History

• History and Context:

  The celebration of the Day of the Black Person and Afro-Costa Rican Culture has its roots in the efforts of the Afro-descendant community to make their culture, history, and contributions to Costa Rican society visible. This community, mostly descendants of Jamaican workers who arrived in Costa Rica in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to work on the construction of the railroad and in banana plantations, has historically faced challenges related to discrimination and racism.

• Official Recognition:

  Although the Afro-descendant community had been celebrating this date unofficially for many years, it was not until December 13, 2017, that the Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica approved Law No. 9526, which declares August 31 as the Day of the Black Person and Afro-Costa Rican Culture. This law officially recognizes the importance of Afro-Costa Rican culture and promotes equality and respect for human rights.

• Importance of the Law:

  The enactment of this law was a significant step in the fight against racism and discrimination in Costa Rica, and represents recognition of the country’s cultural diversity. In addition, the law seeks to foster respect and appreciation of Afro-descendant heritage by promoting cultural and educational activities that highlight its richness and diversity.

• Celebration:

  On this date, cultural activities, parades, concerts, and educational events are held to showcase the music, dance, cuisine, and traditions of the Afro-Costa Rican community. These celebrations not only take place in Limón, where a large part of the Afro-descendant population resides, but also throughout the country, as a demonstration of Costa Rica’s integration and multiculturalism.

Labor Legislation:

Official Date:

Sunday, August 31, 2025.

Day Observed:

Sunday, August 31, 2025.

Holiday Type:

Non-mandatory payment.

Law:

Law No. 9526 was approved on December 13, 2017, by the Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica. It was later published in the official gazette La Gaceta on January 4, 2018, and entered into force from that date.

This law was enacted to recognize and honor the contributions of the Afro-descendant community to the country’s culture and history, promoting diversity and respect for Afro-Costa Rican cultural identity.

Regulations:

"The regulations state that all workers have the right to enjoy the holiday; therefore, they cannot be forced to work on this day, nor can they be sanctioned for refusing to do so."

"As this is a non-mandatory paid holiday, companies with weekly payment schemes (in non-commercial activities), meaning they only pay for the actual time worked during the week, must pay only the days worked, excluding the holiday. If the person does not work, they cannot be sanctioned for this reason. The exceptions to this rule are established in Articles 150 and 152 of the Labor Code. If the employee works on this day, they receive regular pay. If they work overtime on this holiday, they must be paid at time and a half, that is, as ordinary overtime."

"Workplaces that pay monthly or bi-weekly, and those dedicated to commerce that pay weekly, must pay the salary for all days of the month, including weekly rest days and holidays. In these cases, they must pay the full salary for the week, half-month, or month, including this holiday. If the employee works on this day, they must add the equivalent of one additional day’s salary, resulting in double pay. If overtime is worked on this holiday, it must be paid at double and a half, meaning triple pay."

"Whether the company is national, multinational, or international, it must grant this holiday to employees working in Costa Rica. Any agreement that implies waiving the right to enjoy holidays is absolutely null and void, according to Article 11 of the Labor Code."

Source: Website of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS) www.mtss.go.cr