Public Holidays in Barbados 2024
Barbados celebrates several public holidays throughout the year, each with its own cultural, historical, and religious significance. These holidays are observed with various traditions, ceremonies, and festivities, reflecting the rich heritage of the island nation. In this guide, we will explore the public holidays in Barbados 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 marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year and is celebrated with parties, fireworks, and other festive events worldwide, including in Barbados.
Days off: New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Barbados, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Errol Barrow Day – January 21, 2024
Errol Barrow Day commemorates the birthday of the late Right Excellent Errol Walton Barrow, who served as the first Prime Minister of Barbados and played a significant role in the country’s development and independence movement.
Days off: Errol Barrow Day is a public holiday in Barbados, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Good Friday – April 5, 2024
Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is observed with religious services, processions, and other solemn observances.
Days off: Good Friday is a public holiday in Barbados, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Easter Monday – April 8, 2024
Easter Monday follows Easter Sunday and is part of the Easter holiday period. It is a day for relaxation and family gatherings, with many Barbadians enjoying picnics, beach outings, and other leisure activities.
Days off: Easter Monday is a public holiday in Barbados, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
National Heroes Day – April 28, 2024
National Heroes Day honors outstanding Barbadians who have made significant contributions to the country’s development and heritage. It is a day to celebrate the achievements and legacies of national heroes.
Days off: National Heroes Day is a public holiday in Barbados, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Labour Day – May 1, 2024
Labour Day is observed internationally to honor the contributions of workers to society and advocate for labor rights and improved working conditions.
Days off: Labour Day is a public holiday in Barbados, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Whit Monday – June 10, 2024
Whit Monday, also known as Pentecost Monday, is celebrated on the day after Pentecost Sunday and commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles.
Days off: Whit Monday is a public holiday in Barbados, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Emancipation Day – August 1, 2024
Emancipation Day marks the anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Barbados on August 1, 1834. It is a day to reflect on the struggles of enslaved people and celebrate freedom and cultural heritage.
Days off: Emancipation Day is a public holiday in Barbados, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Kadooment Day – August 5, 2024
Kadooment Day is the climax of the Crop Over Festival, Barbados’ biggest cultural event. It features colorful street parades, music, dancing, and revelry, celebrating the end of the sugar cane harvest season.
Days off: Kadooment Day is not a public holiday in Barbados, but it is celebrated with festivities across the island.
Independence Day – November 30, 2024
Independence Day commemorates Barbados’ independence from British colonial rule on November 30, 1966. It is a national holiday celebrated with flag-raising ceremonies, parades, cultural performances, and other events.
Days off: Independence Day is a public holiday in Barbados, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Christmas Day – December 25, 2024
Christmas Day is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed with religious services, festive meals, and the exchange of gifts.
Days off: Christmas Day is a public holiday in Barbados, 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.
Days off: Boxing Day is a public holiday in Barbados, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Table: Summary of Public Holidays in Barbados 2024
| Holiday | Date | Description | Days Off for Groups |
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Beginning of the Gregorian calendar year | Nationwide |
| Errol Barrow Day | January 21 | Commemoration of the birthday of Errol Barrow | Nationwide |
| Good Friday | April 5 | Commemoration of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ | Nationwide |
| Easter Monday | April 8 | End of Holy Week | Nationwide |
| National Heroes Day | April 28 | Celebration of national heroes | Nationwide |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Celebration of workers’ contributions | Nationwide |
| Whit Monday | June 10 | End of the Easter season | Nationwide |
| Emancipation Day | August 1 | Commemoration of the abolition of slavery | Nationwide |
| Independence Day | November 30 | Celebration of Barbados’ independence | Nationwide |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ | Nationwide |
| Boxing Day | December 26 | Day for giving and relaxation | Nationwide |