National Holidays

1. New Year’s Day (January 1, Wednesday) – Celebrates the beginning of the new year with festivities, family gatherings, and fireworks.
2. Ash Wednesday (March 5, Wednesday) – A Christian observance marking the beginning of Lent, a period of fasting and reflection leading up to Easter.
3. Good Friday (April 18, Friday) – A solemn Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Many attend church services.
4. Easter Monday (April 21, Monday) – The day after Easter Sunday, often celebrated with family outings and relaxation.
5. Labour Day (May 23, Friday) – A day dedicated to honoring workers and their contributions to national development, often observed with community service projects.
6. Emancipation Day (August 1, Friday) – Celebrates the abolition of slavery in Jamaica on August 1, 1834, with cultural events and reflections on the country’s history.
7. Independence Day (August 6, Wednesday) – Marks Jamaica’s independence from Britain in 1962, celebrated with parades, concerts, and national pride events.
8. National Heroes’ Day (October 20, Monday) – Honors Jamaica’s national heroes who fought for freedom and development, such as Marcus Garvey and Nanny of the Maroons.
9. Christmas Day (December 25, Thursday) – A Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed with church services, feasts, and gift-giving.
10. Boxing Day (December 26, Friday) – Traditionally a day for giving to the less fortunate and spending time with family, now also a time for shopping and relaxation