Maundy Thursday in Costa Rica

Meaning and date

Maundy Thursday falls on the Thursday before Easter Sunday. In Catholic tradition, it recalls the Last Supper, the institution of the Eucharist and Jesus washing his disciples’ feet; the Mass of the Lord’s Supper begins the Easter Triduum.[3]

A holiday under Costa Rican labour law

Costa Rica’s Labour Code lists both Jueves Santo and Viernes Santo as holidays with obligatory pay. The Ministry of Labour says workers are entitled to enjoy these holidays and cannot be sanctioned for refusing to work on one. The law also sets different pay calculations depending on how a workplace pays its employees.[1][2]

The Ministry says Holy Thursday and Good Friday are not moved to another date. This means people should plan around the actual Thursday and Friday of Holy Week rather than expect a substitute weekday off.[2]

Food traditions of Semana Santa

Costa Rican food traditions give Semana Santa a seasonal character. The University of Costa Rica describes miel de chiverre, a sweet preserve made from chiverre squash, as a traditional Easter Week dessert; it is also used as a filling for empanadas. The university notes that food traditions vary between communities and adapt to locally available ingredients.[4]

What to expect for work and shopping

The Labour Code’s rules distinguish between general commerce and specific services. It requires commercial establishments to close on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, while listing hotels, restaurants, bakeries, theatres, cinemas and certain other services that may remain open where applicable laws and regulations allow.[1]

Check directly with the provider before travelling or making plans, since hours and timetables can vary on Holy Thursday.[1]