Heroes and Forefathers Day is a public holiday in the British Virgin Islands honoring the territory's national heroes, leaders and ancestors, celebrating their resilience, contributions and cultural legacy.

When is Heroes and Forefathers Day?

Heroes and Forefathers Day is observed on the third Monday in October.

The following is the list of Heroes and Forefathers Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Heroes and Forefathers Day?

For many years, the British Virgin Islands observed Columbus Day in October, like several other Caribbean and U.S. territories. The day honored Christopher Columbus' 1493 landing in the Virgin Islands, a moment that marked the beginning of European colonization but also the displacement and suffering of Indigenous peoples.

Over time, many in the Virgin Islands questioned the relevance of Columbus Day, noting that it celebrated colonial history rather than the achievements and struggles of Virgin Islanders themselves.

In line with a global movement to replace colonial holidays with ones honoring local heritage, the BVI began to explore alternatives that would better reflect the territory's identity.

In 2020, the Government of the Virgin Islands officially replaced Columbus Day with Heroes and Forefathers Day, to be observed on the third Monday in October. The change was meant to honor the forefathers, national heroes, and leaders of the Virgin Islands who shaped the community through their vision, resilience and leadership.

It also recognized the ordinary men and women whose work and sacrifices contributed to the territory's survival and progress.

The holiday shifts focus away from colonial figures like Columbus and instead centers the narrative on the Virgin Islands' own people. It reinforces pride in local history, encourages the younger generation to learn about their heritage, and celebrates the values of strength, resilience and leadership that define the BVI.