Barbados Public Holidays:
A Cultural and Historical Guide for 2025

Barbados, known for its vibrant culture and warm hospitality, observes 12 national public holidays yearly. Locally referred to as “Bank Holidays,” these are official days off recognized by the government, during which most businesses and banks close. For Barbadians, these holidays are more than just days off—they are opportunities to celebrate heritage, relax with loved ones, and honor the nation’s history and achievements.

A Tradition of Celebration

When a public holiday arrives, Barbadians often mark the occasion with beach outings, family picnics, and traditional local dishes such as macaroni pie, peas and rice, pudding and soup, baked chicken, flying fish cutters, and cassava pone. These gatherings, filled with laughter and music, are a cornerstone of local life. Visitors may be pleasantly surprised to be invited to join in—a reflection of the island’s famously inclusive spirit.

Important Note: If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, it is typically observed the following Monday. However, no substitute day is granted if it falls on a Saturday.

Barbados Public Holidays in 2025

Below is a list of the official public holidays in Barbados for 2025, along with the significance behind each one:

Errol Barrow Day (January 21)

This holiday honors the birth of Errol Walton Barrow, Barbados’ first Prime Minister and the architect of the country’s independence from Britain in 1966. Known as the “Father of Independence,” Barrow played a pivotal role in modernizing Barbados and promoting social reform.

National Heroes Day (April 28)

A day dedicated to honoring Barbados’s ten official National Heroes—nine men and one woman—who made outstanding contributions to the nation’s development. Celebrations often include school activities like National Heroes Square and Independence Square.

Labour Day / May Day (May 1)

Observed in conjunction with International Workers’ Day, this holiday celebrates workers’ contributions. It also includes traditional May Day festivities, such as the Barbados Landship’s symbolic dances around the Maypole—a nod to British heritage blended with African performance art.

Whit Monday (June 9)

Falling the day after Pentecost, Whit Monday is a Christian observance commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. It remains a solemn and reflective day for many Barbadians.

Emancipation Day (August 1)

Commemorates the abolition of slavery in the British Empire through the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833. Celebrations include a march culminating at the Bussa Emancipation Statue, which honors the 1816 slave rebellion led by the enslaved African, Bussa.

Kadooment Day (August 4)

This marks the climax of the Crop Over Festival, a cultural extravaganza that celebrates the end of the sugarcane harvest. Revelers in themed bands parade from the National Stadium to Spring Garden Highway in dazzling costumes, accompanied by infectious calypso and soca music. It’s a must-see event for both locals and tourists.

Independence Day (November 30)

This day commemorates Barbados’s peaceful transition to independence from the United Kingdom in 1966. Patriotic displays, official ceremonies, and island-wide festivities mark this national milestone. The island’s nickname, “Little England,” speaks to its British colonial past and the graceful way it stepped into sovereignty.

The Christmas Season

Christmas in Barbados is both a religious and cultural celebration. Festivities begin early in December and include church services, Christmas markets, light displays, and community events. It is a time for family gatherings and reflection, rooted in the island’s deep Christian traditions.

Plan Your Trip Around a Bank Holiday

Whether you’re a visitor looking to experience authentic Bajan culture or a returning local planning to reconnect with your roots, the Barbados Events Calendar is your go-to resource for activities during Bank Holidays. Check Totally Barbados regularly to stay updated on upcoming events, parades, and festivities.

Experience the Heart of Barbados Each public holiday in Barbados offers a window into the island’s soul—its resilience, joy, and community spirit. These moments are woven into the national identity and are essential to understanding what makes Barbados truly special.

Learn more at About Barbados.

Holidays in Barbados 2025