01 January 2026
New Year’s Day
Marks the beginning of the new calendar year, celebrated with festivals, church services and fireworks.
03 April 2026
Good Friday
A religious day of prayer and reflection commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Many households avoid meat and instead cook traditional dishes such as ducana and saltfish. From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. the sale and consumption of alcohol is prohibited.
06 April 2026
Easter Monday
A religious day that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus, often observed with church services, family beach picnics and kite flying.
04 May 2026
Labour Day
This day is a celebration of workers' contributions to the economic development of the nation, featuring union marches, colorful rallies, signature fetes, and beach parties.
03 August 2026
Carnival Monday
A cultural celebration of slavery emancipation with street parades (J'ouvert in the morning, Mas' in the afternoon) that concludes at the Antigua Recreation Grounds (ARG) know as "Carnival City".
04 August 2026
Carnival Tuesday
Marks the grand finale to the two-week calendar of Carnival festivities, featuring masqueraders in vibrant costumes dancing through the streets in a mermerizing parade of soca and calypso music.
10 September 2026
National Day of Prayer
A day devoted to nationwide prayer and fasting that involves marches and church services. From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. the sale and consumption of alcohol is prohibited.
01 November 2026
Independence Day
Marks the date that Antigua and Barbuda became an independent state in 1981 from being a colony under British rule. A week of patriotic activities is held to celebrate this historic milestone including national parades, and cultural festivities including pageants.
09 December 2026
V.C. Bird Day
Celebrates the birth and accomplishments of Sir Vere Cornwall "Papa" Bird, honouring him as the first Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda with traditional ceremonies and tributes as the "The Father of the Nation".
25 December 2026
Christmas Day
A religious day celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, often marked by exchanging gifts and spending time with family.