Colombian Holidays 2012

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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 --Celebrated 1/9

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

5th & 6th April -- Maundy Thursday & Good Friday -- Jueves y Viernes Santo

1st May Labour Day -- Día del Trabajo

21st May -- Asención Day (40 days after Easter)

11th June* -- Corpus Christi

18th June* -- Sacred Heart -- Sagrado Corazón de Jesús

2nd July -- Feasts of 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

20th August* Assumption Day -- Asunción de la Virgen

15th October* Columbus Day -- Día de la Raza

5th November* All Saints Day -- Todos los Santos

12th November* Independence of Cartagena City

8th December Immaculate Conception -- Inmaculada Concepción

25th December Christmas Day -- Navidad

*The exact holiday does not fall on a Monday, however, the holiday will be observed on Monday. This is called a PUENTE or bridge.
Clip art:

Comments

Anonymous said…
I appreciate this list, we are hoping to travel in the late spring to bring home a 12 year olf from Colombia. I haav been following your blog for a few months now and love the insight into Colombian culture.
January 23, 2012 at 3:47 PM
Colombian Mommy said…
Congratulations! I am sure the wait is painful, but hopefully you will all be together soon.
January 24, 2012 at 7:38 AM
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