National Heritage Day in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) celebrates the islands' cultural traditions, historical legacy, and community identity, with a strong emphasis on intergenerational knowledge, storytelling, and heritage preservation.

When is National Heritage Day?

National Heritage Day is observed annually on the second Monday of October.

The following is the list of National Heritage Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of National Heritage Day?

National Heritage Day replaced the former Columbus Day celebration, reflecting a shift from colonial narratives to a more local and inclusive recognition of national identity.

Before the early 2000s, like many other Caribbean territories, Turks and Caicos Islands observed Columbus Day, marking the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the New World.

However, as regional attitudes evolved, many saw the need to decolonize historical celebrations and instead highlight indigenous heritage and local resilience.

In this spirit, National Heritage Day was introduced to replace Columbus Day, promote local culture, history, and identity, and celebrate the contributions of the islands' diverse communities.

National Heritage Day highlights the legacy of the islands' indigenous inhabitants, the African roots of many Turks and Caicos Islanders, linked to the slave trade and salt-raking era, and Bermudian and British colonial influences.

National Heritage Day is about empowerment and preservation, a way to honor ancestors and teach younger generations.