Columbus Day in Colombia

Legal status and date

Law 2347 of 2024 establishes October 12 as the Day of Ethnic and Cultural Diversity of the Colombian Nation and makes it a national holiday. The law directs national, departmental, and municipal authorities to promote the recognition of the country’s ethnic and cultural diversity through cultural, educational, pedagogical, and community actions.[1]

A separate holiday law, Law 51 of 1983, gives workers in both the public and private sectors a right to paid rest on October 12. If the date is not a Monday, the paid day of rest transfers to the following Monday; if it falls on a Monday, the day off remains on October 12.[2]

How the holiday’s meaning changed

The holiday’s earlier legal framing linked October 12 to Christopher Columbus and the “discovery of America.” Colombia’s current law gives the date its present name and focuses on recognizing the ethnic and cultural diversity of the nation.[4][1]

The law calls for public authorities to make that diversity visible and to recognize the ethnic groups and cultures living in Colombia on equal terms. It describes action in cultural, educational, pedagogical, and community settings, and requires the relevant ministries to report annually to Congress on public-sector actions and their results.[1]

Observances and customs

The law calls for public authorities to promote recognition of Colombia’s ethnic and cultural diversity through cultural, educational, pedagogical and community actions.[1]

Banks, offices, and travel

Banco de la República lists the date as a Colombian bank holiday and confirms that the day off follows the Monday rule. Check with shops, transport services and other businesses about their hours before making plans.[2][3]

For practical planning, confirm opening hours directly with the office, bank, shop, museum or transport operator you intend to use.