expats notice that certain holiday periods in Medellín actually see a mass exodus of locals, creating a noticeably quieter city atmosphere. Here are the key periods:
- Holy Week (Semana Santa) in March/April sees many Medellín residents leaving the city to visit family in other regions or head to vacation spots. During this time, the city can feel perceptibly empty, especially in residential areas. Many local businesses may close or operate on reduced hours, though tourist areas (La 70, Provenza, malls, etc.) remain fairly active.
- Christmas/New Year (mid-December to early January): While decorated and festive, many of the city’s semi-permanent residents will return home while locals scramble to family fincas. Most attractions that require human labor (Parque Arví for example) will be closed. On the other hand, the city comes alight with its famous ‘Alumbrados’ and there is plenty of activity around the Ciudad del Rio and Medellín River as a result.
- Early August (around Independence Day): Coinciding with school holidays, many families take extended trips
The holiday atmosphere in Medellín during festivos varies depending on the specific celebration. Religious holidays like Semana Santa (Holy Week) bring about more of a solemn mood with processions and special church services taking place, while holidays like Independence Day feature more festive celebrations with music and events in parks and public spaces (e.g. Parque de Bolívar).
Looking at Each Festivo
In the following section, we’ll take you on a chronological journey through the year, exploring each bank holiday in a little bit more detail. So, we’ll begin in January below.
Bank Holidays in JANUARY
01/01 – 1st January – New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo)
The first holiday of the year is straightforward, but in Colombia it’s worth noting that many celebrations continue from the previous night’s festivities. Cities like Medellín often remain quiet this day as families recover and spend time together. Many businesses stay closed, though tourist areas gradually come back to life by afternoon.
06/01 – 6th January – Epiphany (Día de los Reyes Magos)
This holiday celebrates the arrival of the three wise men to Bethlehem. Traditionally in Colombia, this was when children would receive gifts, though this custom has largely shifted to Christmas Day in modern times. As per the Ley de Empalme, this holiday typically moves to the following Monday allowing for an extended/long weekend.
19/03 – March 19 (moved to Monday) – St. Joseph’s Day (Día de San José)
While religious in origin, it’s now mostly appreciated as a long weekend. Many Colombians will however attend church masses. It may a good time to try a special bread called “pan de San José.” These are small bread figures decorated with sugar and filled with guava paste or arequipe (a type of caramel). If you’re lucky enough to be invited to a family gathering, you may be offered sopa de mondongo which is a highly popular soup during this bank holiday. The holiday often coincides with the beginning of school holidays in some institutions. Tourist activity remains normal, though government offices and banks close.
An interesting fact is that since 2000, Día de San José has also been recognized as Día del Hombre (Men’s Day) in Colombia.
Variable between March & April – Holy Week (Semana Santa)
The most significant religious observance in Colombia. Medellín can get pretty quiet as residents travel to family homes or vacation spots/fincas. Holy Thursday and Good Friday are official holidays. Churches hold processions, especially in traditional neighborhoods like Buenos Aires and Manrique. The first procession I saw personally took place in San Joaquin and religious or not, it was quite the spectacle. During this time many restaurants offer special meat-free menus in alignment with religious servations. Despite the exodus, tourist infrastructure remains operational, though some smaller businesses close for the entire week.
Did you know?
- Some superstitious Colombians observe traditions like avoiding swimming, refraining from sexual activity, and not climbing trees during Holy Week.
- There’s a long-held belief that babies born on Good Friday are considered unlucky.
Bank Holidays in MAY
01/05 – 1st of May – Labor Day (Día del Trabajo)
Unlike some countries, Colombia observes this strictly on May 1 regardless of the day of the week. This is an important holiday that honors workers’ rights and the labor movement. Workers’ unions often organize marches, particularly around Parque Berrio and La Alpujarra. Unless you’re looking to politically engage via these marches – the day is more or less marked by family gatherings and barbecues in parks like Parque Arví. Shopping centers remain open but with modified hours.
Did you know?
- The first Día del Trabajo celebration in Colombia took place in 1914, initially called “La fiesta del obrerismo” (The Workers’ Festival).
- It was officially recognized as a national holiday in 1931 during the government of Enrique Olaya Herrera.
- Despite the name, don’t expect to see much functioning as the majority of businesses, banks, and government offices are closed as a reminder of past labor struggles and achievements.
Bank Holidays in JUNE
40 days after Easter – Ascension Day (Ascensión del Señor)
A Christian event that commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven, occurring 39 days after Easter Sunday. Although religiously significant, most Colombians treat this as a regular long weekend. Parks and recreational areas see increased activity. Time for a good sancocho during this puente.
Moved to Monday, 60 days after Easter – Corpus Christi
Another religious celebration that’s become largely secular for most.
The term literally means “Body of Christ” and celebrates the Catholic tradition of the Eucharist.
Historically, this was one of Colombia’s most important religious celebrations with elaborate processions, particularly in colonial times. Today, while churches still hold special masses, its significance in daily life has diminished a lot in urban areas like Medellín. The city retains its rhythm during this holiday without too much disruption. It’s yet another fuente – an extended weekend appreciated dearly by most Colombians.
Moved to Monday, 69 days after Easter – Sacred Heart (Sagrado Corazón)
Another religious holiday that’s evolved into a general holiday. Some older residents maintain religious observances, but most treat it as a regular long weekend.
The Sacred Heart symbolizes God’s “passionate and boundless love for mankind”. In 2025, the Sacred Heart festivo will take place on the 30th of June and share the date with another bank holiday:
St. Peter and St. Paul Day (San Pedro y San Pablo) – June 30, moved to Monday
While major celebrations occur in other regions (particularly Huila), Medellín observes this quietly. Creates another long weekend opportunity that locals often use for domestic travel.
Bank Holidays in JULY
Independence Day (Día de Independencia) – July 20
Every year on July 20, the country celebrates its independence from the Spanish in 1810. The day usually begins with a religious service at the Metropolitan Cathedral, followed by a series of ceremonial events at Parque Bolívar, where local officials and military representatives gather to honour the occasion. Traditionally, the celebration included a military parade showcasing armed forces, although this year there will be no such parade in Medellín – a (perhaps missed) departure from previous years.
The idea for 2025 is to focus less so on military prowess and more on community spirit. You can expect to be firmly reminded of where you are with Colombian flags displayed just about anywhere and everywhere. Many will be at home spending the day with family and loved ones. If you’re expecting anything like July 4 in the US – you’ll be well and truly disappointed. Get ready for the fireworks though!
Bank Holidays in AUGUST
Battle of Boyacá (Batalla de Boyacá) – August 7
This is a particularly festive and joyous time throughout the Aburrá Valley as it coincides beautifully with Medellín’s annual Feria de las Flores. This national holiday celebrates a pivotal moment in Colombia’s fight for independence from Spanish rule in 1819.
August 7th is also celebrated as Flag Day, with public entities required to display the Colombian flag from 8 AM to 6 PM. Viva Colombia! This is a period of peak tourism where hotel room occupancy % reaches its highest. Expect the matching cost spikes.
Assumption Day (La Asunción) – August 15, moved to Monday
Assumption Day is celebrated in Medellín and throughout Colombia on the first Monday following August 15. This public holiday commemorates the belief in the Virgin Mary’s assumption into heaven, a significant event in Catholic tradition.The origins of this feast date back to the 8th century, and it was officially declared a dogma of faith by Pope Pius XII in 1950. The day is marked by religious observances, including masses and processions, where communities pay homage to the Virgin Mary.
Again, this national holiday is experienced in the company of the world’s best annual flower show so expect August to be lots of fun!
Bank Holidays in OCTOBER
With all the action and festivities taking place in August, it’s probably for the best that the valley cools down throughout September’s calendar.
Race Day (Día de la Raza) – October 12, moved to Monday
Día de la Raza commemorates Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas in 1492 and is seen as a time to reflect on the cultural heritage of Latin America – that beautiful blend of indigenous and European influences that characterize the region’s many peoples.
Bank Holidays in NOVEMBER
All Saints’ Day (Día de Todos los Santos) – November 1, moved to Monday (3rd)
The day honours all saints, known and unknown, recognized by the Catholic Church. In this period it is typical for families to visit cemeteries to pay respects to deceased loved ones, regularly bringing flowers and lighting candles at gravesites. Otherwise, this holiday serves as a long weekend (fuente).
Bank Holidays in DECEMBER
Ah, December, the festive month where we celebrate both Christmas and NYE. Can you imagine what it gets like here? A brilliant time to be in Medellín, escape the cold of the northern hemisphere and enjoy some of the world’s best annual December lights.
Immaculate Conception (Inmaculada Concepción) – December 8
This is one of the more significant religious holidays in Medellín as it is preceded by Día de las Velitas (Day of the Little Candles) on December 7th, officially kicking off the Christmas season! This is where they celebrate that the Virgin Mary was conceived without original sin. In this period, you’ll see the city adorned with thousands of candles and decorations. It’s very pretty.
Conclusion
That about does it! This comprehensive overview of Medellín’s 18 annual festivos reveals a complex calendar that even locals sometimes find challenging to track. Understanding these holidays – their timing, significance, and impact on daily life – can transform potential disruptions into opportunities to discover the local culture and way of life. Whether you’re planning a visit or settling into life in Medellín, this knowledge helps you adapt to the city’s unique rhythm and perhaps discover new traditions along the way.
