Festivities in Colombia: A Comprehensive Guide to Holidays

Colombia holds the distinction of being one of the countries with the most holidays globally, boasting a total of 20 official days off each year. This extensive list of holidays stems from a diverse blend of influences, primarily the Catholic faith and significant historical events ingrained in the nation’s identity.

August Festivities

August 19: Assumption of Mary – This Catholic feast commemorates the belief that the Virgin Mary was taken up into heaven in both body and soul at the end of her earthly life. While traditionally observed on August 15, the holiday is moved to Monday in Colombia, creating a “long weekend” or “puente festivo.”

October Festivities

October 14: Columbus Day – Celebrated in several Latin American countries, this holiday recognizes Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas. In Colombia, it serves as an occasion to reflect on the cultural diversity and history of indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities. Coinciding with a Monday, it forms another “puente festivo.”

November Festivities

November 4: All Saints’ Day – Traditionally observed on November 1, this holiday is shifted to Monday in Colombia. It is a day when many Colombians remember and honor their deceased loved ones.

November 11: Independence of Cartagena – This holiday commemorates Cartagena’s declaration of independence in 1811, a pivotal event in Colombian history. Its observance on a Monday creates another “puente festivo.

December Festivities

December 25: Christmas – One of the most significant holidays in Colombia, families gather to celebrate with feasts, gift exchanges, and religious activities.

January 1 (2025): New Year’s Day – While marking the start of a new year, this day is considered part of the December festivities.

Compensation for Working on Holidays

Colombian labor laws mandate that work performed on holidays is compensated in a special manner. According to the Labor Code, employees working on holidays are entitled to a 75% surcharge on their ordinary salary, in addition to a compensatory rest period on another date. This surcharge does not affect the base salary of those not working on holidays.

Calculating Holiday Pay

To determine the pay for working on a holiday, follow these steps:

1. Determine the hourly rate: For a minimum wage of $1,300,000 COP (as of 2024) and a 48-hour workweek, the hourly rate is approximately $6,806 COP.
2. Multiply the hourly rate by the hours worked: For example, if an employee works 8 hours on a holiday, the calculation would be: $6,806 COP x 8 hours = $54,448 COP.
3. Calculate the 75% surcharge: Multiply the hourly rate by 75% and then by the hours worked: $6,806 COP x 0.75 x 8 hours = $40,836 COP.
4. Add the two amounts: Finally, add the basic pay and the surcharge to determine the total compensation: $54,448 COP + $40,836 COP = $95,284 COP.

This means that during 2024, a minimum wage earner working on a holiday would receive approximately $95,284 COP for that day’s work, as opposed to the usual daily wage of $43,333 COP.

Colombia’s abundance of holidays not only provides ample opportunities for rest and recreation but also underscores the country’s rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted traditions.