2024 Public Holidays in Venezuela

Public Holidays in Venezuela 2024

Venezuela celebrates several public holidays throughout the year, each with its own cultural, historical, or religious significance. These holidays provide opportunities for Venezuelans to come together, celebrate their heritage, and enjoy time with family and friends. Here is a detailed list and description of public holidays in Venezuela for the year 2024.

National Public Holidays

New Year’s Day – January 1st

Description: New Year’s Day in Venezuela marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. It is celebrated with parties, fireworks displays, and gatherings of family and friends across the country. Venezuelans often exchange gifts and make resolutions for the year ahead.

Day of the Youth – February 12th

Description: Day of the Youth, also known as National Youth Day, commemorates the Battle of La Victoria in 1814, during the Venezuelan War of Independence. It honors the courage and sacrifice of young Venezuelans who fought for their country’s independence. On this day, various events, including parades and cultural performances, celebrate the contributions of youth to Venezuelan society.

Carnival – February 24th and 25th

Description: Carnival is a festive season that precedes Lent, the Christian period of fasting and penance. In Venezuela, Carnival is celebrated with colorful parades, music, dancing, and street parties. Cities like Caracas and Maracaibo host elaborate Carnival celebrations, featuring vibrant costumes, traditional dances, and musical performances.

Maundy Thursday – April 4th

Description: Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples. In Venezuela, it is a time for religious observance, with church services and processions held across the country. Many Venezuelans participate in the tradition of visiting seven churches on Maundy Thursday evening.

Good Friday – April 5th

Description: Good Friday is a Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is observed with solemn religious services, processions, and reenactments of the Passion of Christ in Venezuela. Many people also engage in acts of penance and reflection on the significance of Christ’s sacrifice.

Labor Day – May 1st

Description: Labor Day in Venezuela honors the contributions and achievements of workers. It is a time to advocate for workers’ rights and social justice. Trade unions and workers’ organizations organize rallies, marches, and events to highlight labor issues and promote solidarity among workers.

Independence Day – July 5th

Description: Independence Day in Venezuela commemorates the signing of the Venezuelan Declaration of Independence in 1811, which proclaimed Venezuela’s independence from Spanish colonial rule. It is one of the most important national holidays in Venezuela, celebrated with patriotic ceremonies, parades, and cultural events.

Battle of Carabobo Day – June 24th

Description: Battle of Carabobo Day commemorates the Battle of Carabobo in 1821, a decisive victory for Venezuelan independence forces led by Simón Bolívar against Spanish royalist troops. It is celebrated with patriotic ceremonies, military parades, and historical reenactments across Venezuela.

Simón Bolívar’s Birthday – July 24th

Description: Simón Bolívar’s Birthday commemorates the birth of Simón Bolívar, a key leader in the South American independence movement. Bolívar played a crucial role in the liberation of Venezuela and several other Latin American countries from Spanish rule. On this day, Venezuelans honor Bolívar’s legacy with tributes, ceremonies, and cultural events.

Assumption of Mary – August 15th

Description: The Assumption of Mary is a Christian feast day that commemorates the belief that the Virgin Mary was taken bodily into heaven at the end of her earthly life. It is celebrated with religious services, processions, and devotions in Venezuela, particularly in Catholic communities.

Indigenous Resistance Day – October 12th

Description: Indigenous Resistance Day, also known as Columbus Day, commemorates the resistance of indigenous peoples to European colonization in Venezuela. It is a time to recognize and celebrate the cultural heritage and contributions of Venezuela’s indigenous communities. Various events, including cultural festivals and educational programs, highlight indigenous traditions and history.

All Saints’ Day – November 1st

Description: All Saints’ Day is a Christian holiday that honors all saints and martyrs, known and unknown. In Venezuela, it is observed with religious services, prayers, and visits to cemeteries to pay respects to deceased loved ones. All Saints’ Day is a time for remembrance and reflection on the lives of the saints and the promise of eternal life.

Christmas Day – December 25th

Description: Christmas Day in Venezuela celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is observed with religious services, family gatherings, and festive meals. Venezuelans decorate their homes and churches with nativity scenes, lights, and ornaments. Christmas is a time for exchanging gifts, sharing meals with loved ones, and spreading joy and goodwill.

Table: Public Holidays and Days Off in Venezuela 2024