Colombia Celebrates New National Holiday: Virgen de Chiquinquirá Day
Colombia now has a new national holiday. The government officially sanctioned Law 2578 of 2026 on June 1, 2026. This law declares July 9 as the Day of Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquirá. Both public and private sector workers receive paid rest for this religious celebration.
Virgen de Chiquinquirá holiday
The Virgen de Chiquinquirá holiday honors Colombia’s patron saint and the municipality of Chiquinquirá in Boyacá. This celebration commemorates the 440th anniversary of the miraculous renovation of the Virgin’s image in 1586. The Virgin of Chiquinquirá holds deep religious significance for millions of Colombians.
Pope Pius VII proclaimed her Patroness of Colombia in 1829. Then, Pope Pius X granted her canonical coronation in 1919. President Gustavo Petro signed the law into effect during a ceremony honoring the Virgin.
Key Details About the New Virgen de Chiquinquirá Holiday
The holiday officially falls on July 9 every year. However, in 2026, paid rest transfers to Monday, July 13. This follows existing Colombian rules for moving certain holidays to Mondays. The law takes effect immediately from its presidential promulgation.
Thousands of pilgrims travel to the Basilica in Chiquinquirá annually. The town sits approximately three hours from Bogotá. Devotees celebrate with religious processions, masses, and cultural festivities. This new holiday strengthens Colombia’s cultural and spiritual identity.
This new holiday joins Colombia’s calendar of religious holidays recognized nationwide. The measure highlights Chiquinquirá’s importance as one of Colombia’s most significant pilgrimage centers. Religious leaders and government officials praised the historic recognition.
Virgen de Chiquinquirá; Credit: Wikipedia
Just wish we could dump all these religious holidays and have some that celebrate actual accomplishments by people who have helped to transform and improve Colombia. For example .. National Metro Day (all metro travel is free), Tropical Wildlife Day (free admit to all parks), National Day of the Artist (Displaying and getting to speak with Artists in Parks and Museums to educate people, National Family Weekend (once a year, 5 day holiday (Thu-Mon) for families to have time together), National Volunteer Day (Give a tax break to people who give their time to help others), etc. etc.
I agree. Or at least create a holiday for something truly meaningful, like the day the slaves were emancipated, things of that nature.