If you are planning a trip or a family out during the Holy Week 2025it is important to know the dates established as an official rest in Guatemala.
In accordance with article 127 of the Labor Code, the days of mandatory ruling with salary enjoyment are the Thursday 17, Friday 18 and Saturday April 19corresponding to Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Saturday of Gloriarespectively.
Although the law contemplates those three days as mandatory, in practice some private sector companies extend the rest from noon of the Wednesday April 16as part of internal policies or labor agreements.
This allows many people to start their religious or rest activities a little earlier.
What does Easter every day represent?
The Holy Week is a deeply significant time For most Guatemalans, both for their spiritual dimension and for the cultural and family traditions that are lived throughout the country.
Every day has a special symbolism within the Christian calendar:
Palm Sunday – April 13
It marks the beginning of Holy Week and commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. It is traditional for the faithful to wear blessed palms as a symbol of peace and welcome. In many parishes processions are held with children and young people dressed as biblical characters.
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Santos
They are days dedicated to spiritual reflection. These days the brotherhoods refine details for the main processions and many churches perform special liturgies. In some neighborhoods you can see carpets and devotional activities that prepare the environment.
Holy Thursday – April 17
Commemorates the last dinner and the sink of feet, acts that represent humility, fraternity and service. People usually visit churches for the traditional tour of the seven houses or seven tabernacles, in which the Blessed Sacrament is honored. It is one of the most busy days in the country’s temples.
Good Friday – April 18
It is the most solemn day of Holy Week. The passion, crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ is remembered. In Guatemala, it is a day of recollection, marked by mourning processions, multicolored carpets, living viacrucis and liturgical acts that fill the streets of silence and faith.
Gloria Saturday – April 19
It symbolizes the duel for the death of Jesus and the hopeful wait of his resurrection. Although it is a quieter day, many people take the opportunity to prepare for resurrection Sunday or to travel to tourist destinations before the closing of Holy Week.
Resurrection Sunday – April 20
He celebrates the victory of life over death and the triumph of hope. On this day festive processions, bells and liturgical celebrations that contrast with the tone of the previous days are carried out. It is also a day for reunion and spiritual renewal.
Main destinations for traveling at Holy Week
During this season, Thousands of people take advantage of rest to mobilize within the country.
According to projections of the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (Inguat), the most visited places historically include:
- Antigua Guatemalafor its traditional processions and its colonial environment.
- Lake Atitlán (Sololá)ideal for those who seek rest in nature.
- Retalhuleuwith thematic parks and warm climate.
- Quetzaltenangothat combines history, religion and landscape.
- Pacific beachesamong the favorites for family tourism.
- Izabalwith its Garifuna cultural wealth and destinations such as Río Dulce or Livingston.
- Esquipulasfor his religious sanctuary.
- The truthfuls and the rest of the westlike Huehuetenango and Totonicapán, they also register high influx.
Many travel for religious reasons, while others seek rest, ecological tourism or recreational activities.
It is also estimated that thousands of foreigners will take advantage of the season to learn about the country, their traditions and landscapes.
Also read: 5 Easter traditions in Guatemala: an explosion of color, flavor and faith
A tradition that moves the country
Beyond the rest, Holy Week is a living manifestation of the faith, identity and culture of Guatemala.
Either from spirituality, the art of carpets, popular devotion or tourist mobility, this week transforms the country’s rhythm and connects people with their roots.
Also read: four places to enjoy the traditional Lenten and Holy Week dishes in the Historic Center