| Day | Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Jan 01,2023 | New Year's Day | National holiday |
| Thursday | Apr 06,2023 | Maundy Thursday | National holiday, Christian |
| Friday | Apr 07,2023 | Good Friday | National holiday, Christian |
| Saturday | Apr 08,2023 | Easter Saturday | National holiday, Christian |
| Sunday | Apr 09,2023 | Easter Sunday | Observance, Christian |
| Monday | Apr 10,2023 | Easter Monday | Observance, Christian |
| Monday | May 01,2023 | Labor Day | National holiday |
| Wednesday | May 10,2023 | Mothers’ Day (Working Mothers Only) | National holiday |
| Friday | Jun 30,2023 | Army Day | Observance |
| Monday | Jul 03,2023 | Army Day Holiday | National holiday |
| Tuesday | Aug 15,2023 | Assumption of Mary (Guatemala City only) | Municipal holiday |
| Friday | Sep 15,2023 | Independence Day | National holiday |
| Thursday | Oct 12,2023 | Dia de la raza | Bank holiday |
| Friday | Oct 20,2023 | Revolution of 1944 | National holiday |
| Wednesday | Nov 01,2023 | All Saints' Day | National holiday, Christian |
| Sunday | Dec 24,2023 | Christmas Eve | National holiday |
| Monday | Dec 25,2023 | Christmas Day | National holiday, Christian |
| Sunday | Dec 31,2023 | New Year's Eve | Half day holiday |
New Year's Day, known as "Año Nuevo" in Guatemala, marks the beginning of the new year with joy and celebrations. Guatemalans welcome the year ahead with fireworks, parties, and gatherings with family and friends. It is a time for reflection, resolutions, and cultural unity as people come together to embrace the fresh start. The holiday holds cultural importance as it symbolizes hope, new beginnings, and the shared anticipation of a promising future.
Maundy Thursday, known as "Jueves Santo" in Guatemala, is a significant day in Holy Week leading up to Easter Sunday. It commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples. Guatemalans observe this day with church services and processions, often featuring beautiful "alfombras" (carpets) made of colored sawdust and flowers. Maundy Thursday is culturally important as it deepens the religious devotion of the community and showcases Guatemala's artistic traditions through the creation of intricate carpets.
Good Friday, or "Viernes Santo," is a solemn Christian holiday that remembers the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In Guatemala, it is observed with profound reverence through church services, processions, and reenactments of the Passion of Christ. Elaborate processions featuring floats with religious images traverse the streets, drawing crowds of onlookers. Good Friday fosters a deep sense of spirituality and cultural unity as Guatemalans come together to reflect on their faith and heritage.
Easter Saturday, also known as "Sábado de Gloria," falls between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It is a day of anticipation and preparation for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Guatemalans engage in various activities, including cleaning and decorating homes, as well as preparing traditional Easter dishes. This day holds cultural importance as it signifies the transition from mourning to celebration, bringing hope and joy back into the community's spirit.
Easter Sunday, or "Domingo de Resurrección," is a central Christian holiday that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Guatemalans celebrate with church services, feasting, and family gatherings. It's a time for joy and renewal of faith. Colorful kites are flown in some regions, symbolizing a connection between the living and the deceased. Easter Sunday is culturally significant as it unites the community in celebrating their Christian faith and the triumph of life over death.
Easter Monday, known as "Lunes de Pascua," extends the Easter celebrations in Guatemala. Many people take this day off to continue spending time with loved ones or engage in leisure activities. It's a day for relaxation and reflection on the significance of Easter. Families often visit parks or enjoy traditional Guatemalan foods together. Easter Monday fosters cultural connections and family bonds, making it a cherished part of the Easter festivities.
Labor Day, or "Día del Trabajo," celebrated on May 1st, honors the contributions of workers to society. In Guatemala, it's a day when labor unions, workers, and activists organize parades, rallies, and discussions about workers' rights and labor-related issues. It serves as a reminder of the importance of fair labor practices and social justice. Labor Day highlights the role of workers in the country's development and is a culturally relevant occasion that underscores the value of labor and workers' well-being.
Mothers' Day, or "Día de la Madre," is celebrated on May 10th in Guatemala. However, it's important to note that in Guatemala, this holiday is primarily dedicated to working mothers. It is a day to express love and appreciation for the hardworking mothers who balance their careers and family life. Families often celebrate with special meals and heartfelt gestures. Mothers' Day highlights the cultural importance of recognizing and honoring the dedication of working mothers in Guatemalan society.
Army Day, known as "Día del Ejército," is observed on June 30th to commemorate the Guatemalan military's role in national defense. It typically includes military parades, displays of equipment, and patriotic ceremonies. Army Day holds cultural significance by honoring the country's armed forces and their commitment to safeguarding Guatemala's sovereignty and security. It reinforces a sense of patriotism and pride in the nation's defense capabilities.
Army Day Holiday is an extension of the celebrations on Army Day. It allows Guatemalans to continue honoring the country's armed forces and their dedication to national defense. Families often spend this day reflecting on the significance of the military's role in safeguarding the nation. Army Day Holiday is culturally relevant as it strengthens the bonds between civilians and the armed forces, fostering a sense of national unity and security.
The Assumption of Mary, known as "Asunción de la Virgen María," is a Christian holiday that celebrates the belief that the Virgin Mary was taken into heaven. While it is observed in Guatemala City, it may not be a nationwide holiday. Guatemalan Christians attend church services, processions, and religious events to honor this event. It is a day of spiritual reflection and devotion, deepening the cultural ties that unite the Christian community in the city. The Assumption of Mary reaffirms the importance of Mary in the Christian faith and the role of faith in Guatemalan culture.
Independence Day, celebrated on September 15th, is known as "Día de la Independencia." It commemorates Guatemala's declaration of independence from Spain in 1821. The day is marked by patriotic parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural performances that showcase the country's rich heritage. Independence Day is culturally important as it instills a sense of national pride, unity, and freedom. It reminds Guatemalans of their history and the enduring spirit of the nation.
Dia de la Raza, also known as Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples' Day, is celebrated on October 12th in Guatemala. It commemorates Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas and recognizes the cultural diversity and contributions of indigenous peoples. Guatemalans celebrate with cultural events, art exhibitions, and educational activities that highlight the country's multicultural heritage. Dia de la Raza holds cultural importance as it promotes tolerance, respect, and appreciation for the indigenous cultures that are integral to Guatemala's identity.
The Revolution of 1944, known as "Revolución de Octubre," is celebrated on October 20th. It marks the anniversary of a pivotal event in Guatemalan history when a popular uprising led to political change and social reforms. Guatemalans commemorate this day with parades, speeches, and cultural events that reflect on the nation's progress and the importance of democratic values. The Revolution of 1944 is culturally significant as it highlights the country's commitment to social justice and the pursuit of a fair and equitable society.
All Saints' Day, or "Día de Todos los Santos," is celebrated on November 1st to honor all saints and martyrs. Guatemalan Christians visit cemeteries to pay respects to deceased loved ones and decorate graves with flowers. It is a day of remembrance and reflection on the lives of the departed. All Saints' Day is culturally relevant as it underscores the significance of faith and the importance of remembering those who have passed away in Guatemala.
Christmas Eve, known as "Nochebuena," is a festive and culturally significant occasion when Guatemalans gather with family and friends to celebrate the night before Christmas. Traditional Guatemalan foods such as tamales and ponche (fruit punch) are enjoyed. Families also participate in the "Posada" procession, reenacting Mary and Joseph's search for lodging. Christmas Eve fosters cultural connections, togetherness, and the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ in the Guatemalan Christian tradition.
Christmas Day, or "Navidad," is celebrated on December 25th in Guatemala, marking the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a day of religious observance with church services, nativity scenes, and the exchange of gifts among loved ones. Families gather to share special meals featuring traditional dishes like "fiambre" (a cold salad) and "ponche de frutas" (fruit punch). Christmas caroling and festive decorations enhance the cultural atmosphere, making Christmas a cherished and culturally significant holiday in Guatemala that brings joy and togetherness to communities.
New Year's Eve, known as "Nochevieja," is celebrated on December 31st as Guatemalans bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one. Festive gatherings, parties, and fireworks fill the night with excitement and anticipation. Families and friends come together to reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the future. The celebrations promote unity, hope, and cultural traditions, making New Year's Eve a culturally significant occasion that ushers in the promise of a fresh start in Guatemala.
