As is often the case for these good news announcements, the four new national holidays (with pay) were proclaimed at a special session of the national assembly, this time in Ciudad Darío, paying tribute to the 159th anniversary of the birth of poet Rubén Darío.
The four new national holidays are;
January 18th – In commemoration of the birth of Rubén Darío (in 1867), an official “National Hero of Nicaragua” who in addition to his poetry is known for his diplomatic work in promoting this regions unity as well as the specific culture of Nicaragua.
February 2nd – Established as the “National Day of Reconciliation and Peace” in honor of the legacy of Cardinal Miguel Obando y Bravo on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his birth (1926). Obando y Bravo was the first Nicaraguan to be named a cardinal and in 2016 the government declared him a “Hero of Peace and Reconciliation”.
February 21st – In honor of General Augusto C. Sandino (18th May 1895 – 21st February 1934), a symbol of resistance and the struggle for national sovereignty. Sandino is a national hero and a beacon of patriotism and self-determination for Latin America. With his trademark wide-brimmed hat and riding boots, Sandino is often depicted in a silhouette form and as such is arguably one of the most recognizable figures in this part of the world.
November 8th – in memory of the life and legacy of Commander Carlos Fonseca Amador (23rd June 1936 – 8th November 1976. Recognized as the founder of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN).
Labor Code
The four new national holidays have been included in the reformed Article 66 of the Labor Code of Nicaragua
With this approval, Article 66 of the Labor Code has been reformed to show the 14 National Holidays (Feriados) in Nicaragua which are;
January 1 – New Year’s Day
January 18 – Ruben Dario
February 2 – Cardinal Miguel Obando y Bravo
February 21 – General Augusto C. Sandino
Variable date – Holy Thursday
Variable date – Good Friday
May 1 – International Day of the Workers
May 30 – Mother’s Day
July 19 – Day of the Revolution
September 14 – Battle of San Jacinto
September 15 – Independence Day
November 8 – Carlos Fonseca Amador
December 8 – Purisima
December 25 – Christmas Day
Note: There are other departmental and/or municipal days (e.g. Fiestas Patronales) proclaimed locally but are not official national holidays (for the purposes of the Labor Code).
The last time a new national holiday was added to the list was in 2022 when Mother’s Day (May 30th) was officially legislated as a feriado at a special session of the National Assembly.
