Public holidays in Belize

Last updated

This is a list of public holidays in Belize .

Contents

Public holidays

DateDayObservanceObservance ruleExplanatory note
1 January New Year's Day fixed at 1 January (see Note 1)
15 January George Price Day 15 January (see Note 2)This day was established in 2021 to commemorate Belize's only premier and first Prime Minister, George Cadle Price.
9 March National Heroes and Benefactors Day 9 March (see Note 2)This day was originally designated "Baron Bliss Day" to honor a wealthy Englishman who left his fortune to the former British Honduras. [1]
Good Friday fixed by church calendar (moveable)Crucifixion of Jesus
Holy Saturday fixed by church calendar (moveable)
Easter Monday fixed by church calendar (moveable)
1 May Labour Day fixed at May 1 (see Note 1)Also called International Workers' Day
1 August Emancipation Day fixed at 1 August (see Note 1)
10 September Saint George's Caye Day fixed at 10 September (see Note 1)The Battle of St. George's Caye was a key battle involving British colonists, freed slaves who worked as lumber cutters, and pirates who fought against the Spanish Empire in 1798. There is an annual regatta in San Pedro Town. [2]
21 September Independence Day fixed at 21 September (see Note 1)"British Honduras" became "Belize" in 1973 and was granted independence by Great Britain in 1981. [3]
12 October Pan America Day 12 October (see Note 2)Formerly called Columbus Day
19 November Garifuna Settlement Day fixed at 19 November (see Note 1)Since 1941, this holiday has honoured the Garifuna people, a group of mixed-race people with African and Carib roots. [4]
25 December Christmas Day fixed at 25 December (see Note 1)Birth of Jesus
26 December Boxing Day fixed at 26 December (see Note 1)This is a day set aside for charitable works, although many people participate in sports or go shopping. [5]

Variable holidays

References

  1. "National Heroes and Benefactors Day 2021, 2022 and 2023". PublicHolidays.bz. Retrieved September 15, 2020.
  2. "Saint George's Caye Day 2020, 2021 and 2022". PublicHolidays.bz. Retrieved September 15, 2020.
  3. "Independence Day 2020, 2021 and 2022". PublicHolidays.bz. Retrieved September 15, 2020.
  4. "Garifuna Settlement Day 2020, 2021 and 2022". PublicHolidays.bz. Retrieved September 15, 2020.
  5. "Learn the True Story of How Boxing Day Gets Its Name". The Spruce. Retrieved September 15, 2020.
  6. "Belize Public Holidays 2020". PublicHolidays.bz. Retrieved September 15, 2020.
  7. "Belize Public Holidays 2021". PublicHolidays.bz. Retrieved September 15, 2020.
  8. "Belize Public Holidays 2022". PublicHolidays.bz. Retrieved September 15, 2020.
  9. "Belize Public Holidays 2023". PublicHolidays.bz. Retrieved September 15, 2020.