Dominica Public Holidays 2025
Dominica has 12 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 |
| 3 Mar | Mon | Carnival Monday | public |
| 4 Mar | Tue | Carnival Tuesday | 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 |
| 4 Aug | Mon | Emancipation Day | public |
| 3 Nov | Mon | Independence Day | public |
| 4 Nov | Tue | National Day of Community Service | public |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
| 26 Dec | Fri | Boxing Day | public |
About Dominica's Holidays
Dominica’s holidays mix national pride, church traditions, and lively culture. The biggest national day is Independence Day in November. Religious holidays like Christmas and Easter bring family church services and meals across the island.
Carnival is the main cultural festival with parades, music and dancing. Labour Day and Emancipation Day mark work and freedom, often with community events and speeches. Many public holidays are shared with other Caribbean islands, so people get time off to celebrate, travel, or rest.
Traditional music, Creole food, and strong community ties shape how Dominicans observe holidays. Festivals blend African, European, and indigenous influences, making public celebrations colorful, social, and important for national identity.
Holiday Traditions
In Dominica people celebrate holidays with music, dancing, and bright clothes. Parang and string bands play at parties. Festivals often mix African, Caribbean, and French influences, showing the island one big cultural family.
Food is very important. Families cook dishes like stews, roasted meats, plantains, and rice. You will also find sweet breads and local drinks. Meals are shared with neighbors and friends, and everyone brings a dish to the table.
Public celebrations include parades, street fairs, and community singing. Churches hold special services. Markets fill with crafts and fresh produce, and children join games and costume events that keep traditions alive.
Travel Tips
During the holiday season many government offices, banks, shops, and some restaurants close or have reduced hours. Small shops in villages may close for entire days, so plan to have cash and basic supplies on hand.
Public transport and intercity buses run less often and schedules can change. Taxis and rental cars are available but book early, especially around major holidays. Ferry services and flights may be limited or sell out faster.
Tourist sites can be busy on popular days, but natural attractions like trails and waterfalls are usually quieter in the morning. Expect some road traffic near towns and event locations.
Bring cash, copies of bookings, and flexible plans. Confirm hours with your hotel, arrive early for activities, and keep emergency contact numbers handy.