There are 15 public holidays in Guyana in 2023, two of which fall on weekends: Saturday and Sunday.
New Year's Day
New Year Holiday is the first day of the year on the modern Gregorian calendar, and it is one of the most popular holidays in the world. The holiday falls on January 1, 2023, and is observed on January 2, 2023.
Republic Day
Republic Day is a public holiday in Guyana, observed on February 23, 2023. The holiday commemorates the anniversary of when Guyana became a cooperative republic on February 23, 1970.
Phagwah (Holi)
Holi, observed on March 7, 2023, celebrates the end of winter and the arrival of spring. Holi is a festival of colors and people celebrate the holiday by throwing colored powder into the air or splashing them on others.
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, April 7, 2023.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, and it is the Monday after Easter Sunday. It is observed on April 10, 2023.
Labour Day
Labour Day is observed on May 1, 2023, and it celebrates 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.
Arrival Day
Arrival Day, observed on May 5, 2023, is a public holiday in Guyana, and is observed on May 5 each year. The holiday commemorates the anniversary when the indentured laborers from India arrived in Guyana to work in sugar plantations on May 5, 1838.
Independence Day
Independence Day, observed on May 26, 2023, is a public holiday in Guyana, and it is observed on May 26 each year. The holiday commemorates the anniversary of when Guyana gained its independence from the United Kingdom on May 26, 1966.
Eid-ul-Adha
Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the festival of sacrifice, is an important Muslim festival. The holiday falls on June 29, 2023, and it honors the willingness of the prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God's command.
CARICOM Day
CARICOM Day, observed on July 3, 2023, is a public holiday in Guyana, and it is observed on the first Monday in July each year. The holiday commemorates the anniversary when the Treaty of Chaguaramas was signed on July 4, 1973 in Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago.
Emancipation Day
Emancipation Day is a public holiday in Guyana, and it is observed on August 1, 2023. The holiday commemorates the date when the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into force, and slavery was abolished in Guyana in August 1834.
Youman-Nabi
Also known as Mawlid, which commemorates the birthday of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, an Arab religious and political leader and the founder of Islam. Muhammad was born around 570 AD in Mecca, and he was a deeply spiritual man spending time in meditation. The holiday falls on September 28, 2023.
Deepawali
Diwali is the festival of lights in India and usually lasts five days. People light rows of lamps inside and outside their homes for the holiday, representing the triumph of light over dark and the power of good over evil. The holiday falls on November 12, 2023, and is observed on November 13, 2023.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25, 2023, and commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Christmas Day is a holiday of sharing. 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 Guyana 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 |
| Republic Day | Feb 23, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| Phagwah (Holi) | Mar 07, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
| Good Friday | Apr 07, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Easter Monday | Apr 10, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Arrival Day | May 05, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Independence Day | May 26, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Eid-ul-Adha | Jun 29, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| CARICOM Day | Jul 03, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Emancipation Day | Aug 01, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
| Youman-Nabi | Sep 28, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| Deepawali | Nov 12, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Deepawali Holiday | Nov 13, 2023 | Monday | Observed |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Boxing Day | Dec 26, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
Please also check the working days in Guyana in 2023.