What to do during Argentina Public Holidays
Argentines love their holidays, and this year they will be blessed with 20 “feriados” or holidays. However for the tourist the thought of closed shops, closed restaurants, closed spanish schools in Buenos Aires and closed cultural centers doesn’t have the same thrill as it does to your daily Buenos Aires office worker.
Don’t despair, there are many ways a visitor can enjoy the day when the city has shut its doors. Below you will find a list of activities and places that will remain open during any Argentine public holiday and the “feriados” calendar:
Public Holidays in Argentina for 2023:
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Sun | New Year’s Day |
| 20 Feb | Mon | Carnival “Carnaval” |
| 21 Feb | Tue | Carnival “Carnaval” |
| 24 Mar | Fri | Truth and Justice Day |
| 7 Apr | Fri | Good Friday |
| 2 Apr | Sun | Malvinas Day (observed on 3 Apr, Mon) |
| 1 May | Mon | Labor Day |
| 25 May | Thu | Revolution Day |
| 17 Jun | Sat | Martín Miguel de Güemes’ Day |
| 20 Jun | Tue | Flag Day (Dia de la Bandera) |
| 9 Jul | Sun | Independence Day |
| 21 Aug | Mon | Death of San Martin |
| 12 Oct | Thu | Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity |
| 20 Nov | Mon | National Sovereignty Day |
| 8 Dec | Fri | Immaculate Conception |
| 24 Dec | Sun | Christmas Eve (observed on 25 Dec, Mon along with Christmas) |
| 25 Dec | Mon | Christmas Day |
| 31 Dec | Sun | New Year’s Eve |
What to do in Buenos Aires During Public Holidays:
Iguazu Falls
We know it is a long bus trip from Buenos Aires to the Iguazu Falls but if your budget can’t stretch to a plane flight, at least make use of the great bus quality and get a good night’s rest on the overnight service. You can spend a couple of days enjoying the stunning scenery at Iguazu waterfalls. Take a paddle along the river, a speed boat into the falls or a helicopter over the National Park.
Perito Moreno Glaciar
Perito Moreno Glacier is an wonderful site to visit in Patagonia. Walk on the ice wearing cleats and experience massive blocks of ice rupturing away from the glacier. It is an incredible reminder of the fragility of our world as well as an example of the power nature has. The glacier is located in the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares and you can book guided tours or just a day trip to explore the sites from Buenos Aires.
Go for a Walk
Put on your walking shoes and head outdoors. With fewer people on the streets you will have the space to walk, stop and take in your surrounds. Don’t forget to look up to view the ornate decorations of some of the buildings. Stroll the inner city in peace, or head into the neighbourhoods of San Telmo, Palermo, Recoleta or Puerto Madero.
Rent a Bicycle in Buenos Aires
The roads are quiet, the buses are less frequent and there are few pedestrians j-walking. This is the time to take to the streets and pedal your way around the city. Hire a bike to cruise around the Costanera Sur or better yet join a bike tour of Buenos Aires and have a local guide show you the main sights and hidden gems.
The Easter long weekend starts the final day of March when many porteños will take Thursday off work and enjoy an extra long break. It is a good excuse to go do some travelling yourself.
Surf Trip to Mar Del Plata
Get out of the city and join in a long weekend surf trip to Mar del Plata. The swell isn’t quite Hawaii but for beginners and intermediate surfers it is still a great beach scene. Equipment hire and surf lessons are all possible so cross your fingers for the sun and hit the beach!
Buenos Aires Hop-on hop-off Bus (Yellow Bus)
With complimentary audio commentary in a choice of 10 languages the route takes nearly 3 hours if you choose not to get off at one of the 33 stops. It is a great way to see many of the cities popular sights from the comfort of a specially designed tourist mover, complete with an open air top level on sunny days. Buses run every 20-30 minutes, from 9am to 5pm
Go for a Run
Buenos Aires has some incredible parks like Lagos de Palermo, 3 de Febrero, Reserva Ecológica, Costanera Sur y Norte among others. This could be a great way to discover the city from a different perspective.
So don’t stay locked up in your room during the public holidays, get out and explore the city and Argentina.
For more information regarding Argentine Public Holidays contact our Clases de Ingles Vamos Spanish Academy or visit us at Viamonte 1516, CABA, Argentina +54 11 5984-2201
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