Reformation Day in Chile

Chile’s public holiday

Chile first designated October 31 as the National Day of Evangelical and Protestant Churches by decree in 2005. Law 20.299, promulgated in 2008, then established the date as a public holiday and named it for those churches.[1][4]

The date normally remains October 31. If that date falls on a Wednesday, the holiday moves to the Friday of the same week; if it falls on a Tuesday, it moves to the previous Friday. The law does not specify a shift for other weekdays.[1]

The legal name reflects the holiday’s Chilean purpose: recognizing the country’s Evangelical and Protestant churches. In the legislative record, supporters described the holiday as recognition of their historical and social contribution and a way for church communities to mark the day outside work and school schedules.[4]

Meaning and origin

The October 31 date connects the Chilean observance with the Protestant Reformation. Chile’s legislative record links it to Martin Luther’s Ninety-five Theses in Wittenberg in 1517, an event associated with the beginning of the Protestant tradition.[1][4]

In Chile, the date has a specific national designation and legal purpose; it is not simply a general observance of the Reformation. The official name centers Evangelical and Protestant churches, and the law makes the occasion a public holiday.[1][4]

Work and practical planning

The Directorate of Labour says Sundays and days declared holidays are rest days for workers under the general regime. Some workers may be scheduled on Sundays and holidays under legal exceptions; employers must then provide compensatory rest for the holiday worked.[2]

This holiday is not one of the mandatory, non-waivable holidays listed for commerce by the Directorate of Labour. The special rule requiring most commerce workers to have those days off therefore does not apply to October 31; individual businesses may set their opening hours. Check directly before visiting a shop or service.[3]

The day before All Saints’ Day, November 1, may create a consecutive holiday period, but it does not guarantee a long weekend every year. The statute shifts October 31 only when it falls on Tuesday or Wednesday, and the two dates can fall on different weekdays in other years.[1][4]