2021 Holidays - Cuba

Cuba Public Holiday Observance Rules

1. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Sunday

- Observed on the calendar date: In Cuba, public holidays are generally observed on their designated calendar date, regardless of whether that date falls on a Sunday. There is no statutory "Monday shift" for Sunday holidays.

- Employer discretion: Although the law requires that public holidays be recognized on their calendar dates, some employers may choose to grant an additional day off in lieu; however, this is at the employer’s discretion and is not mandated by national law.

- Holiday work compensation: Employees required to work on a Sunday public holiday are entitled to overtime pay or compensatory time off, as provided for under the Cuban Labor Code.

2. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Saturday

- No shift to another day: If a public holiday occurs on a Saturday, it is observed on that Saturday without being transferred to a weekday.

- Standard practice: If Saturday is a regular workday, employees observe the holiday on that day. If Saturday is typically a day off, the holiday is still recognized on its set date.

- Compensation: Employees working on a Saturday holiday should receive additional compensation or a day off in lieu, according to Cuban labor regulations.

3. Bridge Holidays (Long Weekends)

- No established bridging system: Cuba does not have a statutory system that automatically creates additional "bridge" days to extend holidays into long weekends.

- Occasional government adjustments: On rare occasions, the government may issue specific directives for extra days off around major national events, but these measures are not part of a regular practice.

- Employer policies: While employers may choose to provide extra leave to create longer weekends, such arrangements are discretionary and exceed the minimum legal requirements.

4. Special Cases for Public Holidays

- Fixed calendar observance: Major public holidays—such as New Year’s Day (January 1), Labor Day (May 1), Revolution Day (July 26), and Christmas Day (December 25)—are fixed by law and are observed on their calendar dates, regardless of the day of the week.

- Religious and cultural observances: Other holidays, including religious events, are observed on the dates specified by law or decree. These dates remain unchanged even if they fall on a weekend.

- Ad hoc declarations: Occasionally, the government may declare additional public holidays for significant events, with any special observance instructions provided in the official announcement.

5. Additional Notes

- Legal framework: Public holidays in Cuba are established by national legislation and government decrees. The official holiday calendar is published annually by the relevant authorities.

- Compensation for holiday work: Workers required to work on a public holiday receive premium pay or compensatory time off, in accordance with Cuban labor laws.

- Employer flexibility: Employers may offer more generous holiday arrangements (such as additional off days) than the statutory minimum, but such benefits are provided at their discretion.

- Annual updates: For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always consult the official holiday calendar and any related government announcements.