The president of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Chaves Robles, declared a national holiday for May 8, 2026, the date on which the transfer of presidential powers to Laura Fernández will take place, in a decision that aims to strengthen citizen participation at a central moment in the country's democratic life.
The measure was made official by Executive Decree No. 45,680-MGP and establishes the suspension of activities in all offices and offices of the public sector. The objective, as explained by the government, is to allow citizens to attend and be part of a day considered historic for Costa Rican institutions.
Rodrigo Chaves with President Donald Trump
From the Presidential House they pointed out that the transfer of command not only represents a change of government, but also one of the fundamental pillars of the democratic system: the peaceful and orderly transition of power. In this sense, the Executive seeks to transform the event into a “civic party” with high popular participation
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Despite the holiday, the decree clarifies that essential services will continue to operate normally. Areas such as health, safety, emergencies and other essential services must ensure their operation to avoid affecting the population during the day
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The main event will take place at the National Stadium, chosen for its capacity to house a larger number of citizens compared to previous ceremonies. This decision responds to the intention of opening the event to the general population and giving it a more inclusive and massive character
. Costa Rica National Stadium
May 8 will also mark the end of Rodrigo Chaves' term of office, which began in 2022, and the inauguration of Laura Fernández's new administration in a political context that has been marked by institutional tensions and debates about the direction of
the country.
In this way, the decreed holiday has not only an administrative character, but also a symbolic one: it seeks to highlight the importance of democracy and promote the active participation of citizens at a key moment for the political future of Costa Rica.
