In Chile, it's common for certain holidays to be moved from their original date to another day , usually a Monday, in order to create long weekends. This measure is not arbitrary: it responds to a strategy regulated by national laws, designed to balance citizens' rest with the country's economic development. This practice, known as holiday transfer , not only seeks to provide more free time, but also to encourage domestic tourism, reduce absenteeism, and improve the quality of life.
By understanding why some holidays are moved in Chile, people can better organize their vacations and plan family getaways, and companies can adjust their work and production schedules. In this article, we explain in detail which holidays are movable, which are fixed, what laws allow them, and how to stay informed about official changes each year.
Rules of the Chilean national calendar
Legislation regulating holidays
The official holiday calendar in Chile is determined by the Labor Code , which establishes which days are considered legal holidays. However, not all holidays are subject to modification. Law No. 19,668 , enacted in 1999, allows certain holidays to be moved to Mondays, depending on the day of the week on which they originally fall.
This law seeks to optimize rest periods and offer greater continuity in free time. By moving certain holidays to Mondays, long weekends are created, allowing Chilean families to enjoy more time together and travel throughout the country, which also positively impacts local commerce, hospitality, and tourism.
Objectives of moving holidays
The main reasons behind the relocation of holidays include:
Promoting domestic tourism: By extending the weekends, demand for tourism services, accommodations, gastronomy, and transportation increases, benefiting thousands of small and medium-sized businesses across the country.
Reduce work and school absenteeism: When a holiday falls in the middle of the week, many people tend to miss one or more additional days. By moving it to Monday, you avoid lost productivity on weekdays.
Improve health and well-being: Long weekends offer more opportunities for rest, recreation, and family life, which can translate into greater physical and mental well-being.
Increase social organization: Allows citizens to plan their recreational activities, travel, or personal and work commitments more in advance.
Which holidays can be moved in Chile?
Transferable holidays according to the law
Not all holidays are movable. Only those established by law can change their dates to accommodate long weekends. Here are some examples of holidays that can be moved:
| Holiday | Original date | Transfer rule |
|---|---|---|
| Saint Peter and Saint Paul | June 29 | Moved to the nearest Monday |
| Assumption of the Virgin | August 15 | It is generally maintained, but can be moved |
| Meeting of Two Worlds | October 12 | You can move to the nearest Monday |
| Day of the Evangelical Churches | October 31st | Potentially transferable depending on the year |
| All Hallows | November 1st | It has been moved on occasions |
This table summarizes how these holidays are managed in practice. Government authorities assess each year whether or not to relocate them, taking into account various factors, such as the economic and social context.
Criteria for transfer
The transfer of a holiday depends not only on its type, but also on the day of the week on which it falls . According to Chilean law:
If the holiday falls on a Tuesday or Wednesday , it may be moved to the preceding Monday.
If it falls on a Thursday , it can be moved to Friday of that same week.
If it falls on a weekend , it is usually kept as is.
If it is considered non-waivable , it cannot be modified under any circumstances.
This system seeks to harmonize the need for rest with the country's work dynamics, while also respecting dates with high cultural or spiritual significance for the population.
Examples of holidays moved in recent years
Year 2023
During 2023, some holidays were adjusted in accordance with the law on movable holidays:
The Meeting of Two Worlds , originally on October 12, was moved to Monday, October 9, allowing for a long weekend.
However, the Day of Evangelical Churches , which fell on a Tuesday, was not moved, since its modification is not automatic and depends on decisions of the Executive.
Year 2024
St. Peter and St. Paul's Day , which fell on a Saturday, was moved to Monday, July 1, aligning with the goal of extending the holiday through that week.
These examples show that there is no one-size-fits-all formula. Each year, authorities revise the calendar and publish the final dates, so it's important to stay informed.
Non-waivable and non-transferable holidays
There are certain holidays that the law establishes as non-waivable , meaning that all workers in essential commerce and services must cease their work. These days have strong symbolic or historical value for the country and are never rescinded . They are:
January 1st (New Year's Day)
May 1st (Labor Day)
September 18 and 19 (National Holidays)
December 25 (Christmas)
These holidays are not only unchangeable, but also entail strict work restrictions. The Labor Directorate actively enforces their observance, and employers who fail to comply with these rules face severe penalties.
How do I know if a holiday will be moved?
Every year, the Chilean government publishes the official holiday calendar, which clearly indicates which days will be relocated and which will remain. You can find it at:
Applications like Google Calendar
Additionally, the media often provide advance notice of holidays that will be modified, so staying tuned for updates is also a good strategy.
Benefits and controversies of holiday transfers
Benefits
Moving holidays offers multiple benefits for both society and the economy:
More rest time for workers and students , which improves overall well-being.
Increased tourism activity , with positive impacts on transportation, accommodation, gastronomy, and local commerce.
Better organization of cultural, religious, or family activities , by having consecutive days off.
Controversies
However, there are also criticisms and challenges surrounding the relocation of holidays:
It can cause confusion among employers, employees, and students if not communicated early enough.
Some industries, especially healthcare, transportation, and utilities , must continue operating, which can cause strain.
In some cases, it is argued that too many holidays can affect overall productivity , especially in sectors sensitive to disruptions.
Useful resources and recommendations
To organize your year efficiently, follow these recommendations:
Download an updated January calendar or check official sources periodically.
Consult your employer if you have questions about days off or working on holidays.
Plan your trips and recreational activities in advance , especially on long weekends.
Use apps that alert you about holiday changes and calendar updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why are some holidays delayed in Chile?
To promote domestic tourism, improve vacation planning, and prevent unnecessary absenteeism during short workweeks.
Which holidays cannot be moved?
Non-waivable holidays such as May 1, September 18 and 19, and Christmas are fixed by law and never move.
How do I know if a holiday will be moved?
Every year, the government publishes an official calendar. You can also check it through media outlets and mobile apps.
Does the change of holiday date affect all workers?
In general, yes, although certain sectors with special shifts, such as health or security, operate with different regulations.
Get ready to make the most of your days off
Being aware of the rules of the Chilean national calendar allows you to optimize your time, organize family activities, and plan your year efficiently. Knowing which holidays can be moved, what laws govern them, and how changes are applied is essential to avoid surprises. Take advantage of these tools to make the most of your days off and give them true value.