Colombia will have a new national holiday starting in 2026, following the enactment of Law 2578 of 2026, which pays homage to the municipality of Chiquinquirá, in Boyacá, and to one of the most significant episodes of Catholicism in the country: the miracle of the renewal of the Virgin of the Rosary, which occurred in 1586. The law, signed by the national government on June 1, establishes July 9 as the Day of Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquirá, a mandatory holiday for both the public and private sectors.
A miracle that marked Marian devotion
The so-called «miracle of the renewal» of the Virgin of the Rosary of Chiquinquirá is considered the origin of the most important Marian devotion in Colombia. According to Catholic tradition, in 1586 the image of the Virgin, which was deteriorated, was inexplicably restored, an event interpreted as a miracle. This event made Chiquinquirá one of the main religious pilgrimage centers in the country and consolidated the Virgin as the national patroness. The law seeks precisely to reinforce this historical and spiritual legacy.
Details of Law 2578 of 2026
The regulation not only creates a new holiday but also incorporates an agenda of historical and cultural recognition around Chiquinquirá. The official document contemplates the commemoration of three key milestones: the 440 years of the miracle of the renewal of the Virgin, which occurred on December 26, 1586; the 216 years of the declaration of the city as a Republican Villa; and the 40 years of the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1986. Additionally, the law authorizes the national government to manage resources for strategic projects in the region, subject to budget availability, such as the master plan for the aqueduct and sewage system of Chiquinquirá, the Transversal de Boyacá, and the construction of the dual carriageway between Zipaquirá and Barbosa.
Application of the new holiday
Due to the Emiliani Law, the paid rest day will not necessarily be celebrated on the same day as the commemoration. In 2026, the holiday will be moved to Monday, July 13, thus creating a national long weekend. With this addition, Colombia will have 19 national holidays during the year, a figure that keeps it among the Latin American nations with the highest number of official holidays. The calendar includes dates such as January 1 (New Year’s Day), January 12 (Epiphany), March 23 (St. Joseph’s Day), April 2 and 3 (Maundy Thursday and Good Friday), May 1 (Labor Day), May 18 (Ascension of the Lord), June 8 (Corpus Christi), June 15 (Sacred Heart of Jesus), June 29 (Sts. Peter and Paul), July 13 (Day of Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquirá), July 20 (Independence Day), August 7 (Battle of Boyacá), August 17 (Assumption of the Virgin), October 12 (Day of Ethnic and Cultural Diversity), November 2 (All Saints’ Day), November 16 (Independence of Cartagena), December 8 (Immaculate Conception), and December 25 (Christmas).
Cultural and religious boost
The regulation also includes the production of audiovisual content to disseminate the history of the municipality through the public media system, with the aim of promoting the cultural and religious heritage of Chiquinquirá throughout the country. With this decision, the government seeks not only to expand the holiday calendar but also to strengthen the historical and religious identity of one of the most deeply rooted traditions in Colombia. The entry into force of this new provision expands rest days for workers and students, while modifying the planning of work, academic, and tourism activities during the second half of the year.
Source
Original source: www.minuto60.com (published June 7, 2026)
Photo: Jhonathan David Posso Guaitarilla on Unsplash
