Mother's Day in Costa Rica

A date established in Costa Rica

The date has a specific Costa Rican history. In 1932, the country’s Congress established August 15 as Mother’s Day in schools, colleges, state asylums and state charitable institutions. The decree describes its purpose as paying tribute to Costa Rican mothers and makes August 15 the fixed annual date.[1]

The initiative came from the Nicolás Ulloa School in Heredia, according to Costa Rica’s National Archive. The original decree set out where the observance was to be held; it did not prescribe a particular meal, gift or family custom.[1]

A religious date and a public observance

August 15 is also the Catholic solemnity of the Assumption of Mary. Costa Rica’s cultural information system explains that the Mother’s Day date was chosen to coincide with the feast. In Catholic teaching, the Assumption refers to Mary being taken to heaven, body and soul, after her earthly life.[2]

Historical press accounts described Mother’s Day observances in schools and colleges in cities, as well as in rural and more distant areas.[2]

Paid holiday and practical plans

The Ministry of Labor and Social Security lists August 15 as a mandatory paid holiday for all workers. It says the holiday remains on the date and is not transferred to another day when August 15 falls on a weekend. Workers generally cannot be required to work that day without agreeing, subject to exceptions in the Labor Code.[3][4]

Pay treatment depends on the pay schedule and whether the work is commercial. The Ministry explains that the holiday must be paid, and that working it generally brings additional pay; the calculation differs between weekly pay in noncommercial work and monthly, biweekly or weekly commercial pay.[3][4]

Check directly with the office, bank, shop or transport service for its holiday schedule.