Independence Day (Guyana)

Independence Day is a public holiday in Guyana, and it is observed on May 26 each year. The holiday commemorates the anniversary when Guyana gained its independence from the United Kingdom on May 26, 1966.

Guyana is a country on the northern mainland of South America. People inhabited the territory for thousands of years before Christopher Columbus first sighted the land on his third voyage in 1498.

In the late 16th century, the Dutch first established colonies in modern-day Guyana and focused on plantation agriculture by using enslaved Africans. The colony passed back and forth among Spanish, French, Dutch, and British settlers. In 1814, the territory was formally ceded to the United Kingdom, which was known as British Guiana.

The economy turned bad during the Great Depression in the 1930s and the unemployment soared, which made the working class realize the importance of the political voice. After World War II, the demands for independence grew in society. On May 26, 1966, Guyana gained its independence from the United Kingdom.

The following is the list of Independence Day in Guyana from 2022 to 2026.

Please check more public holidays in Guyana: