Public holidays in Uruguay


The following are public holidays in Uruguay.
DateEnglish nameSpanish nameRemarksNon-working day
January 1New Year's DayAño Nuevo
January 6Children's DayDía de los NiñosIn place of Epiphany.
moveable in late February or early MarchCarnivalCarnaval
moveable in late March or early AprilTourism WeekSemana de TurismoIn place of Christian Holy Week.
April 19Landing of the 33 Patriots DayDesembarco de los 33 Orientales
May 1International Workers' DayDía de los Trabajadores
May 18Battle of Las PiedrasBatalla de las Piedras
June 19Birthday of José Gervasio ArtigasNatalicio de Artigas
July 18Constitution DayJura de la ConstituciónTo commemorate the promulgation of the First Constitution of Uruguay in 1830.
August 25Independence DayDeclaratoria de la IndependenciaFrom the Empire of Brazil in 1825.
October 12Day of the AmericasDía de las AméricasIn place of Columbus Day
November 2All Souls' DayDía de los DifuntosIn place of All Souls' Day
December 25Family DayDía de la FamiliaIn place of Christmas Day.

Only 11 of these holidays imply a mandatory paid leave for workers. The remaining holidays are generally observed by schools, public sector offices, banks, and a few private companies.

Moveable holidays

According to Uruguayan Law 16,805 with modifications of Law 17,414, the holidays declared by law, subject to the commemoration of them, follow the following scheme :
  • If coincide on Saturday, Sunday or Monday will be observed in those days.
  • If occur on Tuesday or Wednesday, will be observed on Monday immediately preceding.
  • If occur on Thursday or Friday shall be observed on the Monday immediately following
This will not occur with Carnival and Tourism Week, and corresponding to January 1 and 6, May 1, June 19, July 18, August 25, November 2 and December 25, which will continue watching on the day of the week that may occur, whatever the same.