Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Public Holidays
Government offices and businesses are closed on Argentina's numerous public holidays.
If the holiday falls on a Wednesday or weekend day, it's often bumped to the nearest
Monday; if it falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, then the in-between days of Monday and Fri-
day are taken as holidays.
Public-transportation options are more limited on holidays, when you should reserve
tickets far in advance. Hotel booking should also be done ahead of time.
The following list does not include provincial holidays, which may vary considerably.
January 1
Año Nuevo, New Year's Day
February/March
Carnaval. Dates vary from year to year, but celebrations always fall on a
Monday and Tuesday and become holidays.
March 24
Día de la Memoria; Memorial Day. Anniversary of the day that started the 1976
dictatorship and subsequent Dirty War.
March/April
Semana Santa; Easter week. Dates vary; most businesses close on 'Good
Thursday' and Good Friday; major travel week.
April 2
Día de las Malvinas; honors the fallen Argentine soldiers from the Falkland Islands
(Islas Malvinas) war in 1982.
May 1
Día del Trabajador; Labor Day
May 25
Revolución de Mayo; commemorates the 1810 revolution against Spain.
June 20
Día de la Bandera; Flag Day. Anniversary of death of Manuel Belgrano, creator
of Argentina's flag and military leader.
July 9
Día de la Independencia; Independence Day
August (third Monday in August)
Día del Libertador San Martín; marks the anniversary
of José de San Martín's death (1778-1850).
October 12 (second Monday in October)
Día del Respeto a la Diversidad Cultural; a
day to respect cultural diversity.
November 20 (fourth Monday in November)
Día de la Soberanía Nacional; Day of Na-
tional Sovereignty
December 8
Día de la Concepción Inmaculada; celebrates the immaculate conception of
the Virgin Mary.
December 25
Navidad; Christmas Day
Note that Christmas Eve and New Year's Day are treated as semi-holidays, and you will
find some businesses closed for the latter half of those days.
