| Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-01 | New Year's Day | National |
| 2026-04-02 | Maundy Thursday | National |
| 2026-04-03 | Good Friday | National |
| 2026-04-04 | Holy Saturday | National |
| 2026-05-01 | Labor Day | National |
| 2026-05-10 | Mother's Day | National |
| 2026-06-17 | Father's Day | National |
| 2026-08-06 | Celebrations of San Salvador | National |
| 2026-09-15 | Independence Day | National |
| 2026-11-02 | All Souls' Day | National |
| 2026-12-25 | Christmas Day | National |
About these holidays in El Salvador (2026)
Our El Salvador public holidays guide explains the background of each holiday and how the dates are set.
New Year's Day
New Year's Day falls on 1 January and opens the Gregorian calendar year. Most countries mark it with a public holiday, and celebrations usually begin the night before with countdowns, fireworks and gatherings. The date was fixed in its current position by Julius Caesar's calendar reform, and later preserved by the Gregorian reform of 1582. traditions vary widely, from first-footing in Scotland to writing resolutions for the months ahead.
Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday is the Thursday before Easter, commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples. It is a public holiday in many countries with Catholic or Orthodox traditions, particularly in Latin America, Europe and parts of Asia and Africa. The name is commonly linked to the ceremonial washing of feet, and to the antiphon mandatum novum, a new commandment. Church services often include the rite of foot washing.
Good Friday
Good Friday is the Friday before Easter and commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus. It is a public holiday in most countries with Christian traditions, and businesses, banks and schools often close. Observance is typically solemn, with church services, processions and in some places Passion plays. The date moves each year because Easter is calculated from the first full moon following the March equinox.
Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday is the day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, recalling the day Jesus lay in the tomb. It is a public holiday in several countries, particularly in Europe and Latin America, though in many places it is not a separate holiday because it falls on a weekend. The principal liturgy is the Easter Vigil held after nightfall, during which the Paschal candle is lit and the resurrection is first proclaimed.
Labor Day
Labor Day honours the achievements of workers and the labour movement. Most countries observe it on 1 May, known internationally as May Day or International Workers' Day, which grew out of the campaign for an eight hour working day. Others, including the United States and Canada, hold it on the first Monday of September. Typical events include trade union marches, rallies and public speeches on working conditions.