Bahamas public holidays
Every public holiday in The Bahamas this year and next, with the dates of the holidays that move each year, like Easter and Whit Monday, and the day off when a holiday falls on a weekend.
2026
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Thursday 1 January |
| Majority Rule Day | Saturday 10 JanuaryDay off Monday 12 January |
| Good Friday | Friday 3 April |
| Easter Monday | Monday 6 April |
| Whit MondayThe Monday after Whitsunday (Pentecost) | Monday 25 May |
| Randol Fawkes Labour DayFirst Friday in June | Friday 5 June |
| Independence Day | Friday 10 July |
| Emancipation DayFirst Monday in August | Monday 3 August |
| National Heroes DaySecond Monday in October | Monday 12 October |
| Christmas Day | Friday 25 December |
| Boxing Day | Saturday 26 DecemberDay off Monday 28 December |
2027
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Friday 1 January |
| Majority Rule Day | Sunday 10 JanuaryDay off Monday 11 January (falls on a Sunday) |
| Good Friday | Friday 26 March |
| Easter Monday | Monday 29 March |
| Whit MondayThe Monday after Whitsunday (Pentecost) | Monday 17 May |
| Randol Fawkes Labour DayFirst Friday in June | Friday 4 June |
| Independence Day | Saturday 10 JulyFalls on a Saturday; any weekday off is announced by the Government |
| Emancipation DayFirst Monday in August | Monday 2 August |
| National Heroes DaySecond Monday in October | Monday 11 October |
| Christmas Day | Saturday 25 DecemberFalls on a Saturday; any weekday off is announced by the Government |
| Boxing Day | Sunday 26 DecemberDay off Monday 27 December (falls on a Sunday) |
How the dates are set
The holidays are set by the Public Holidays Act. Most fall on a fixed date or a set weekday; Good Friday, Easter Monday and Whit Monday follow Easter, so they move every year:
- Fixed: New Year's Day (1 January), Majority Rule Day (10 January), Independence Day (10 July), Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
- Set weekday: Randol Fawkes Labour Day (first Friday in June), Emancipation Day (first Monday in August), National Heroes Day (second Monday in October).
- From Easter: Good Friday (two days before), Easter Monday (the day after) and Whit Monday (50 days after Easter Sunday).
When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the law moves it to the Monday. When one falls on a Saturday, the Government announces each year whether a weekday is given; we add those days off as they are announced. The Governor-General can also declare extra holidays, for example for a national event.
Frequently asked questions
What happens when a public holiday falls on a weekend?
By law, a public holiday that falls on a Sunday is kept on the Monday. When one falls on a Saturday, the Government announces each year whether a weekday is given instead, usually the following Monday.
When is Easter in The Bahamas?
Good Friday and Easter Monday follow the Western Christian Easter date, which changes every year. Whit Monday is the Monday after Whitsunday, seven weeks after Easter. The tables above show the dates for this year and next.
Are shops open on public holidays?
Public offices, banks and most shops close. The Public Holidays Act lets some businesses open, such as pharmacies, service stations and shops selling ice, fresh water, bread or fresh food until 10am, and the Government can allow others to open by notice.
Do I get paid for a public holiday?
Under the Employment Act, an employee who works on a public holiday is generally entitled to extra pay or a day off in lieu. Check your contract and the Department of Labour for the rules that apply to you.
What are the newest public holidays?
Majority Rule Day (10 January) and Randol Fawkes Labour Day (the first Friday in June) were set by amendments in 2013, when Discovery Day also became National Heroes Day.
Sources
- Public Holidays Act (Ch. 36), First Schedule and section 3 (a Sunday holiday is kept on the Monday)
- Government of The Bahamas – Public Holidays (2026) notice
Dates last verified: 7 October 2026. Rate changes log
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