Public Holidays in Haiti 2025 – National & Religious Calendar
Haiti observes a mix of national, Christian, and civic public holidays each year. These holidays include celebrations of independence, historical figures, religious observances tied to the Christian liturgical calendar, and national commemorations. On public holidays, many government offices, schools, banks, and businesses close. Some dates (especially religious ones) vary depending on Easter.
Overview of Haiti’s Public Holidays
Haiti’s public holiday calendar blends its revolutionary heritage, Christian tradition, and national identity. Some holidays fall on fixed calendar dates; others shift (e.g. Easter, Ascension, Corpus Christi).
List of Public Holidays in Haiti (2025)
| Date | Day | Holiday | Remarks / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wednesday | Independence Day / New Year’s Day | Commemorates 1804 independence |
| January 2 | Thursday | Founders’ Day / Ancestors’ Day | Honors national ancestors & freedom fighters |
| March 3 | Monday | Lundi Gras (Carnival Monday) | Part of Carnival week (afternoon observed) |
| March 4 | Tuesday | Mardi Gras / Carnival | Principal carnival celebration |
| March 5 | Wednesday | Ash Wednesday | First day of Lent |
| April 18 | Friday | Good Friday | Christian Holy Week observance |
| May 1 | Thursday | Labor & Agriculture Day | National workers’ holiday |
| May 18 | Sunday | Flag Day / University Day | Celebration of Haitian identity & education |
| May 29 | Thursday | Ascension Day | 40 days after Easter |
| June 19 | Thursday | Corpus Christi | Catholic feast of the Eucharist |
| August 15 | Friday | Assumption of Mary | Major Catholic feast day |
| October 17 | Friday | Dessalines Day | Honors Jean-Jacques Dessalines |
| November 1 | Saturday | All Saints’ Day | Catholic observance |
| November 2 | Sunday | All Souls’ Day | Remembrance of the departed |
| November 18 | Tuesday | Battle of Vertières Day | Final major independence battle |
| December 5 | Friday | Discovery Day | Commemorates Columbus’s landing |
| December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day | Christian celebration of Jesus’ birth |
Observations & Notes
- Religious holidays tied to Easter (Good Friday, Ascension, Corpus Christi) change yearly.
- Carnival observances span multiple days (Lundi Gras to Ash Wednesday).
- Discovery Day remains a listed national observance.
Significance of Major Holidays
Independence Day (Jan 1) marks Haiti’s liberation in 1804.
Ancestors’ Day (Jan 2) honors revolutionary founders and heroes.
Dessalines Day commemorates Jean-Jacques Dessalines’s assassination.
Battle of Vertières Day celebrates the decisive victory securing independence.
Carnival season (Lundi Gras – Ash Wednesday) reflects Haiti’s deep cultural and religious heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Haiti have in 2025?
Haiti has around 17 officially recognised public holidays in 2025.
Do Easter-based holidays change every year?
Yes. Good Friday, Ascension Day, and Corpus Christi vary as they follow the liturgical calendar.
What is Ancestors’ Day in Haiti?
Ancestors’ Day (January 2) honors Haiti’s founders and those who fought for independence.
What is Discovery Day?
Discovery Day (December 5) commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in Hispaniola.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Haiti reflect a deep integration of cultural identity, revolutionary history, and Christian tradition, shaping civic and spiritual life throughout the year.
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