The question of how many public holidays Chile has comes up every year in political debates, workplace discussions, and international comparisons. For many, Chile has too many holidays; for others, the number is reasonable considering the workload and national culture.
In the Chilean calendar , holidays fulfill a social, cultural, and economic role. They not only mark periods of rest, but also reflect history, religion, identity, and political processes.
Number of holidays in Chile according to the official calendar
Chile has a combination of civil, religious, and commemorative holidays. Some are mandatory, while others allow for partial business operations.
On average, Chile has:
16 fixed legal holidays
1 to 2 variable holidays
Occasionally extraordinary holidays (elections, plebiscites)
This puts Chile above the world average , but not necessarily as one of the countries with the most holidays on the planet.
Comparison of holidays in Chile vs. other Latin American countries
When comparing the number of holidays, Chile is no exception in the region . Latin America, in general, has more holidays than Europe or North America.
Chile in relation to its neighbors
Chile : 16 to 19 holidays
Argentina : 18 to 20 holidays
Brazil : 12 to 15 national holidays (plus state holidays)
Peru : 15 to 16 holidays
Colombia : up to 18 holidays, many movable to Monday
This shows that Chile does not lead the regional ranking , and that the perception of "excess" often does not consider the Latin American context.
How does Chile compare to Europe and the United States?
This is where the difference becomes most evident.
Countries with fewer holidays than Chile
United States : 10 federal holidays
United Kingdom : 8 to 10 public holidays
Canada : 9 to 11 holidays depending on the province
European countries with the most holidays
Spain : 14 public holidays (national + regional)
France : 11 national holidays
Italy : 12 national holidays
In this scenario, Chile is above the European average , but not by an extreme margin.
Comparative table of holidays by country
| Country | Average number of holidays |
|---|---|
| Chili | 16 – 19 |
| Argentina | 18 – 20 |
| Colombia | 17 – 18 |
| Brazil | 12 – 15 |
| Spain | 14 |
| France | 11 |
| USA | 10 |
This type of comparison explains why the topic generates recurring debate, especially in economic or legislative contexts.
Why does Chile have more holidays than other countries?
The number of holidays in Chile is due to several factors:
Strong religious heritage
Relevant historical processes
Recognition of political milestones
Regional holidays with local identity
High social value placed on rest
Impact of holidays on the Chilean economy
One of the most frequent arguments against holidays is their economic impact. However, the data usually shows a mixed picture:
Productive sectors may suffer
Tourism, commerce and gastronomy usually benefit
Improvement of well-being and mental health at work
Should Chile have fewer holidays?
International comparisons show that Chile is not out of the ordinary , especially within Latin America. The debate, more than about quantity, usually centers on:
How they are distributed throughout the year
How many fall on weekends?
Which ones are non-negotiable
What is its real impact on quality of life?
This approach allows for a more informed discussion that is less based on perceptions.