DESTINATIONS costa rica hours-of-operation-48

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Hours of Operation

Like the rest of the world, Costa Rica's business hours have been expanding. Megamalls are usually open seven days a week, opening around 10 am and closing around 9 pm. Some government offices and smaller businesses close for lunch, especially in rural areas, but jornada continúa (without the lunch break) is becoming more common in San José. Larger museums usually keep a Monday-to-Sunday schedule, and smaller ones are open weekdays. National parks often close one day a week; for example, Manuel Antonio is closed Monday. Eateries in beach towns and other tourist areas often stay open seven days a week, while those in the cities close Sunday and sometimes Monday. Bars and nightclubs are generally open until 1 or 2 am. Last calls vary from place to place.

Three public holidays (April 11, July 25, and October 12) are usually observed on the following Monday. Government offices and commercial establishments observe all the holidays. The only days the country truly shuts down are Holy Thursday and Good Friday; some buses still run, but no alcohol can be purchased, and most restaurants and all stores are closed.

Holidays

January 1: New Year (Año Nuevo)

April 11: Juan Santamaría Day (Día de Juan Santamaría)

Easter Week: Holy Thursday and Good Friday, religious activities (Semana Santa)

May 1: International Labor Day (Día del Trabajador)

July 25: Annexation of Guanacaste Province (Anexión de Guanacaste)

August 2: Day of the Virgin of Los Angeles (Virgen de los Ángeles), patron saint of Costa Rica

August 15: Mother's Day (Día de la Madre)

September 15: Independence Day (Día de Independencia)

October 12: Culture Day (Día de las Culturas)

December 25: Christmas (Navidad)

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