Haiti Public Holidays
Haiti Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Haiti? All public holidays in Haiti are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Haiti employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Haiti and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Haiti, located on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean, celebrates a variety of public holidays throughout the year. These holidays reflect the nation’s rich cultural, historical, and religious heritage. They range from celebrations of Haiti’s fight for independence to honoring religious observances and important historical events. The following list provides an in-depth look at the major public holidays observed in Haiti, including their significance, date, and how they are celebrated.
1. New Year’s Day (Jour de l’An) – January 1
Description
New Year’s Day, or “Jour de l’An,” is a significant public holiday in Haiti. It marks the beginning of the new year and is traditionally celebrated with festivities and gatherings. The holiday is particularly significant because it also commemorates the country’s independence, which was declared on January 1, 1804. On this day, Haiti officially became the first independent nation in Latin America and the Caribbean, following a successful revolution led by enslaved Africans against French colonial rule.
Observance
New Year’s Day is observed nationwide. Many people attend religious services, particularly in Christian communities, to pray for blessings in the coming year. There are also large gatherings and family celebrations, and traditional Haitian foods are often prepared. Government offices, schools, and businesses are generally closed on this day.
2. Day of Independence (Jour de l’Indépendance) – January 1
Description
January 1 is not only New Year’s Day but also Haiti’s Independence Day, which celebrates the historic achievement of gaining freedom from French colonial rule. Haiti’s revolution, led by figures such as Toussaint Louverture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines, culminated in independence on this day in 1804. Independence Day is a time for national pride, with many Haitians reflecting on the struggle for liberty and the country’s unique history as the first independent black republic.
Observance
Independence Day is one of Haiti’s most important holidays, and it is celebrated with patriotic ceremonies, parades, and events. Key events take place in the capital city, Port-au-Prince, where government officials and citizens gather to honor national heroes. The day is marked by public speeches, music, and dancing. It is a public holiday, so government offices, schools, and most businesses are closed.
3. Day After New Year’s (Jour de l’An de L’An) – January 2
Description
The second day of the new year, January 2, is also a public holiday in Haiti. This day is celebrated to mark the anniversary of Haiti’s independence and to honor the resilience of its people in the fight for freedom. It is a continuation of the celebrations from New Year’s Day, with many people spending time with family and friends.
Observance
Similar to January 1, January 2 is a day of rest and celebration. Many Haitians participate in religious ceremonies or attend family gatherings. It is a public holiday, with most government offices, schools, and businesses closed. The holiday is particularly significant in the context of Haiti’s revolutionary history.
4. Good Friday (Vendredi Saint) – Date Varies
Description
Good Friday, or “Vendredi Saint,” is a Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is observed during the Holy Week, which includes Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. Good Friday is a solemn day of reflection and mourning for many Christians in Haiti, and religious services are central to the day’s observances.
Observance
Good Friday is a public holiday observed by Christians across Haiti. Churches hold special services, and many Haitians attend to pray and reflect on the suffering and sacrifice of Christ. On this day, many businesses and schools are closed, though some essential services remain in operation. It is a day of rest and reflection, and it marks the beginning of the Easter weekend.
5. Easter Sunday (Pâques) – Date Varies
Description
Easter Sunday, or “Pâques,” is a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, marking the victory of life over death. In Haiti, Easter is a time for religious observance, family gatherings, and community celebrations. Churches are often filled with people attending Mass or participating in special prayers.
Observance
Easter Sunday is widely observed in Haiti. The holiday is marked by religious services, family meals, and social gatherings. Government offices and schools are closed, and many businesses operate on a reduced schedule. It is a day of rejoicing and thanksgiving for Christians, who celebrate the resurrection of Christ.
6. Labour Day (Fête du Travail) – May 1
Description
Labour Day, or “Fête du Travail,” is celebrated on May 1 and is a day to honor the contributions of workers. The holiday is widely observed in Haiti, where labor unions, workers, and their supporters march in the streets to highlight issues related to workers’ rights, better wages, and improved working conditions. Labour Day is also a day to reflect on the importance of the labor force in the development of Haiti.
Observance
Labour Day is a public holiday in Haiti, and it is celebrated with parades, protests, and other forms of activism. Workers, labor unions, and political groups often organize events to advocate for workers’ rights. Government offices, schools, and most businesses are closed, though some essential services may continue. The holiday is both a celebration of labor and a time to raise awareness about social and economic issues.
7. Flag Day (Jour du Drapeau) – May 18
Description
Flag Day, or “Jour du Drapeau,” is celebrated on May 18 to commemorate the creation of Haiti’s national flag. In 1803, during the Haitian Revolution, the flag was first created by the leader Jean-Jacques Dessalines. Flag Day is a time for Haitians to reflect on the symbolism of the flag and the country’s struggle for independence and freedom.
Observance
Flag Day is celebrated across Haiti with patriotic ceremonies, flag-raising events, and cultural performances. Schools, government offices, and many businesses participate in the observances. The day is marked by national pride, and people often wear clothing featuring the national colors, red and blue. The celebrations are particularly large in the capital city, Port-au-Prince.
8. Assumption Day (Assomption) – August 15
Description
Assumption Day, or “Assomption,” is a Catholic holiday that celebrates the assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven. It is an important religious observance in Haiti, where the Catholic Church holds Mass and other ceremonies to honor the Virgin Mary. The day is observed with reverence and reflection, particularly in rural areas where many people gather at churches for special services.
Observance
Assumption Day is a public holiday observed by the Catholic community in Haiti. Many people attend Mass and participate in religious processions. The holiday is especially significant in areas where Catholicism is deeply rooted. Government offices and schools are closed, though businesses may operate on a reduced schedule. It is a solemn day of prayer and reflection.
9. Flag and Army Day (Jour du Drapeau et de l’Armée) – November 18
Description
Flag and Army Day, or “Jour du Drapeau et de l’Armée,” is celebrated on November 18. It is a day to honor the Haitian army and the country’s military history, as well as the Haitian flag. November 18 was the date of the Battle of Vertières in 1803, a decisive battle in the Haitian Revolution that led to Haiti’s independence. The day is marked by celebrations and ceremonies that honor Haiti’s history and its military.
Observance
Flag and Army Day is observed throughout Haiti, particularly with military parades and public ceremonies. It is a day to reflect on the struggle for independence and the sacrifices made by the Haitian people in their fight for freedom. Government offices, schools, and many businesses are closed.
10. Christmas Day (Noël) – December 25
Description
Christmas Day, or “Noël,” is one of the most celebrated holidays in Haiti. It commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is a time for family gatherings, church services, and festive meals. Christmas is also marked by the exchange of gifts, and many Haitians take part in community activities during the holiday season.
Observance
Christmas Day is a public holiday in Haiti, and it is widely celebrated across the country. The day is filled with religious services, family gatherings, and festive meals, including traditional Haitian foods such as roast pork and joumou (squash soup). Government offices and schools are closed, and many businesses remain closed or operate on reduced hours.
11. Boxing Day – December 26
Description
Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26 in Haiti, though it is less widely observed than Christmas. The day is traditionally a time for giving to the less fortunate, and it follows the Christmas festivities. Many Haitians use this day to continue their family celebrations or to visit friends and neighbors.
Observance
Boxing Day is a public holiday in Haiti, though it is observed more quietly than Christmas. Some people participate in religious services, while others visit friends and family or enjoy a day of relaxation. Government offices, schools, and businesses are typically closed.
Table: Public Holidays in Haiti and Observance
| Holiday | Date | Observed By | Public Sector | Private Sector | Schools |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Day of Independence | January 1 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Day After New Year’s | January 2 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Good Friday | Date Varies | Christian Community | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Easter Sunday | Date Varies | Christian Community | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Flag Day | May 18 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Assumption Day | August 15 | Catholic Community | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Flag and Army Day | November 18 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Boxing Day | December 26 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
