Since 2005, the Costa Rican tourism industry as well as people had been benefiting from a law that moved holidays to the next Monday of the month in order to have long 3 day weekends.

This motion had caused quite a stir among the Costa Rican people due to its moral dilemma of wanting more time to spend with the family or celebrating a national holiday on the day it’s supposed to be observed.

Four major holidays were allowed to be moved to the next Monday in order to allow 3 day weekends.  These holidays are the celebration of the Battle of Rivas on April 11, the annexation of the province of Guanacaste on July 25th, Mother’s Day on August 15th and Ethnicity Day (Columbus Day) on October 12th.

The law was originally passed with the intention of contributing to family union as well as helping the tourism industry.  Families would be able to travel within the country and spend more time with their family while contributing to the tourism industry’s growth.

However, the good intention behind the law found many voices of disapproval since many teenagers and children have no idea why they are getting a day off or what they are supposed to be celebrating.  For the majority of men and women in congress, these are historic dates that must be observed on the intended date.

There is currently a law in the congress which seeks to restore holidays to their original dates.  The authorities who favor returning the holidays to their original dates defend their stance by stating that money should never be above a country’s patriotism and the children and young adults should be in touch with the country’s history at all times.

Voting will take place today and the outcome should be announced this week.