Public Holidays in Uruguay 2024
Uruguay observes several public holidays throughout the year, each with its own cultural, historical, or religious significance. These holidays are important occasions for Uruguayans to come together, celebrate, and reflect on their national identity and heritage. Here is a detailed list and description of public holidays in Uruguay for the year 2024.
National Public Holidays
New Year’s Day – January 1st
Description: New Year’s Day in Uruguay marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. It is celebrated with parties, gatherings, and fireworks displays across the country. Many people also take this opportunity to make New Year’s resolutions and spend time with family and friends.
Epiphany (Three Kings’ Day) – January 6th
Description: Epiphany, also known as Three Kings’ Day, commemorates the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus. In Uruguay, it is observed with religious services and traditional celebrations. Many families exchange gifts and enjoy special meals together on this day.
Carnival – February 24th and 25th
Description: Carnival is a festive season that precedes Lent, the Christian period of fasting and penance. In Uruguay, Carnival is celebrated with colorful parades, music, dancing, and street performances. Montevideo, the capital city, hosts one of the largest Carnival celebrations in the world, featuring elaborate costumes, floats, and murga (musical theater) performances.
Holy Thursday – April 4th
Description: Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples. It is observed by Christians in Uruguay with religious services and rituals. Many people also participate in the tradition of visiting seven churches on Holy Thursday evening.
Good Friday – April 5th
Description: Good Friday is a Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a solemn and reflective day, with church services, processions, and reenactments of the Passion of Christ. In Uruguay, Good Friday is observed with religious observances and gatherings of family and friends.
Landing of the 33 Patriots Day – April 19th
Description: Landing of the 33 Patriots Day commemorates the arrival of the 33 Uruguayans (known as the Treinta y Tres Orientales) who initiated the process of independence from Brazil in 1825. It is a national holiday in Uruguay, celebrated with patriotic ceremonies, parades, and cultural events.
Labor Day – May 1st
Description: Labor Day honors the contributions and achievements of workers around the world. In Uruguay, it is a day for workers’ rights and social justice. Trade unions and workers’ organizations organize rallies, marches, and events to advocate for labor rights and better working conditions.
Battle of Las Piedras – May 18th
Description: The Battle of Las Piedras was a decisive confrontation between Uruguayan revolutionaries led by José Gervasio Artigas and Spanish royalists on May 18, 1811. It is a significant event in Uruguay’s struggle for independence and is commemorated with patriotic ceremonies, reenactments, and cultural activities.
Independence Day – August 25th
Description: Independence Day in Uruguay commemorates the country’s declaration of independence from Brazil on August 25, 1825. It is one of the most important national holidays in Uruguay, celebrated with patriotic fervor and pride. Independence Day is marked by flag-raising ceremonies, parades, cultural performances, and festive events across the country.
Day of the Americas – October 12th
Description: Day of the Americas, also known as Columbus Day, celebrates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas on October 12, 1492. It is observed as a day to honor the cultural diversity and heritage of the American continents. In Uruguay, it is a time to celebrate Latin American culture and solidarity with other nations in the region.
All Saints’ Day – November 1st
Description: All Saints’ Day is a Christian holiday that honors all saints and martyrs, known and unknown. It is observed with religious services, prayers, and visits to cemeteries to pay respects to deceased loved ones. In Uruguay, All Saints’ Day is a time for remembrance and reflection on the lives of saints and departed family members.
Christmas Day – December 25th
Description: Christmas Day is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is observed with religious services, family gatherings, and festive meals. In Uruguay, Christmas is a time for exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, and enjoying traditional foods such as roasted meats, panettone, and cider.
Table: Public Holidays and Days Off in Uruguay 2024
| Public Holiday | Date | Days Off | Groups of People |
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | 1 day | General population |
| Epiphany | January 6 | 1 day | Christian community |
| Carnival | February 24-25 | 2 days | General population |
| Holy Thursday | April 4 | 1 day | Christian community |
| Good Friday | April 5 | 1 day | Christian community |
| Landing of the 33 Patriots Day | April 19 | 1 day | General population |
| Labor Day | May 1 | 1 day | Workers |
| Battle of Las Piedras | May 18 | 1 day | General population |
| Independence Day | August 25 | 1 day | General population |
| Day of the Americas | October 12 | 1 day | General population |
| All Saints’ Day | November 1 | 1 day | Christian community |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | 1 day | Christian community |