National Holidays for 2010

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Many an adoptive parent has been set back a few days by the observance of one of the many Colombian holidays. Here is a list of the official national holidays. This list was established by Law #53 in December of 1983. On these days, courts close, ICBF offices are closed, and many tourist attractions also close. So, if you will be in Colombia on these days, be forewarned. To this list, you might add department or city holidays such as the closures in Barranquilla during Carnaval or in Manizales during the Feria.


1st January New Year's Day -- Año Nuevo

6th January* Epiphany -- Epifanía or Reyes Magos

19th March* St. Joseph's Day -- San José

1st May Labour Day -- Día del Trabajo

29th June* St. Peter & St. Paul -- San Pedro y San Pablo

20th July National Independence Day -- Grito de la Independencia

7th August Battle of Boyacá -- Batalla de Boyacá

15th August* Assumption Day -- Asunción de la Virgen

12th October* Columbus Day -- Día de la Raza

1st November* All Saints Day -- Todos los Santos

11th November* Independence of Cartagena City

8th December Immaculate Conception -- Inmaculada Concepción

25th December Christmas Day -- Navidad

Maundy Thursday and Good Friday -- Jueves y Viernes Santo

May or June* Corpus Christi

June* (third Friday) Sacred Heart of Jesus --Sagrado Corazón de Jesus

Ascension Day* 40 days after Easter


*When these holidays do not fall on a Monday, they will be observed the following Monday. This is called a PUENTE or bridge.
Clip art:

Comments

Jane King said…
Oh my goodness. It seemed like EVERY Monday was a holiday in Colombia! We just rolled with it and played like Colombians only work 4 days weeks...and don't forget the month during Christmas, AND Semana Santa. Oh: and the strikes when the gov't shuts down.
January 22, 2010 at 6:31 AM
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