2023 Holidays - Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda Public Holiday Observance Rules

1. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Weekend

- If a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it is observed on the following Monday.

- This ensures that workers still receive a holiday even if it originally falls on a weekend.

2. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Saturday

- The public holiday is observed on the following Monday, meaning government offices and most businesses will be closed.

- Some essential services and retail businesses may still operate, but employees working on the holiday are typically entitled to additional pay or a compensatory rest day.

3. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Sunday

- The public holiday is automatically observed on Monday, ensuring that workers get a day off.

- This rule applies to all public holidays, including major ones like Independence Day (November 1st), Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

4. Bridge Holidays (Long Weekends)

- Antigua and Barbuda does not have a formal system of bridge holidays.

- However, if a holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, the government may declare an additional public holiday on Monday or Friday to create a long weekend.

- Some private businesses and schools may also grant a day off to extend the weekend.

5. Special Cases for Public Holidays

- Carnival Monday and Tuesday (Last Monday and Tuesday of July/August): These are fixed holidays, and they always create a long weekend.

- Independence Day (November 1st): If it falls on a weekend, it is moved to Monday.

- Christmas and Boxing Day (December 25th & 26th): If Christmas Day falls on a Saturday, Boxing Day is observed on Monday, and Christmas is observed on Saturday as usual.

- Good Friday and Easter Monday: These holidays always create a four-day weekend.

6. Additional Notes

- The Antigua and Barbuda government announces public holidays annually, including any adjustments for holidays falling on weekends.

- Private businesses are not required by law to close, but most follow the official public holiday schedule.

- Employees working on a public holiday are entitled to extra pay (double time or more) or a compensatory rest day, depending on employment agreements.

- Antigua and Barbuda follows some UK holiday traditions, but many of its holidays are unique to the country, such as Carnival and Independence Day.