Colombian Holidays

There are a lot of Colombian holidays, especially what are known as "Festivos" that typically fall on a Monday.

On festivos, banks and shops are generally closed, including supermarkets. However, a handful or restaurants and other smaller stores may be open but it depends. It's much harder to find what you need on a Colombian holiday than on a Sunday.

Below: From the Christmas lights down by the river in Medellin.

January 01 - New Year Day
January 06 - Epiphany
March 19 - St. Joseph (Feast of St. Joseph)
April 21 - Maundy or Holy Thursday
April 22 - Good Friday (Holy or Great Friday)
May 01 - Workers or Labour Day
June 02 - Ascension of Jesus
June 23 - Corpus Christi
June 29 - Feast of Saints Peter and Paul
July 01 - Sacred Heart
July 20 - Independence Day
August 07 - Battle of Boyaca
August 15 - Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
October 10 - Columbus Day
November 01 - All Saints or Hallows Day
November 11 - Independence of Cartagena City
December 08 - Immaculate Conception
December 25 - Christmas Day

As many festivos fall on a Monday, those who can often go for a long-weekend to their farms or even make a trip to the coast. It can be a good day to see the city you're visiting because traffic will be much lighter than on normal days but remember that museums are often shut on Mondays.

I've been a bit surprised by Christmas and New Year celebrations here, expecting them to be conservative and about faith when instead, they're intensely tacky and noisy. Basically, an excuse for a party. There tends to be more violence and driving can be more dangerous, especially at night. People go a little crazy and I suggest you be careful. May sound over the top, but I really don't enjoy these times of year here in Colombia and prefer to get out of the city if possible.

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