Chile’s official calendar for 2026 includes a series of national holidays, with the first long weekend slated for April. The observance of Semana Santa, or Holy Week, will span from March 30th to April 5th, though only April 3rd and 4th – Good Friday and Holy Saturday respectively – are designated as official non-working days, according to a statement released by the Chilean government on March 17th.
While Semana Santa is a significant religious observance for many Chileans, marked by traditions such as recreations of the Stations of the Cross and increased consumption of seafood, the law does not classify it as a mandatory, non-renounceable holiday. This means commerce and essential services are permitted to operate as usual, though some businesses may choose to adjust their schedules. A previous attempt in 2024 to declare Good Friday a mandatory holiday did not come to fruition.
The upcoming holiday weekend is expected to trigger a significant outflow of people from major cities, particularly Santiago, towards coastal areas and the central-south region, authorities anticipate. This marks the first extended break of the year for Chilean workers.
According to Chilean labor law, while April 3rd and 4th are official holidays, employers can require staff to work these days, with overtime compensation mandated. Specifically, each hour worked on a holiday is subject to a 50% surcharge, or alternatively, an equivalent day of rest or additional holiday can be granted.
Beyond Semana Santa, other significant long weekends in 2026 include May 1st for Labor Day and September 18th for Independence Day, offering further opportunities for travel and family activities. The Chilean government has confirmed a total of 16 national holidays for the year.
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