2023 Holidays - Bahamas
Bahamas workweek and weekend
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Workday | Workday | Workday | Workday | Workday | Weekend | Weekend |
Bahamas 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 automatically observed on the following Monday.
- This ensures that employees receive a compensatory day off, regardless of the original holiday date.
2. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Saturday
- The holiday is moved to Monday, and government offices, schools, and most businesses remain closed.
- Some retail and tourism-related businesses may still operate, but employees working on the holiday receive overtime pay.
3. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Sunday
- The holiday is observed on Monday, meaning that most businesses and government offices will be closed that day.
- This rule applies to all national holidays, including Independence Day (July 10th) and Christmas (December 25th).
4. Bridge Holidays (Long Weekends)
- The Bahamas does not have a formal system of bridge holidays, but since most public holidays are already moved to Monday, many result in long weekends by default.
- If a holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, the government does not automatically declare Monday or Friday a holiday, but some businesses may choose to close to create a four-day weekend.
5. Special Cases for Public Holidays
- Major Religious Holidays (Good Friday, Easter Monday, Whit Monday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day): These holidays always fall on fixed weekdays or are moved to the next working day if they fall on a weekend.
- Independence Day (July 10th): If it falls on a weekend, it is moved to Monday.
- Labour Day (First Friday in June): This is a movable holiday that is always observed on a Friday, ensuring a long weekend.
- Major Tourist Events & Local Observances: While not official holidays, some cultural events and festivals may cause businesses to close early or grant additional time off.
6. Additional Notes
- The Bahamas government publishes an official list of public holidays annually, adjusting observance days as needed.
- Private-sector businesses generally follow the official holiday calendar, but essential services and tourism-related businesses often remain open.
- Employees required to work on a public holiday are entitled to overtime pay (typically double pay) or a compensatory rest day.
- The Bahamas follows British-based public holiday traditions, but with local cultural influences, such as the observance of Junkanoo Festival on December 26th and January 1st.