2024 Public Holidays in Antigua and Barbuda
Public Holidays in Antigua and Barbuda 2024
Antigua and Barbuda celebrate various public holidays throughout the year, reflecting the nation’s cultural, historical, and religious diversity. These holidays are observed with enthusiasm and are often marked by traditional ceremonies, festivities, and community events. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the public holidays in Antigua and Barbuda for the year 2024, providing detailed descriptions of each holiday along with information on the groups entitled to days off.
New Year’s Day – January 1, 2024
New Year’s Day is celebrated worldwide as the first day of the Gregorian calendar year. In Antigua and Barbuda, it is a time for reflection, resolutions, and gatherings with family and friends. The day is marked by parties, fireworks, and other festive events.
Days off: New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Antigua and Barbuda, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Good Friday – April 12, 2024
Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is observed by Christians around the world. In Antigua and Barbuda, it is a solemn day of reflection and prayer, with church services and processions held throughout the country.
Days off: Good Friday is a public holiday in Antigua and Barbuda, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Easter Monday – April 15, 2024
Easter Monday follows Easter Sunday and marks the end of the Easter weekend. It is a day of relaxation and family gatherings in Antigua and Barbuda, with some communities organizing picnics, beach outings, and other festive activities.
Days off: Easter Monday is a public holiday in Antigua and Barbuda, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Labour Day – May 6, 2024
Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, celebrates the achievements of workers and the labor movement. In Antigua and Barbuda, it is a day to honor the contributions of workers to the nation’s development and prosperity.
Days off: Labour Day is a public holiday in Antigua and Barbuda, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Whit Monday – June 24, 2024
Whit Monday, also known as Pentecost Monday, is celebrated by Christians to commemorate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. In Antigua and Barbuda, it is a time for religious observance, with church services and gatherings held across the islands.
Days off: Whit Monday is a public holiday in Antigua and Barbuda, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Carnival Monday – August 5, 2024
Carnival Monday marks the beginning of the Antiguan Carnival, a vibrant celebration of the nation’s culture, music, and heritage. It is a day of colorful costumes, lively parades, and energetic performances by local artists and bands.
Days off: Carnival Monday is not an official public holiday in Antigua and Barbuda, but it is widely celebrated, with many businesses and schools closing or operating on reduced hours to allow residents to participate in Carnival festivities.
Carnival Tuesday – August 6, 2024
Carnival Tuesday is the highlight of the Antiguan Carnival, featuring elaborate masquerade costumes, steel pan music, and street parades. It is a day of joyous celebration and revelry, with locals and visitors alike joining in the festivities.
Days off: Carnival Tuesday is not an official public holiday in Antigua and Barbuda, but it is widely celebrated, with many businesses and schools closing or operating on reduced hours to allow residents to participate in Carnival festivities.
Independence Day – November 1, 2024
Independence Day commemorates the attainment of independence from British colonial rule in 1981. In Antigua and Barbuda, it is a time for national pride and reflection, with flag-raising ceremonies, cultural performances, and other patriotic events held throughout the islands.
Days off: Independence Day is a public holiday in Antigua and Barbuda, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Christmas Day – December 25, 2024
Christmas Day is celebrated by Christians around the world as the birth of Jesus Christ. In Antigua and Barbuda, it is a time for religious observance, family gatherings, and festive meals, with church services held in churches and open-air venues.
Days off: Christmas Day is a public holiday in Antigua and Barbuda, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Boxing Day – December 26, 2024
Boxing Day is traditionally observed as a day for giving to the less fortunate and spending time with family and friends. In Antigua and Barbuda, it is a time for relaxation, beach outings, and community gatherings.
Days off: Boxing Day is a public holiday in Antigua and Barbuda, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Table: Summary of Public Holidays in Antigua and Barbuda 2024
Holiday | Date | Description | Days Off for Groups |
New Year’s Day | January 1 | Beginning of the Gregorian calendar year | Government, Businesses, Educational |
Good Friday | April 12 | Commemoration of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ | Government, Businesses, Educational |
Easter Monday | April 15 | End of Holy Week | Government, Businesses, Educational |
Labour Day | May 6 | Celebration of workers’ contributions | Government, Businesses, Educational |
Whit Monday | June 24 | Commemoration of the descent of the Holy Spirit | Government, Businesses, Educational |
Carnival Monday | August 5 | Start of the Antiguan Carnival | Some businesses, Educational |
Carnival Tuesday | August 6 | Highlight of the Antiguan Carnival | Some businesses, Educational |
Independence Day | November 1 | Commemoration of independence from British rule | Government, Businesses, Educational |
Christmas Day | December 25 | Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ | Government, Businesses, Educational |
Boxing Day | December 26 | Day for giving and relaxation | Government, Businesses, Educational |