Chile stretches from the driest desert on Earth to Patagonian glaciers, and its long geography shapes how public holidays affect travel. Understanding Chile public holidays 2026, locally known as feriados (public holidays), helps travelers plan flights, avoid peak congestion, and take advantage of extended breaks called fin de semana largo (long weekends).
From Fiestas Patrias celebrations in September to nationally irrenunciable (non-waivable) holidays when most businesses close, Chile’s holiday calendar strongly influences domestic travel patterns and prices.
Below is a clear guide to feriados Chile, how long weekends work, and what visitors should expect throughout 2026.
Public Holidays in Chile 2026
The following are official feriados en Chile 2026 as recognized nationwide. Some dates are classified as irrenunciable (mandatory closure for most businesses).
| HOLIDAY | DATE | DAY |
| New Year’s Day (año nuevo) | 1 January | Thursday |
| Good Friday (viernes santo) | 3 April | Friday |
| Labour Day (día del trabajador) | 1 May | Friday |
| Navy Day (día de las glorias navales) | 21 May | Thursday |
| Indigenous Peoples’ Day (día nacional de los pueblos indígenas) | 20 June | Saturday |
| Assumption of Mary (asunción de la virgen) | 15 August | Saturday |
| Independence Day (día de la independencia) | 18 September | Friday |
| Army Day (día de las glorias del ejército) | 19 September | Saturday |
| Day of the Two Worlds (día del encuentro de dos mundos) | 12 October | Monday |
| Evangelical Churches Day (día de las iglesias evangélicas y protestantes) | 31 October | Saturday |
| All Saints’ Day (día de todos los santos) | 1 November | Sunday |
| Immaculate Conception (día de la inmaculada concepción) | 8 December | Tuesday |
| Christmas Day (navidad) | 25 December | Friday |
Long Weekends and Travel Culture in Chile
Chileans actively plan trips around fin de semana largo (long weekends), making them one of the most important travel drivers in the country.
In 2026, several holidays naturally create extended breaks:
- May 1 (Labour Day) falls on a Friday
- September 18–19 (Fiestas Patrias) creates a long national celebration
- December 25 (Christmas) falls on a Friday
When a holiday falls on a Monday or Friday, domestic flights, buses, and hotels often sell out quickly. Searches like fin de semana largo Chile and fin de semana largo 2026 reflect how locals plan these getaway weeks in advance.
For travelers, these periods mean higher prices and busier tourist hubs, especially in Santiago, Valparaíso, San Pedro de Atacama, and Patagonia.
Fiestas Patrias: Chile’s Most Important Celebration
The most significant holiday period in Chile is Fiestas Patrias, celebrated on September 18 and 19.
During Fiestas Patrias (national independence celebrations):
- Cities host fondas (traditional food fairs)
- Cueca dancing and parades fill public spaces
- Domestic travel peaks nationwide
This period often defines Chile’s cultural calendar more than any other holiday, and understanding it is essential when planning travel in September.
What Remains Open During Public Holidays in Chile
Business operations vary by holiday type.
Generally open:
- Hotels, resorts, and tour operators
- Restaurants in tourist areas
- Public transport in major cities
Often closed or limited:
- Government offices
- Banks
- Retail shops on irrenunciable holidays
During Fiestas Patrias, closures are widespread, and advance planning becomes essential.
Seasonal Travel Considerations in Chile
Chile’s seasons strongly influence how public holidays affect travel.
- January–February (summer)
Peak travel season with high demand for beaches and Patagonia. - March–May (shoulder season)
Ideal for city travel and wine regions, with fewer crowds outside long weekends. - June–August (winter)
Ski season in the Andes, quieter cities except during school holidays. - September–October
Fiestas Patrias drives domestic tourism; book early. - November–December
Warmer weather returns, with steady travel building toward Christmas.
Understanding these patterns helps travelers avoid congestion around feriados en Chile.
Staying Connected During Chilean Public Holidays
Holiday travel often means route changes, sold-out transport, and last-minute bookings. Reliable mobile data makes navigating Chile far easier.
Travelers commonly choose a Chile eSIM or Latin America eSIM when crossing borders in South America, while a Global eSIM works well for multi-country itineraries.
Across all plans, travelers can:
- Try 500 MB of free global data before purchasing
- Keep unused data when topping up
- Share data with friends or family traveling together
This makes staying connected simple during busy feriados Chile travel periods.
FAQs
How many public holidays are there in Chile in 2026?
Chile has 13 official public holidays in 2026, covering national, religious, and civil observances. Some of these are classified as irrenunciable (non-waivable), meaning most businesses must close by law.
What are the most important public holidays in Chile?
The most important holidays include New Year’s Day, Labour Day, Independence Day, and Christmas, with Fiestas Patrias in September being the most culturally significant celebration nationwide.
What is Fiestas Patrias in Chile?
Fiestas Patrias (National Independence Celebrations) take place on September 18 and 19 and mark Chile’s independence. The holiday is widely celebrated with parades, traditional food, music, and heavy domestic travel.
What does “irrenunciable holiday” mean in Chile?
An irrenunciable (non-waivable) holiday is a public holiday when most retail businesses are legally required to close, with only limited exceptions such as pharmacies or fuel stations.
What is a long weekend in Chile?
A fin de semana largo (long weekend) happens when a public holiday falls on a Monday or Friday, creating extended breaks that drive domestic travel, higher accommodation demand, and increased transport prices.
