The Early May Bank Holiday in Jersey marks the arrival of spring and offering islanders a well-earned break. Rooted in ancient May Day traditions and later tied to the workers' rights movement, it has evolved into a non-political holiday focused on rest, community, and enjoying Jersey's natural beauty. Many residents spend the long weekend outdoors—walking along beaches, attending local fairs, or welcoming the start of the summer season.

When is the Early May Bank Holiday?

The Early May Bank Holiday in Jersey is celebrated on the first Monday in May.

The following is the list of the Early May Bank Holiday from 2020 to 2049.

The History of the Early May Bank Holiday?

The Early May Bank Holiday traces its roots to May Day, an ancient European spring festival celebrating the arrival of warmer weather, fertility, and the renewal of nature. Traditional customs included maypole dancing, crowning the May Queen, and village gatherings.

By the late 19th century, May 1 also became associated with International Workers' Day, a global commemoration of labor rights inspired by the 1886 Haymarket affair in Chicago. Across Europe, including the British Isles, it symbolized workers' solidarity and the movement for fair wages and shorter hours.

In 1978, the United Kingdom officially established the Early May Bank Holiday as a national public holiday, held on the first Monday in May. As a Crown Dependency, Jersey adopted this public holiday into its own calendar around the same time, aligning with the UK's schedule but observing it under local jurisdiction.

While its origins are rooted in the labor movement, the Early May Bank Holiday in Jersey gradually lost its political focus. Instead, it evolved into a celebration of springtime, outdoor leisure, and the start of the island's tourist season.

Today, the Early May Bank Holiday is seen as a non-political spring holiday in Jersey, a time to rest, enjoy the outdoors, and mark the transition from spring to summer.