Public Holidays in Argentina 2024
Argentina observes various public holidays throughout the year, reflecting its cultural, historical, and religious diversity. These holidays are significant occasions for the Argentine people, often marked by traditions, festivities, and gatherings with family and friends. In this guide, we will explore the public holidays in Argentina for the year 2024, providing detailed descriptions of each holiday along with information on the groups entitled to days off.
New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo) – January 1, 2024
New Year’s Day, known as Año Nuevo in Spanish, marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. It is celebrated with parties, fireworks, and gatherings across Argentina, as people come together to welcome the new year.
Days off: New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Argentina, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Carnival (Carnaval) – February 12-13, 2024
Carnival, or Carnaval in Spanish, is a festive season that precedes the Christian observance of Lent. In Argentina, Carnival is celebrated with colorful parades, music, dancing, and street parties, particularly in cities like Buenos Aires and Gualeguaychú.
Days off: Carnival is not an official public holiday in Argentina, but it is widely celebrated, with many businesses closing or operating on reduced hours to allow people to participate in Carnival festivities.
Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice (Día de la Memoria por la Verdad y la Justicia) – March 24, 2024
The Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice commemorates the victims of the military dictatorship that ruled Argentina from 1976 to 1983. It honors those who were disappeared, tortured, or killed during this dark period in Argentine history.
Days off: The Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice is a public holiday in Argentina, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Good Friday (Viernes Santo) – April 5, 2024
Good Friday, or Viernes Santo in Spanish, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a solemn day of reflection and prayer for Christians in Argentina, with church services and processions held throughout the country.
Days off: Good Friday is a public holiday in Argentina, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Malvinas Day (Día del Veterano y de los Caídos en la Guerra de Malvinas) – April 2, 2024
Malvinas Day, also known as Day of the Veterans and Fallen of the Malvinas War, commemorates the Argentine soldiers who fought and died in the Falklands War (Guerra de las Malvinas) with the United Kingdom in 1982.
Days off: Malvinas Day is a public holiday in Argentina, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Labor Day (Día del Trabajador) – May 1, 2024
Labor Day, or Día del Trabajador in Spanish, celebrates the achievements of workers and the labor movement. It is a day of demonstrations, rallies, and marches organized by trade unions and workers’ organizations across Argentina.
Days off: Labor Day is a public holiday in Argentina, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Revolution Day (Día de la Revolución de Mayo) – May 25, 2024
Revolution Day commemorates the May Revolution of 1810, which marked the beginning of Argentina’s struggle for independence from Spanish colonial rule. It is celebrated with patriotic events, parades, and reenactments of historical events.
Days off: Revolution Day is a public holiday in Argentina, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
National Flag Day (Día de la Bandera) – June 20, 2024
National Flag Day honors Manuel Belgrano, the creator of the Argentine flag, and commemorates its first raising in 1812. It is celebrated with patriotic ceremonies, flag-raising ceremonies, and educational activities in schools.
Days off: National Flag Day is not a public holiday in Argentina, but it is observed with ceremonies and events, particularly in schools and government institutions.
Independence Day (Día de la Independencia) – July 9, 2024
Independence Day commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1816, which formally declared Argentina’s independence from Spanish rule. It is celebrated with patriotic festivities, parades, and cultural events.
Days off: Independence Day is a public holiday in Argentina, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity (Día del Respeto a la Diversidad Cultural) – October 14, 2024
The Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity, also known as Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day, commemorates the encounter between European explorers and indigenous peoples in the Americas. It promotes respect for cultural diversity and the rights of indigenous communities.
Days off: The Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity is not a public holiday in Argentina, but it is observed with cultural events, educational activities, and public discussions on diversity and inclusion.
National Sovereignty Day (Día de la Soberanía Nacional) – November 20, 2024
National Sovereignty Day commemorates the Battle of Vuelta de Obligado in 1845, when Argentine forces resisted a foreign invasion on the Paraná River. It celebrates Argentina’s commitment to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Days off: National Sovereignty Day is not a public holiday in Argentina, but it is observed with ceremonies and events commemorating the historic battle.
Christmas Day (Navidad) – December 25, 2024
Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed with religious services, festive meals, and the exchange of gifts in Argentina, as it is around the world.
Days off: Christmas Day is a public holiday in Argentina, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Table: Summary of Public Holidays in Argentina 2024
Holiday | Date | Description | Days Off for Groups |
New Year’s Day | January 1 | Beginning of the Gregorian calendar year | Government, Businesses, Educational |
Carnival | February 12-13 | Festive season preceding Lent | Some businesses, Educational |
Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice | March 24 | Commemoration of victims of military dictatorship | Government, Businesses, Educational |
Good Friday | April 5 | Commemoration of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ | Government, Businesses, Educational |
Malvinas Day | April 2 | Commemoration of Falklands War veterans | Government, Businesses, Educational |
Labor Day | May 1 | Celebration of workers’ contributions | Government, Businesses, Educational |
Revolution Day | May 25 | Commemoration of the May Revolution of 1810 | Government, Businesses, Educational |
National Flag Day | June 20 | Commemoration of the creation of the Argentine flag | Some businesses, Educational |
Independence Day | July 9 | Commemoration of Argentina’s independence | Government, Businesses, Educational |
Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity | October 14 | Celebration of cultural diversity and indigenous rights | Some businesses, Educational |
National Sovereignty Day | November 20 | Commemoration of the Battle of Vuelta de Obligado | Some businesses, Educational |
Christmas Day | December 25 | Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ | Government, Businesses, Educational |