Argentine National Holidays

Over three-quarters of Argentineans are Roman Catholic, and thus, many of Argentina’s feriados (holidays) correlate with Catholic holy days.  Many shops are closed on Sunday throughout the year.

• January 1: Ano Nuevo (New Years Day)
• Springtime: Semana Santa (the few days preceding Easter), including Jueves Santo (Holy Thursday), Viernes Santo (Good Friday), and El Dia de Pascuas (Easter).  Many parades take place during these days and the vast majority of shops and even some restaurants close.
• March 24: Dia de la Memoria por la Verdad de la Justicia (Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice) to commemorate those who were victimized in the cruel seven year military dictatorship that started in 1976
• April 2:  Dia de los caidos en Malvinas (Day of the fallen of the Falkland Islands) to commemorate those who fought for Argentina during the Falkland War.
• May 1: Dia del Trabajador (Labor Day)
• May 25: Revolucion de Mayo (Revolution of May) to celebrate the 1810 Buenos Aires revolution, instigating Argentina’s fight for independence from Spain
• June 2: Dia de la Bandera (Flag Day) to commemorate Argentina’s flag’s designer, Manuel Belgrano and his death on this day.
• July 9: Dia de la Independencia (Independence Day) to celebrate Argentina’s Independence from Spain
• August 17: Dia de San Martin (Day of San Martin) to commemorate Jose de San Martin’s help in liberating part of Argentina, Chile, and Peru from European rule.
• October 12: Dia de la Raza (“Race Day” or Columbus Day) to celebrate native Americans and Europeans joining together, although many consider this holiday unhappy as many natives died under European conquerors.
• December 8: Dia de la Concepcion Inmaculada  (Immaculate Conception Day)
• December 24: Noche Buena (Christmas Eve). This is a very interesting holiday as in Argentina and most of Latin America, everyone celebrates Christmas on Noche Buena. Celebrations include feasting, dancing, playing music, drinking, toasting, and shooting off many fireworks.
• December 25: Dia de Navidad (Christmas Day)
• December 31:  Fin de Ano (New Years Eve)

tags: holidays ·