Mother’s Day in Costa Rica is August 15, not the second Sunday in May. It’s a national paid holiday that falls on the Catholic Feast of the Assumption, and for many families it’s one of the biggest days of the year, with long lunches, flowers, serenades and full restaurants.
This guide is for travelers and expats who’ll be in Costa Rica in mid-August or want to understand the holiday. It covers when Mother’s Day in Costa Rica falls, how it started, how Ticos celebrate and what the holiday means for your plans.
| Mother’s Day in Costa Rica | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Date | August 15 every year |
| Spanish name | Día de la Madre |
| Holiday status | National holiday with mandatory paid time off |
| Also | Catholic Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary |
| Established | 1932, by executive decree |
| Next dates | Sunday, Aug. 15, 2027; Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2028; Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2029 |
| What to say | “¡Feliz Día de la Madre!” (Happy Mother’s Day) |
The date
When Is Mother’s Day in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica celebrates Mother’s Day on August 15 every year. The date doesn’t follow the U.S. and Canadian custom of the second Sunday in May, so if you’re visiting from North America, the two holidays are about three months apart.
August 15 is one of Costa Rica’s mandatory paid holidays. It’s normally observed on the date itself, even when it falls on a weekend, as it did in 2026 (a Saturday). The government has moved some holidays to Mondays in certain recent years, so check the official calendar for your travel year. Our guide to Costa Rica’s holidays and celebrations lists the full calendar.
History
Why Costa Rica Celebrates Mother’s Day on August 15
The holiday dates to 1932. That August, the government issued Executive Decree 79, which declared August 15 of every year as Mother’s Day. The idea came from the Escuela Nicolás Ulloa, a school in Heredia, which campaigned to honor mothers on a fixed national date. Earlier, smaller observances had been held, including a “Fiesta de las Madres” in 1923.
August 15 is also the Feast of the Assumption, when Catholics mark the Virgin Mary being taken up into heaven. In a mostly Catholic country, the overlap gives the day a religious side as well as a family one. Many families attend Mass, and some visit cemeteries to leave flowers for mothers and grandmothers who have died. Read more about religion in Costa Rica.
Traditions
How Costa Ricans Celebrate Mother’s Day
Family is at the center of Costa Rican life, and Mother’s Day is when that shows most. Celebrations vary from family to family, but these are the traditions you’re most likely to see.
- A big family meal: Grown children, grandchildren and extended family gather, usually for lunch. Some cook at home; many go out, which is why restaurants fill up.
- Breakfast for mom: Kids may make breakfast, often gallo pinto with eggs and coffee, so mom gets the morning off.
- Flowers and gifts: Flowers are the classic gift, and stores run Mother’s Day promotions in the run-up to the holiday.
- Serenades: Some families hire musicians to sing to mom at home or at a restaurant.
- School events: Many schools hold small performances or make cards with students in the days before the holiday.
- Mass and cemetery visits: Religious families attend church for the Assumption and bring flowers to the graves of mothers and grandmothers.
For travelers
What Mother’s Day Means for Your Trip
If you’re in Costa Rica on August 15, the holiday will affect your plans more than you might expect.
- Banks and government offices close. Shops may open with shorter hours. Tourist businesses, such as hotels, tour operators and parks, generally stay open.
- Restaurants fill up. Book lunch ahead if you want a table anywhere popular, especially in and around San José.
- Expect traffic and full beaches on long weekends. When August 15 falls on a Friday or Monday, many families head to the beach, and roads out of the Central Valley get busy.
- Order flowers ahead. Flower shops get busy close to the date.
- Plan around the next holiday. Independence Day on September 15 is a month later; see our guide to Costa Rica’s Independence Day.
For expats
Tips for Expats Celebrating Mother’s Day
- Celebrate twice if you like. Many North American expats call home in May and join Costa Rican celebrations in August.
- Remember the people around you. Many Costa Ricans recognize the mothers in their working and social lives, so a card or small gift for a colleague, neighbor or household employee who’s a mom is appreciated.
- Shop local. Look for handmade gifts at markets like San José’s Central Market, or see our guide to Costa Rican souvenirs for ideas such as coffee and crafts.
- Learn a few phrases. “Feliz Día de la Madre” and “mamá” go a long way. Our guide to learning Spanish in Costa Rica can help.
- Know the pay rules if you employ staff. August 15 is a mandatory paid holiday, so employees who work that day are generally owed double pay. Check with an accountant or lawyer for your situation.
Settling in for the long term? Read what to know about moving to Costa Rica, and for local events around the holiday, check The Tico Times.
FAQ
Mother’s Day in Costa Rica FAQ
When is Mother’s Day in Costa Rica?
August 15 every year. It is a national holiday and coincides with the Catholic Feast of the Assumption.
Is Mother’s Day a public holiday in Costa Rica?
Yes. August 15 is one of Costa Rica’s mandatory paid holidays. Banks and government offices close, while tourist businesses usually stay open.
Why is Costa Rica’s Mother’s Day on August 15?
A 1932 executive decree set August 15 as Mother’s Day, after a campaign by a school in Heredia. The date is also the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
How do you say Happy Mother’s Day in Costa Rica?
“¡Feliz Día de la Madre!” is the standard greeting.
How do Costa Ricans celebrate Mother’s Day?
With family lunches, flowers, gifts, school events, serenades and, for many families, Mass and visits to the graves of mothers and grandmothers.
Does Mother’s Day move to a Monday?
It’s normally observed on August 15 itself. The government has moved some holidays to Mondays in certain years, so check the official calendar for the year you’re traveling.
The short version
Mother’s Day in Costa Rica is August 15, a national paid holiday and the Feast of the Assumption.
Families celebrate with long lunches, flowers, serenades and church, so restaurants fill and banks close.
If you’re traveling that day, book lunch ahead and wish the moms you meet “¡Feliz Día de la Madre!”