French Guiana Public Holidays 2025
French Guiana 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 |
| 21 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | public |
| 1 May | Thu | Labour Day | public |
| 8 May | Thu | Victory Day | public |
| 25 May | Sun | Mother's Day | observance |
| 29 May | Thu | Ascension Day | public |
| 8 Jun | Sun | Pentecost | observance |
| 9 Jun | Mon | Whit Monday | public |
| 10 Jun | Tue | Abolition of Slavery | public |
| 14 Jul | Mon | Bastille Day | public |
| 15 Aug | Fri | Assumption | public |
| 1 Nov | Sat | All Saints' Day | public |
| 11 Nov | Tue | Armistice Day | public |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
About French Guiana's Holidays
French Guiana follows the main French public holidays like New Year, Labor Day, Bastille Day and Christmas. These are official days off and used for family time and civic events across the territory.
Locally the Carnival is the biggest cultural event. It lasts many weeks before Lent with colorful parades, costumes, music and street parties. It brings together Creole, Maroon, Brazilian and indigenous traditions.
May 10 is widely observed as the abolition of slavery. It is a solemn and proud day of remembrance with ceremonies, music and community gatherings. Other local feasts honor saints and indigenous cultures with food, dance and shared rituals.
Holiday Traditions
Holidays in French Guiana are lively and colorful. People celebrate with big street parades, bright costumes, drums and dancing. Town squares and neighborhoods fill with music, singing and local bands. Churches also hold services for religious holidays.
Families cook and eat together for special days. Meals often feature rice, fish, smoked chicken and cassava dishes like couac, with spicy Creole sauces. Fresh tropical fruit and sweet cakes finish the meal. Cooking is a shared activity that brings relatives close.
Local traditions mix Indigenous, African, European and Brazilian influences. Mask making, storytelling and community markets are common. Public fireworks, municipal events and friendly neighborhood competitions help everyone join the celebration.
Travel Tips
Holiday season in French Guiana often means banks and government offices close or have short hours. Some shops and restaurants also change times. Emergency services and many supermarkets still operate but with reduced staff.
Air travel and ferries can be busier and seats sell out fast. Public buses run less often and taxi availability may drop. Book flights, ferries, and car rentals well in advance to avoid surprises.
Tourist spots and markets become crowded around major holidays. Roads near popular beaches and parks may have heavier traffic. Expect longer wait times at attractions and restaurants during peak days.
Check opening hours before you go and carry some cash. Confirm transfers and lodging early. Allow extra time for travel and be flexible with plans to enjoy the trip.