The Ultimate Monthly Guide for Antiguan Holidays

On an island where it is a constant tropical paradise, it is hard to use seasons to signal upcoming festivities. If you are a planning a trip to this sunny island, here are some holidays you should be aware of.

January

​New Year's Day | January 1st :
Often locals will attend Old Year's Mass on December 31st and ring in the New Year by attending parties, clubs, and local fetes. 

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April

Holy Week | Dates vary :Dates vary yearly, but Holy Week is centered on when Easter begins. Holidays celebrated during the week include Easter Sunday & Monday.

This week usually contains fasting and the avoidance of eating meat. Locals flock to their local churches on Sunday. Mondays are spent with family on drives or at the beach enjoying a picnic.

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Whit Monday |The day after Pentecost (TBD based on the Easter season)Often organizations or churches will host various family fetes and events. Fetes are usually themed: For example, A White Fete or a Jeans Fete

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May

Labour Day | First Monday :This day is supposed to be a holiday celebrating workers. However, the two dominant political parties (the one in power and the opposition) will have public speeches in the town areas. Then each will parade to their respective beach, where you will find local vendors selling food, treats, and drinks. 

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June

Whit Monday |The day after Pentecost (TBD based on the Easter season)Often organizations or churches will host various family fetes and events. Fetes are usually themed: For example, A White Fete or a Jeans Fete.

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August

Carnival Monday | First Monday is August :This day starts with J'ouvert Morning, a parade that began the previous night from the day before. In the late morning hours, you will see troops (groups of people) dressed in vibrant costumes. Troops will parade throughout the town until late evening hours. 
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Carnival Tuesday: First Tuesday in August This is an event-filled day where winners are chosen based on the week-long Carnival events. The best costumes, songs, and other categories are selected. 

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November

November 1st | Independence Day :This day is spent celebrating the Antiguan culture and achievements. Individuals who have contributed tremendously to the advancement of the Islands or their locals are given awards.

In addition, a yearly food fete is held where you will find all your local dishes, sweets, and drinks

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December

December 9th | V. C. Bird Day :A memorial is held for the first prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Vere Cornwall Bird. A flower wreath is laid at his statue, which is located near The Market. 

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December 25th | Christmas :Christmas day in Antigua is celebrated like many other countries. Families join together to have a shared meal. Some local customs include:
-Enjoying Rum Cake
-Traveling from one house to another for a quick bite. 
Fun fact: Saint Nick is not a popular character, especially on an island where chimneys are nonexistent.

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December 26th | Boxing Day :In certain villages, boxing matches are held among the locals. Children and adults like to participate in this humorous event. 

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Exceptions on holiday Observations

• If New Year's Eve Falls on a Sunday- the following Monday is a public holiday
• If Christmas falls on a Saturday: The Following Monday is a holiday
• If Christmas falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is Boxing day, and the following Tuesday a public holiday
• A public holiday is observed the day after the election