Understanding Mandatory Pay During Holy Week in Costa Rica
As Holy Week approaches, Costa Ricans are reminded of their rights regarding paid holidays and work obligations.
Holy Week, a significant religious observance in Costa Rica, is set to take place from April 13 to April 20, 2025. This period is marked by various religious activities and traditions, with particular emphasis on key dates in the calendar.
Two notable days, Maundy Thursday (April 17) and Good Friday (April 18), are recognized as mandatory paid holidays for employees.
During this time, many individuals participate in religious ceremonies or take the opportunity to rest, while others may find themselves required to work.
The Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS) has provided guidelines regarding compensation for employees who work on these important days.
If an employee’s workplace is closed during Maundy Thursday or Good Friday, the employer is mandated to pay the employee their full salary for that day.
However, if an employee is required to work on these designated holidays, they are entitled to receive double their regular pay for each day worked.
The schedule for Holy Week 2025 in Costa Rica is as follows:
- Palm Sunday: April 13
- Holy Monday: April 14
- Holy Tuesday: April 15
- Holy Wednesday: April 16
- Maundy Thursday (Mandatory Paid Holiday): April 17
- Good Friday (Mandatory Paid Holiday): April 18
- Holy Saturday: April 19
- Easter Sunday: April 20
These provisions are in place to protect workers' rights and ensure that they are compensated fairly for their time, particularly during culturally and religiously significant periods.
Two notable days, Maundy Thursday (April 17) and Good Friday (April 18), are recognized as mandatory paid holidays for employees.
During this time, many individuals participate in religious ceremonies or take the opportunity to rest, while others may find themselves required to work.
The Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS) has provided guidelines regarding compensation for employees who work on these important days.
If an employee’s workplace is closed during Maundy Thursday or Good Friday, the employer is mandated to pay the employee their full salary for that day.
However, if an employee is required to work on these designated holidays, they are entitled to receive double their regular pay for each day worked.
The schedule for Holy Week 2025 in Costa Rica is as follows:
- Palm Sunday: April 13
- Holy Monday: April 14
- Holy Tuesday: April 15
- Holy Wednesday: April 16
- Maundy Thursday (Mandatory Paid Holiday): April 17
- Good Friday (Mandatory Paid Holiday): April 18
- Holy Saturday: April 19
- Easter Sunday: April 20
These provisions are in place to protect workers' rights and ensure that they are compensated fairly for their time, particularly during culturally and religiously significant periods.
