What is the approach to Public Holidays in Nicaragua?

Employees in Nicaragua are entitled to 13 national public holidays per year, plus 1 local holiday (or 2 regional holidays for employees in Managua). Holidays are statutory, fully paid, and count during maternity, paternity, adoption, and sick leave. If a holiday falls on a Sunday, it is usually compensated on another day. Employees required to work on a public holiday are either paid extra or given a substitute day off, depending on the type of work. Employees may refuse to work on a public holiday unless their role is essential or otherwise agreed.

Which are the public holidays for Nicaragua in 2025?

National Holidays (Observed Across Nicaragua)

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

April 17 – Holy Thursday (Jueves Santo)

April 18 – Good Friday (Viernes Santo)

May 1 – Labor Day (Día del Trabajador)

July 19 – Sandinista Revolution Day (Día de la Revolución Sandinista)

September 14 – Battle of San Jacinto (Batalla de San Jacinto)

September 15 – Independence Day (Día de la Independencia)

December 8 – Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Inmaculada Concepción)

December 25 – Christmas Day (Navidad)

Employees based in the city of Managua are entitled to an additional 2 Regional Public Holidays:

• August 1st - Descent of Saint Dominic (Descenso de Santo Domingo)
• August 10th - Ascent of Saint Dominic (Ascenso de Santo Domingo)

Which are the public holidays for Nicaragua in 2026?

National Holidays (Observed Across Nicaragua)

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

January 18 - Tribute to the Universal Poet Rubén Darío

February 2 - National Day of Reconciliation and Peace

February 21 - Commemoration of General Augusto C. Sandino

April 2 - Holy Thursday (Jueves Santo)

April 3 - Good Friday (Viernes Santo)

May 1 - Labor Day (Día del Trabajador)

July 19 - Sandinista Revolution Day (Día de la Revolución Sandinista)

September 14 - Battle of San Jacinto (Batalla de San Jacinto)

September 15 - Independence Day (Día de la Independencia)

November 8 - Day dedicated to Commander Carlos Fonseca Amador

December 8 - Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Inmaculada Concepción)

December 25 - Christmas Day (Navidad)

Employees based in the city of Managua are entitled to an additional 2 Regional Public Holidays:

• August 1 - Descent of Saint Dominic (Descenso de Santo Domingo)
• August 10 - Ascent of Saint Dominic (Ascenso de Santo Domingo)

*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 Nicaragua. 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.