Belize Public Holidays

Belize Public Holidays

Searching for the national holidays in Belize? All public holidays in Belize are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Belize employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Belize and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.

 

New Year’s Day (January 1)

Overview

New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Belize that marks the first day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. It is celebrated with various traditions and practices that revolve around family, reflection, and the welcoming of the new year. This day holds significance in both cultural and religious contexts.

Celebrations

The celebrations for New Year’s Day in Belize begin on New Year’s Eve, where people often hold parties, attend social gatherings, or watch fireworks displays in larger towns and cities. At midnight, people typically exchange well wishes for the year ahead, and it is common for families to gather for a large meal. On New Year’s Day itself, many people relax and enjoy the day off, reflecting on the past year while spending quality time with loved ones.

Days Off

New Year’s Day is a national public holiday, and most people in Belize get the day off. Government offices, businesses, and schools are closed for the day, allowing the population to enjoy family time and take part in various celebratory activities.

National Heroes and Benefactors Day (March 9)

Overview

National Heroes and Benefactors Day is a public holiday in Belize, held annually on March 9. It is a day to honor and celebrate the contributions of individuals who have significantly impacted the history and culture of Belize. The day is dedicated to recognizing the heroes of the country, including historical figures who fought for the independence, freedom, and progress of Belize.

Celebrations

The holiday is marked by official ceremonies, including parades and speeches, particularly in the capital, Belmopan, and Belize City. There are also cultural events, such as performances and displays of traditional art, reflecting the country’s deep appreciation for its heroes. On National Heroes and Benefactors Day, people gather in communities to remember the efforts and legacies of these national figures, and various institutions may offer programs that educate citizens about Belize’s history.

Days Off

National Heroes and Benefactors Day is a public holiday, and most workers are given the day off. Government offices, educational institutions, and many businesses close for the day. Public events, including parades and ceremonies, take place, with many citizens participating in or attending these activities.

Good Friday (Date varies)

Overview

Good Friday is a Christian holiday that is observed by the majority of the population in Belize. It marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is a day for religious reflection, prayer, and solemn observance. It is part of the Holy Week celebrations, leading up to Easter Sunday.

Celebrations

In Belize, Good Friday is a deeply religious occasion. People attend church services, where prayers, hymns, and readings from the Bible reflect on the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. Many communities hold processions, and some engage in reenactments of Christ’s final journey. The day is typically somber, with people spending time in quiet reflection and attending church activities. The tradition of abstaining from certain foods, such as meat, is observed by many.

Days Off

Good Friday is a public holiday in Belize, and most businesses and schools are closed. People observe the holiday by attending church services or spending time in prayer and reflection. As a religious observance, it is a day of rest for most citizens.

Easter Monday (Date varies)

Overview

Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday and is recognized as a public holiday in Belize. It is a continuation of the Easter celebrations, providing an opportunity for people to spend time with family and engage in outdoor activities.

Celebrations

While Easter Monday does not carry the same religious weight as Good Friday or Easter Sunday, it is a day for enjoying the spring weather and engaging in family-friendly activities. Many Belizeans take advantage of the long weekend to go on picnics, visit the beach, or take part in outdoor sporting events. The day is typically informal and marked by relaxation and recreation.

Days Off

Easter Monday is a public holiday, and most businesses, schools, and government offices are closed for the day. It is a day for leisure and socializing, with many Belizeans enjoying outdoor activities with friends and family.

Labour Day (May 1)

Overview

Labour Day, celebrated on May 1st, is a global observance that recognizes the contributions of workers and advocates for labor rights. In Belize, it is a public holiday that emphasizes the importance of fair wages, working conditions, and workers’ rights.

Celebrations

Labour Day in Belize is marked by parades, political speeches, and events organized by labor unions and workers’ groups. It is a day to highlight the importance of labor and social justice, and many people participate in marches, rallies, or community discussions. Educational programs often take place to raise awareness about workers’ rights and the history of the labor movement. The day is both celebratory and reflective, with speeches honoring the contributions of Belizean workers.

Days Off

Labour Day is a public holiday in Belize, and most workers are given the day off. Government offices, schools, and businesses are typically closed, although essential services continue to operate. Many people attend parades, participate in political rallies, or relax with family.

Independence Day (September 21)

Overview

Independence Day in Belize is celebrated on September 21st, marking the country’s independence from the United Kingdom in 1981. It is one of the most important national holidays, and it commemorates the achievement of full sovereignty and the nation’s journey toward self-governance.

Celebrations

Independence Day is marked by large public celebrations across Belize. The day starts with a flag-raising ceremony, and there are parades in the capital, Belmopan, and other major cities. Cultural events, such as traditional music, dancing, and performances, take place throughout the country. Citizens take pride in their nation’s achievements, and the holiday is a display of patriotism and unity. Fireworks and concerts are also a feature of the Independence Day celebrations.

Days Off

Independence Day is a public holiday, and most businesses, schools, and government offices are closed. Belizeans gather with family and friends to attend parades, join in celebrations, and reflect on the significance of the country’s independence.

Pan American Day (October 12)

Overview

Pan American Day, celebrated on October 12th, is a public holiday in Belize that commemorates the history, culture, and collaboration of the Americas. The day is observed in recognition of the countries of the Americas coming together in solidarity and cooperation.

Celebrations

Pan American Day is often marked by discussions, educational programs, and celebrations that focus on the cultural ties between countries in the Americas. It is a time for Belizeans to reflect on their shared heritage with neighboring nations and to promote unity and mutual respect within the region. The day is also a reminder of the importance of Pan American cooperation and trade.

Days Off

Pan American Day is a public holiday in Belize, and most workers receive the day off. However, the observance of the holiday may vary by region, and some businesses and schools may remain open. Many Belizeans use the day to reflect on regional history and culture or engage in local festivities.

Christmas Day (December 25)

Overview

Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25th and is one of the most important holidays in Belize. It marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is a time for family gatherings, religious observance, and festive celebrations. Belizeans, like many people around the world, celebrate Christmas with a mix of religious and cultural traditions.

Celebrations

Christmas celebrations in Belize begin on Christmas Eve, when many people attend midnight Mass at church. The festive meal, which includes dishes such as turkey, ham, rice, and traditional Belizean foods, is a central part of the holiday. On Christmas Day itself, families come together to exchange gifts, enjoy meals, and celebrate the joy of the season. Public Christmas events, including concerts and local markets, are also common.

Days Off

Christmas Day is a public holiday in Belize, and most workers receive the day off. Schools, businesses, and government offices close, allowing families to spend time together and observe religious traditions. It is a time for rest, reflection, and celebration.

Boxing Day (December 26)

Overview

Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26th, is a holiday observed in many Commonwealth nations, and it holds cultural significance in Belize. It is a day to continue the Christmas celebrations and to give to the less fortunate, often through charitable acts or by donating gifts.

Celebrations

Boxing Day in Belize is typically a day for family and friends to gather and continue the festive mood of Christmas. It is a time to relax and enjoy outdoor activities. In some regions, people organize charity events, such as food drives or gift donations, to help those in need. Many families also use the day to visit relatives or friends, continuing the tradition of holiday socializing.

Days Off

Boxing Day is a public holiday in Belize, and most employees are given the day off. Government offices, schools, and businesses are closed, and people typically spend the day with family or participate in charitable activities.

Table: Public Holidays in Belize and Days Off

Holiday	Date	Days Off	Groups of People Recognized
New Year’s Day	January 1	1 day off	All citizens
National Heroes and Benefactors Day	March 9	1 day off	All citizens
Good Friday	Date varies	1 day off	Christian citizens
Easter Monday	Date varies	1 day off	All citizens
Labour Day	May 1	1 day off	All citizens
Independence Day	September 21	1 day off	All citizens
Pan American Day	October 12	1 day off	All citizens
Christmas Day	December 25	1 day off	All citizens
Boxing Day	December 26	1 day off	All citizens