2021 Holidays - Belize

Belize Public Holiday Observance Rules

1. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Weekend

- On a Sunday: If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed as the public and bank holiday.

- On a Saturday: The Holidays Act does not explicitly mandate substitution for holidays falling on a Saturday. However, in practice, certain holidays are moved to the preceding Friday or following Monday to provide a long weekend.

- For example, if Indigenous Peoples' Resistance Day (October 12th) falls on a Saturday, it may be observed on the preceding Friday or following Monday.

2. Bridge Holidays (Long Weekends)

- For holidays such as National Heroes and Benefactors Day (March 9th), Sovereign’s Day (May 24th), and Indigenous Peoples' Resistance Day (October 12th), the observance is adjusted as follows:

• If the holiday falls on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday: It is observed on the preceding Monday.
• If the holiday falls on a Friday: It is observed on the following Monday.
• If the holiday falls on a Sunday: The following Monday is observed as the holiday.

- These adjustments are made unless otherwise ordered by the Minister through an Order published in the Gazette.

3. Special Cases for Public Holidays

- Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Monday: These holidays are observed according to the ecclesiastical calendar and their dates vary each year.

- Christmas Day (December 25th) and Boxing Day (December 26th): These holidays are observed on their fixed dates. If they fall on a weekend, the substitution rules mentioned above apply.

4. Additional Notes

- The Minister has the authority to appoint special days to be observed as public and bank holidays in addition to or in substitution for any of the days mentioned in the First Schedule of the Holidays Act.

- Employers are advised to stay updated with official announcements, as the government may declare additional holidays or make adjustments to existing ones.