In Barbados, there are 12 public holidays in 2023, two of which fall on weekends.
New Year's Day
New Year Holiday, celebrated on January 1, 2023, is the first day of the year on the modern Gregorian calendar, and it is one of the most popular holidays in the world.
Errol Barrow Day
The holiday is observed on January 21, 2023, and it commemorates the birthday of Errol Barrow, the first Prime Minister of Barbados. In 1998, he was declared Barbados' National Hero.
Good Friday
Good Friday is a Christian holiday celebrating the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary. It is observed on Friday immediately preceding Easter Sunday. In 2023, Good Friday is celebrated on April 7, 2023 in Western churches and April 14, 2023 in Eastern churches.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. The holiday is observed on April 10, 2023 in Western churches and April 17, 2023 in Eastern churches.
National Heroes' Day
The holiday is observed on April 28, 2023, and honors the most prominent figures in Barbados' history who made significant contributions to the country.
Labour Day
Labour Day is celebrated on May 01, 2023 celebrating the achievements of workers. The holiday originates in the eight-hour day movement, which is eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.
Whit Monday
Whit Monday, also known as Pentecost Monday, is a religious festival Christians celebrate. It falls on the day after Pentecost, the 50th day after Easter Sunday. In 2023, the holiday falls on May 29.
Emancipation Day
Emancipation Day is observed on August 1, 2023 and it commemorates the date when the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into force, and slavery was abolished in Barbados on August 1, 1834.
Kadooment Day
Kadooment Day is observed on August 07, 2023, and marks the end of the Crop Over, the traditional harvest festival in Barbados that lasts 6 weeks.
Independence Day
Independence Day is a public holiday in Barbados, observed on November 30, 2023. The holiday commemorates when Barbados gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1966.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is a holiday of sharing, and people exchange Christmas gifts and cards with families and friends.
Boxing Day
Boxing Day is also known as St. Stephen's Day and is widely known as a shopping holiday in some countries. It falls on December 26, 2023.
The following is the list of public holidays in Barbados 2023.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Jan 01, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| New Year's Day Holiday | Jan 02, 2023 | Monday | Observed |
| Errol Barrow Day | Jan 21, 2023 | Saturday | Public Holiday |
| Good Friday | Apr 07, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Easter Monday | Apr 10, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| National Heroes' Day | Apr 28, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Whit Monday | May 29, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Emancipation Day | Aug 01, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
| Kadooment Day | Aug 07, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Independence Day | Nov 30, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Boxing Day | Dec 26, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
Please also check the working days in Barbados in 2023.