2025 Holidays - Curaçao

Curaçao Public Holiday Observance Rules

1. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Sunday

- Monday Replacement for Major Holidays: In Curaçao, many key fixed public holidays—especially those of national significance—are often observed on the following Monday when the original date falls on a Sunday. This practice is intended to provide a long weekend and is indicated in the official holiday calendar.

- Official Confirmation: The annual government decree or published calendar specifies which holidays will be shifted from Sunday to Monday.

- Employer Responsibilities: Employers are required to observe the holiday on the designated day. If employees work on the Monday that replaces a Sunday holiday, they are entitled to compensatory time off or overtime pay in accordance with local labor laws.

2. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Saturday

- General Practice: If a public holiday falls on a Saturday, it is typically observed on that day. However, in some cases the official schedule may indicate that the holiday is moved to Monday to create a long weekend.

- Employer Discretion: While the official calendar is the primary reference, some employers may choose to grant an extra day off even if the holiday falls on a Saturday.

- Compensation: Employees who work on a Saturday holiday are entitled to additional pay or compensatory time off per local labor regulations.

3. Bridge Holidays (Long Weekends)

- Government Adjustments: On occasion, the government may announce additional “bridge” or make‐up days to extend a holiday period—especially when several holidays occur close together or a key holiday is moved from a weekend to Monday.

- Not Automatic: Such bridging decisions are not automatic but are clearly specified in the official decree for that year.

- Employer Policies: Employers must adhere to the official schedule, though they may offer extra leave benefits at their discretion.

4. Special Cases for Public Holidays

- Fixed-Date vs. Moved Holidays: Some holidays—such as New Year’s Day or Christmas—are fixed by law and remain on their calendar date. However, if these dates fall on a weekend, the government’s official calendar may provide for a substitute day (usually the following Monday) for administrative and economic reasons.

- Religious and Cultural Observances: Religious holidays and locally significant cultural events are observed on the dates prescribed by the government. Any changes due to a holiday falling on a weekend will be indicated in the official schedule.

- Local Variations: Certain municipal or cultural observances might have specific rules that apply locally. Always refer to the published calendar for full details.

5. Additional Notes

- Official Calendar: The government of Curaçao publishes the official holiday calendar each year, which serves as the definitive guide for public holiday observance.

- Labor Law Compliance: Employers must follow the statutory observance rules, and any work on public holidays must be compensated with overtime or compensatory time off as mandated by local labor laws.

- Employer Flexibility: While the law sets a minimum standard, employers may choose to offer more generous arrangements (such as extra bridging days) provided they meet or exceed the statutory requirements.