Dominica Public Holidays
Dominica Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Dominica? All public holidays in Dominica are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Dominica employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Dominica and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Dominica, known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its public holidays. The island, a member of the Commonwealth, celebrates a mix of national, religious, and cultural holidays that honor its history, traditions, and diverse population. The public holidays in Dominica are not only significant for the national pride they instill but also for the community celebrations and religious observances that bring people together. The public holidays range from independence and freedom commemorations to religious celebrations rooted in Christianity and African heritage, each offering a unique insight into the fabric of Dominican society.
National Holidays in Dominica
1. New Year’s Day (New Year’s Day) – January 1
Date: January 1
Description: New Year’s Day in Dominica is a day of celebration marking the start of the new year. This holiday is observed with family gatherings, parties, and community events. People reflect on the year gone by and look forward to new beginnings. While it is celebrated with much festivity, it is also a time for rest, relaxation, and enjoying the company of loved ones. Most businesses, government offices, and schools are closed for the day.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
2. Carnival Monday and Tuesday (Carnival) – Varies (February/March)
Date: Varies (February/March)
Description: Carnival in Dominica is one of the most vibrant and celebrated events on the island. Held annually in February or March, Carnival Monday and Tuesday are part of the two-day celebration leading up to Lent. This event, which features colorful parades, music, dancing, and masquerades, is steeped in African traditions, with influences from French colonial heritage. Dominicans of all ages take part in the festivities, showcasing elaborate costumes, vibrant dances, and the sounds of calypso and soca music. Carnival is a time for revelry, unity, and cultural expression.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 2
3. Good Friday (Good Friday) – Varies (March/April)
Date: Varies (March/April)
Description: Good Friday is a Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In Dominica, it is a solemn day marked by religious observances, including church services, processions, and moments of reflection on the Passion of Christ. Many Dominicans attend church, and the holiday serves as a reminder of the significance of sacrifice and redemption. Although it is a religious occasion, it is also a public holiday, with many businesses closed for the day.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
4. Easter Monday (Easter Monday) – Varies (March/April)
Date: Varies (March/April)
Description: Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday and is a continuation of the celebrations of Christ’s resurrection. It is a more relaxed holiday compared to Good Friday, and many Dominicans spend the day with family and friends enjoying outdoor activities, picnics, and gatherings. The day also marks the end of the Easter festivities, and many people take time off to enjoy the last moments of the long weekend. Easter Monday is a public holiday, so businesses and schools remain closed.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
5. Labour Day (Labour Day) – May 1
Date: May 1
Description: Labour Day is celebrated to honor the contributions of workers and the labor movement in Dominica. It is a day of reflection on workers’ rights, social justice, and fair wages. Labour unions and workers’ groups often organize parades, marches, and speeches in various communities, calling for the protection of workers’ rights and highlighting the achievements of labor movements. It is a national holiday, and most businesses, government offices, and schools are closed.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
6. Whit Monday (Whitsunday) – Varies (May/June)
Date: Varies (May/June)
Description: Whit Monday is observed on the Monday following Pentecost, which marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. This Christian observance is significant for Dominica’s Christian community, as it commemorates the birth of the Christian Church. Many people attend church services, and in some communities, local parades and festivals take place. Whit Monday is a public holiday, with businesses and government offices closed for the day.
Observance: Nationally, particularly among Christian communities
Days Off: 1
7. Emancipation Day (Emancipation Day) – August 1
Date: August 1
Description: Emancipation Day commemorates the abolition of slavery in the British Empire, which occurred on August 1, 1834. This day is of great significance in Dominica, as it marks the end of slavery and the beginning of freedom for African slaves brought to the island. Celebrations include cultural performances, historical talks, and reflections on the legacy of slavery. It is a day of pride for the Afro-Dominican community and the nation as a whole. Emancipation Day is a public holiday, with businesses, schools, and government offices closed.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
8. Independence Day (Independence Day) – November 3
Date: November 3
Description: Independence Day marks the anniversary of Dominica’s independence from the United Kingdom, which was granted on November 3, 1978. The day is celebrated with patriotic ceremonies, parades, cultural performances, and national pride. Government leaders deliver speeches, and citizens come together to reflect on the country’s journey to self-governance. Independence Day is a time for unity, and it serves as a reminder of the struggles and achievements that led to the country’s political and economic independence.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
9. Christmas Day (Christmas Day) – December 25
Date: December 25
Description: Christmas Day is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Dominica. It is a religious occasion commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, and it is observed with church services, family gatherings, festive meals, and the exchange of gifts. Many Dominicans celebrate Christmas Eve with a midnight Mass, followed by family feasts. The day is filled with joy and festive spirit, and the entire country comes alive with decorations, lights, and Christmas music. Most businesses and government offices close for the day to allow people to spend time with their families.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
10. Boxing Day (Boxing Day) – December 26
Date: December 26
Description: Boxing Day is observed as the day after Christmas and is a continuation of the Christmas celebrations. It is a day to spend with family and friends, enjoying leftovers from Christmas Day feasts, visiting loved ones, or participating in community events. Boxing Day has its origins in the tradition of giving gifts to the poor and servants, and while its significance has changed over time, it remains an important holiday for Dominicans. It is a public holiday, with businesses and government offices closed.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
Religious Holidays in Dominica
1. St. Patrick’s Day (St. Patrick’s Day) – March 17
Date: March 17
Description: St. Patrick’s Day is a religious holiday celebrated by the Catholic Church to honor St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. In Dominica, it is especially observed in the Irish-descended communities. The day is marked by church services, parades, and cultural events. The Irish influence in Dominica is reflected in the celebration of this day, which includes wearing green, enjoying Irish music, and remembering the contributions of Irish missionaries to the island’s development.
Observance: Nationally, particularly among Irish-descended communities
Days Off: 1
2. All Saints’ Day (All Saints’ Day) – November 1
Date: November 1
Description: All Saints’ Day is a Christian holiday that honors all the saints and martyrs in the Christian tradition. In Dominica, it is a solemn day marked by church services and prayers. It is a time to reflect on the lives of saints and martyrs who have contributed to the development of Christianity. People also visit the graves of deceased relatives to honor their memory. The holiday is especially observed by the Catholic community.
Observance: Nationally, particularly among Catholic communities
Days Off: 1
Public Holidays Observance and Work Schedule
The following table shows the public holidays, the number of days off, and which groups of people observe the holidays.
| Holiday | Date | Days Off | Groups Observing |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day (Jour de l’An) | January 1 | 1 | Nationally |
| Carnival Monday and Tuesday (Carnival) | Varies (February/March) | 2 | Nationally |
| Good Friday (Good Friday) | Varies (March/April) | 1 | Nationally |
| Easter Monday (Easter Monday) | Varies (March/April) | 1 | Nationally |
| Labour Day (Labour Day) | May 1 | 1 | Nationally |
| Whit Monday (Whitsunday) | Varies (May/June) | 1 | Nationally |
| Emancipation Day (Emancipation Day) | August 1 | 1 | Nationally |
| Independence Day (Independence Day) | November 3 | 1 | Nationally |
| Christmas Day (Christmas Day) | December 25 | 1 | Nationally |
| Boxing Day (Boxing Day) | December 26 | 1 | Nationally |
| St. Patrick’s Day (St. Patrick’s Day) | March 17 | 1 | Irish-descended communities |
| All Saints’ Day (All Saints’ Day) | November 1 | 1 | Catholic communities |
