Public Holidays in Antigua and Barbuda 2026 – National & Caribbean Festivities

Public holidays in Antigua and Barbuda in 2026 include national celebrations, Christian religious holidays, Carnival, Independence Day and a special holiday following the general election. The official schedule contains 14 nationwide public holiday dates, counting the November 2 Independence Day observance and the additional May 1 election holiday. The dates follow the country's public holiday legislation and the Labour Department's corrected 2026 announcement.

On this pageTable of Content

Next Public Holiday in Antigua and Barbuda

No public holidays found.

Public Holidays in Antigua and Barbuda 2026

No public holidays found.

Public holidays in Antigua and Barbuda are governed by the Public Holidays Act, Cap. 354, as amended. The law establishes the country's recurring holidays, determines certain observed dates and recognizes the day following a general election as a public holiday.

The 2026 calendar includes fixed holidays such as New Year's Day, Independence Day, V.C. Bird Day and Christmas Day, alongside movable holidays including Easter Monday, Whit Monday and Carnival. The Office of the Labour Commissioner also confirmed September 10 as the correct National Day of Prayer for 2026.

National Holidays in Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda's national holidays commemorate independence, political leadership, labour achievements and cultural traditions. The statutory calendar applies across both islands, although community celebrations and local events may vary.

Independence Day

Independence Day is celebrated on November 1 each year, commemorating Antigua and Barbuda's independence from the United Kingdom in 1981. The occasion is marked by national ceremonies, cultural performances and activities celebrating the country's history and identity.

In 2026, November 1 falls on a Sunday. Under the Public Holidays (Amendment) Act, 2019, the following Monday, November 2, is also a public holiday, when official Independence Day activities are observed.

V.C. Bird Day

V.C. Bird Day is observed on December 9 in honour of Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Sr., Antigua and Barbuda's first Prime Minister and an important figure in the country's labour movement and political development.

The holiday recognizes his contributions to national independence and public life. The 2019 legislation also provides for a Monday observance when December 9 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, although no such adjustment is necessary in 2026.

Labour Day

Labour Day is celebrated on the first Monday in May. It recognizes the country's labour movement and the contributions of workers to national development.

In 2026, Labour Day falls on May 4. It follows the special May 1 public holiday created by the general election, resulting in a four-day break for employees who normally work Monday through Friday.

Special Public Holiday Following the 2026 General Election

Antigua and Barbuda held a general election on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The following day, Friday, May 1, is a statutory public holiday under the Public Holidays (Amendment) Act, 2019.

The amendment explicitly includes the day following a general election in Antigua and Barbuda among the country's public holidays. This provision means the additional holiday is triggered by the occurrence of a general election rather than being a permanent annual holiday on May 1.

The legal basis is found in Section 3 and the replacement Schedule of the Public Holidays (Amendment) Act, 2019.

Because Labour Day falls on Monday, May 4, the election-related holiday provides an extended weekend from Friday, May 1, through Monday, May 4, for employees with a standard Saturday-Sunday weekend.

Carnival Holidays in Antigua and Barbuda in 2026

Antigua and Barbuda's Carnival is one of the country's most important cultural celebrations. The statutory Carnival holidays fall on the first Monday in August and the Tuesday immediately following it.

In 2026, Carnival Monday falls on August 3 and Carnival Tuesday on August 4. Together with the preceding weekend, the two holidays create a four-day break for many workers.

Carnival celebrations feature music, street performances, elaborate costumes, dancing and cultural events. Antigua's Carnival is closely associated with the country's emancipation history and modern national identity.

Both Carnival days are recognized as public holidays under the Public Holidays (Amendment) Act, 2019, rather than being merely optional festival observances.

National Day of Prayer in Antigua and Barbuda

The National Day of Prayer is observed on the second Thursday in September. It provides an opportunity for prayer, reflection and community gatherings across the country.

For 2026, the correct public holiday date is Thursday, September 10.

The Office of the Labour Commissioner issued a corrected public holiday notice in March 2026 after identifying an error in Official Gazette Nos. 60 and 61. The earlier listing had incorrectly identified September 17 as the holiday date.

The Labour Department confirmed September 10, 2026, as the officially recognized date and instructed the public, employers and institutions to use the corrected schedule.

The correction is documented in the Labour Department's public holiday amendment notice reported on March 24, 2026.

Religious Public Holidays in Antigua and Barbuda

Several nationwide public holidays in Antigua and Barbuda follow the Christian religious calendar. Their Gregorian dates may change from year to year, particularly holidays linked to Easter.

Good Friday and Easter Monday

Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, while Easter Monday follows Easter Sunday. Both dates are recognized as public holidays in Antigua and Barbuda.

In 2026, Good Friday falls on April 3 and Easter Monday on April 6. Together with the weekend, they create a four-day holiday period.

Whit Monday

Whit Monday, also known as Pentecost Monday, is observed on the Monday following Whit Sunday. It is a statutory public holiday and falls on May 25 in 2026.

In Barbuda, the Whit holiday weekend is also associated with Caribana, a cultural celebration featuring community activities and entertainment.

Christmas Day and Boxing Day

Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25, followed by Boxing Day on December 26. Both are recognized public holidays.

In 2026, Christmas Day falls on Friday and Boxing Day on Saturday. Under the Public Holidays (Amendment) Act, 2019, a Monday substitute for Boxing Day is specifically provided when December 26 falls on Sunday. The law does not automatically create an additional Monday holiday merely because Boxing Day falls on Saturday.

Accordingly, December 28 should not be added to the official 2026 holiday schedule without a separate applicable proclamation.

Observed and Substitute Public Holidays in Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda has specific statutory rules determining when certain holidays are observed on another date. These rules are not identical for every holiday.

• New Year's Day: When January 1 falls on Sunday, the following Monday is a public holiday.
• Independence Day: When November 1 falls on Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday is a public holiday.
• Christmas Day: When December 25 falls on Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday and Tuesday are public holidays.
• Boxing Day: When December 26 falls on Sunday, the following Monday and Tuesday are public holidays under the amended provisions.
• V.C. Bird Day: When December 9 falls on Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday is a public holiday.

These provisions are set out in the Public Holidays (Amendment) Act, 2019.

The most significant observed date in 2026 is Monday, November 2, which follows Independence Day on Sunday, November 1.

Long Weekends in Antigua and Barbuda in 2026

Several public holidays in 2026 create convenient extended breaks for employees who normally work Monday through Friday.

• April 3–6: A four-day Easter weekend beginning with Good Friday and ending with Easter Monday.
• May 1–4: A four-day weekend combining the post-election holiday, the weekend and Labour Day.
• May 23–25: A three-day weekend ending with Whit Monday.
• August 1–4: A four-day Carnival weekend including Carnival Monday and Carnival Tuesday.
• October 31–November 2: A three-day weekend ending with the observed Independence Day holiday.
• December 25–27: A three-day period combining Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Sunday.

These periods assume a Saturday-Sunday weekend. Workers in hospitality, tourism, healthcare, transport and other services may follow different schedules or work on public holidays.

Public Holidays and Employment Rules in Antigua and Barbuda

Are Public Holidays Paid in Antigua and Barbuda?

The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Code governs public holiday leave and compensation. Sections C14 and C15 address public holiday leave and public holiday pay, subject to the applicable provisions and employment circumstances.

The Public Holidays (Amendment) Act, 2019, also clarifies the treatment of Sundays for these purposes. Ordinary Sundays are not automatically treated in the same way as designated public holidays under the relevant Labour Code provisions.

Can Employees Be Required to Work on Public Holidays?

Some employees may be required to work on public holidays where business operations or essential services continue. The applicable Labour Code provisions determine their entitlement to holiday pay or other compensation.

Employees should check the statutory requirements and their employment arrangements rather than assume that all sectors follow identical schedules.

Are Banks Closed on Public Holidays?

Banks generally observe the country's recognized public holidays, although electronic banking and other essential financial services may remain available. Customers should check announcements from their financial institution before visiting a branch.

Are Government Offices and Schools Closed?

Government offices and public educational institutions generally observe statutory public holidays. Individual institutions may publish additional scheduling information, particularly when an election-related holiday or special government proclamation affects normal operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many public holiday dates are listed in Antigua and Barbuda in 2026?

The 2026 schedule lists 14 nationwide public holiday dates, including the special May 1 holiday following the general election and the observed Independence Day holiday on November 2. Each date is counted separately.

Why is May 1 a public holiday in Antigua and Barbuda in 2026?

May 1 is the day following the April 30 general election. The Public Holidays (Amendment) Act, 2019, establishes the day following a general election as a statutory public holiday.

When is Carnival in Antigua and Barbuda in 2026?

Carnival Monday falls on August 3, and Carnival Tuesday falls on August 4, 2026. Both dates are nationwide public holidays.

When is the National Day of Prayer in Antigua and Barbuda in 2026?

The National Day of Prayer falls on Thursday, September 10, 2026. The Labour Department corrected an earlier official notice that had incorrectly listed September 17.

Why is November 2 a public holiday in Antigua and Barbuda in 2026?

Independence Day falls on Sunday, November 1, 2026. Under the Public Holidays (Amendment) Act, 2019, the following Monday, November 2, is also a public holiday.

Is Boxing Day a public holiday in Antigua and Barbuda?

Yes. Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26. In 2026, it falls on Saturday and does not automatically create an additional Monday substitute under the specific statutory provisions.

Is Whit Monday a public holiday in Antigua and Barbuda?

Yes. Whit Monday is a nationwide public holiday. It falls on May 25 in 2026 and is associated with the Pentecost period of the Christian calendar.

What is V.C. Bird Day?

V.C. Bird Day is a national public holiday celebrated on December 9 in honour of Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Sr., Antigua and Barbuda's first Prime Minister and a major figure in the country's political history.

Does Antigua and Barbuda provide substitute holidays when public holidays fall on weekends?

Yes, for specific holidays. The Public Holidays (Amendment) Act, 2019, establishes observed-day rules for Independence Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day and V.C. Bird Day. Not every holiday falling on a weekend receives an automatic substitute.

Where can official public holiday information for Antigua and Barbuda be found?

Official holiday information is available from the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, the country's legislation portal and notices published by the Office of the Labour Commissioner.

Official Sources for Public Holidays in Antigua and Barbuda

• Government of Antigua and Barbuda – National Holidays – Identifies the country's recurring national public holidays and provides general holiday rules.
• Public Holidays (Amendment) Act, 2019, No. 23 of 2019 – Establishes statutory holiday provisions, the day following a general election and observed-date rules.
• Antigua and Barbuda Intellectual Property and Commerce Office – Public Holidays – Provides government-published background information on the country's holiday system.
• Office of the Labour Commissioner – Corrected 2026 Public Holiday Notice – Reproduced in a March 24, 2026 report, confirming September 10 as the National Day of Prayer and November 2 as the observed Independence Day holiday.