The Colombian government sanctioned a law declaring July 9 as the Day of Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquirá, raising national holidays to 19 in 2026.
The new regulation, recently sanctioned, establishes July 9 as a mandatory rest day for public and private sector workers. Under the 1983 Emiliani Law, the holiday moves to the following Monday, so in 2026 it will be observed on July 13. Colombia now leads the OECD ranking for national holidays alone, ahead of Japan and Lithuania with 17 each. The 19 days represent around 152 hours not worked annually, based on an eight-hour workday. In addition to the holidays, legislation guarantees 15 paid vacation days. Starting July 15, 2026, the maximum workweek will drop from 44 to 42 hours, further reducing effective working time.
