What Is Open And Not This Week
Semana Santa is for many a time for reflexion, but for many a time for fun and vacation. This year is no different and many visitors and residents alike typically get confused on what is open and closed during the week.

Most government offices and agencies are closed. Government employees left work on Friday and will return on Tuesday April 18. However, workers at the Correos Costa Rica (post office) will be at their job, as well as workers of the Institution Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) and other public utilities, until Wednesday.

Workers of the Registro Nacional have called a day strike on Tuesday, so the registro will effectively be back to normal on Wednesday and not Tuesday.

Banks and financial institutions are open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and will be closed from Thursday to Monday, re-opening on Tuesday.

Most malls and shopping centres will be open during the entire week, though some may close for Thursday and Friday. Most supermarkets will be open during the entire week, but on reduced hours on Thursday and Friday.|

What will be definitely closed on Thursday and Friday will be bars and liquor stores. Beginning at midnight Wednesday night and continues until after midnight on Friday, the "Ley Seca" - dry law - comes into effect and bars must close. Supermarkets will have their liquor section closed off and restaurants will not be able to serve wine, beer or liquor with meals.

The Fuerza Pública (police) and municipal officials will be on hand late Wednesday night to "tape up" - the tradition of placing an official tape over doors and areas where liquor is sold - at all bars, restaurants and supermarkets.

A proposal to rescind the Ley Seca, a law that is seen as archaic by many, did not make it to the Legislative Assembly in time for this year.