The official calendar of holidays in Peru for 2025 has been released, offering a mix of national holidays and newly declared non-working days that promise to benefit workers across the country.
In a bid to enhance local tourism and provide citizens with more opportunities for leisure, the government of Peru has declared three new non-working days in 2025: May 2, December 26, and January 2, 2026. These additions create three long weekends, allowing many to plan extended breaks. As expected, workers are eager for these days off, especially as the next national holiday after May 1 is set for June 7, which commemorates Flag Day.
According to the official calendar, Peru will observe a total of 16 national holidays in 2025, encompassing both religious and civic celebrations. Workers are entitled to take these days off with remuneration, as outlined in Article 4 of Legislative Decree No. 713. The complete list of national holidays includes:
- January 1: New Year
- April 17: Holy Thursday
- April 18: Good Friday
- May 1: Labor Day
- June 7: Battle of Arica and Flag Day
- June 29: Saint Peter and Saint Paul
- July 23: Peruvian Air Force Day
- July 28: National Holidays
- July 29: National Holidays
- August 6: Battle of Junín
- August 30: Santa Rosa de Lima
- October 8: Combat of Angamos
- November 1: All Saints' Day
- December 8: Immaculate Conception
- December 9: Battle of Ayacucho
- December 25: Christmas
While the national calendar offers a comprehensive view of holidays, it is important to differentiate between a national holiday and a non-working day. A national holiday allows all workers, both in the public and private sectors, to take the day off. Should an employee work on a national holiday, they are entitled to additional pay, typically at triple the normal rate, regardless of whether it falls on a Sunday.
A non-working day, on the other hand, is designated by the government and primarily applies to the public sector. In the private sector, employers have the discretion to decide whether their employees will work. If employees do work, they will not receive extra pay, but their hours must be compensated within the following ten days, either through overtime or by adjusting their vacation time.
Additionally, May 26, 2025, has been declared a non-working day in the province of Ilo, located in the department of Moquegua. This recognition is due to the anniversary of its political creation, as specified in Law No. 31667. For workers in the public sector, this day will require the recovery of hours not worked in the subsequent week or at a later agreed date.
Moreover, for those in Tacna, May 26 will also be a regional holiday in honor of the heroes who fell during the 'Battle of the Campo de la Alianza,' as stipulated by Law No. 24681. In this case, the holiday is paid and does not require recovery of hours.
As the calendar year progresses, citizens in Peru can look forward to several opportunities to take a break from their daily routines. The upcoming holidays include:
- June 7: Battle of Arica and Flag Day
- June 29: Saint Peter and Saint Paul
- July 23: Peruvian Air Force Day
- July 28: National Holidays
- July 29: National Holidays
- August 6: Battle of Junín
- August 30: Santa Rosa de Lima
- October 8: Combat of Angamos
- November 1: All Saints' Day
- December 8: Immaculate Conception
- December 9: Battle of Ayacucho
- December 25: Christmas
These holidays not only provide a chance for relaxation and family time but also encourage local tourism, which has become increasingly important for the economy. As Peruvians prepare for their upcoming breaks, many are expected to travel within the country to enjoy the diverse cultural and natural attractions that Peru has to offer.
In summary, the 2025 holiday calendar in Peru is packed with opportunities for both relaxation and celebration. With the addition of new non-working days, citizens can enjoy longer weekends and plan vacations, particularly in May and December. As families gather to celebrate national holidays and regional commemorations, the spirit of unity and pride in Peru's rich history continues to flourish.
