Antigua & Barbuda Public Holidays 2025
Antigua & Barbuda has 11 public holidays and 2 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wed | New Year's Day | public |
| 18 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | public |
| 20 Apr | Sun | Easter Sunday | observance |
| 21 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | public |
| 1 May | Thu | Labour Day | public |
| 8 Jun | Sun | Pentecost | observance |
| 9 Jun | Mon | Whit Monday | public |
| 1 Aug | Fri | J'Ouvert Morning | public |
| 2 Aug | Sat | Last Lap | public |
| 3 Nov | Mon | Independence Day | public |
| 9 Dec | Tue | V.C Bird Day | public |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
| 26 Dec | Fri | Boxing Day | public |
About Antigua & Barbuda's Holidays
Antigua and Barbuda’s holidays mix national pride, religion, and culture. Big national days mark independence and honor historic figures. Public holidays also include labour and emancipation events celebrating workers and freedom from slavery.
Religious festivals shape the year. Christmas and Easter are widely observed with family gatherings and church services. Many smaller Christian feast days are public holidays too.
Carnival and cultural festivals are a major highlight. They bring music, dance, parades, and street parties that celebrate African and Caribbean heritage. These events draw locals and visitors and are key to the islands cultural life.
Holiday Traditions
In Antigua and Barbuda people celebrate holidays with lively music, colorful costumes, and dancing. Parades and street festivals fill towns, especially during Carnival time. Drumming and calypso songs bring communities together and keep island culture alive.
Food is central to celebrations. Families cook dishes like rice and peas, stewed meats, seafood, and sweet coconut desserts. Sharing meals is a way to show love and welcome visitors. Home cooking mixes African, European, and Caribbean flavors passed down through generations.
Public events bring tourists and locals to beaches, parks, and town squares. Religious services, family reunions, and small village traditions mix with big parties. Everyone takes time to relax, remember history, and enjoy being together.
Travel Tips
During the holiday season many government offices and banks are closed. Some shops and local businesses close early on major celebration days. Tourist services like tour operators may run on limited schedules.
Airports and ferries get very busy around late December and New Year. Taxis and buses keep working but with reduced frequency and longer waits. Renting a car is best when booked in advance.
Book flights, hotels, and tours early to lock in prices. Carry some cash since ATMs can run low. Keep important ID and confirmations handy for check in and travel.
Check local opening hours before you go. Be flexible with plans and allow extra time for transfers and lines at popular beaches and restaurants.