What is the approach to Public Holidays in Guatemala?

Employees in Guatemala are entitled to 10 fully paid statutory public holidays per year, with the same entitlement for full- and part-time staff. Holidays include national, religious, and military observances, and are mandatory and usually observed on their official dates. Public holidays count during maternity, paternity, adoption, and sick leave. Army Day (June 30) may be moved to a Monday depending on the week. Employees generally cannot be required to work on holidays unless authorized by the Labor Ministry, in which case they receive overtime pay or compensatory leave.

Which are the public holidays for Guatemala in 2025?

January 1 - New Year's Day (Año Nuevo)

April 17 - Maundy Thursday (Jueves Santo)

April 18 - Good Friday (Viernes Santo)

April 19 - Holy Saturday (Sábado Santo)

May 1 - Labor Day (Día del Trabajador)

June 30 - Armed Forces Day (día de las Fuerzas Armadas)

September 15 - Independence Day (Día de la Independencia)

October 20 - Revolution Day (Día de revolución)

November 1 - All Saints' Day (Fiesta de Todos los Santos)

December 25 - Christmas Day (Navidad)

Which are the public holidays for Guatemala in 2026?

January 1 - New Year's Day (Año Nuevo)

April 2 - Maundy Thursday (Jueves Santo)

April 3 - Good Friday (Viernes Santo)

April 4 - Holy Saturday (Sábado Santo)

May 1 - Labor Day (Día del Trabajador)

June 30 (observed June 29) - Armed Forces Day (Día de las Fuerzas Armadas)

September 15 - Independence Day (Día de la Independencia)

October 20 - Revolution Day (Día de revolución)

November 1 - All Saints' Day (Fiesta de Todos los Santos)

December 25 - Christmas Day (Navidad)

*Please be advised that the information provided is for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Clients are strongly encouraged to contact the Lifecycle - Time & Attendance team for expert guidance and assistance in navigating the intricate landscape of time off requirements in Guatemala. Consulting with our team is imperative to ensure compliance with local employment standards legislation and clearly understand the stipulated time off and attendance-related requirements. Your proactive engagement with the Time & Attendance team is vital to making informed decisions and adhering to all relevant regulations.