This is a list of public holidays in Belize.
Public holidays Date Day Observance Observance rule Explanatory note 1 January New Year's Day fixed at 1 January (see Note 1) 15 January George Price Day 15 January (see Note 2)This day was established in 2021 to commemorate Belize's only premier and first Prime Minister, George Cadle Price. 9 March National Heroes and Benefactors Day 9 March (see Note 2)This day was originally designated "Baron Bliss Day" to honor a wealthy Englishman who left his fortune to the former British Honduras. Good Friday fixed by church calendar (moveable)Crucifixion of Jesus Holy Saturday fixed by church calendar (moveable) Easter Monday fixed by church calendar (moveable) 1 May Labour Day fixed at May 1 (see Note 1)Also called International Workers' Day 1 August Emancipation Day fixed at 1 August (see Note 1) 10 September Saint George's Caye Day fixed at 10 September (see Note 1)The Battle of St. George's Caye was a key battle involving British colonists, freed slaves who worked as lumber cutters, and pirates who fought against the Spanish Empire in 1798. There is an annual regatta in San Pedro Town. 21 September Independence Day fixed at 21 September (see Note 1)"British Honduras" became "Belize" in 1973 and was granted independence by Great Britain in 1981. 12 October Pan America Day 12 October (see Note 2)Formerly called Columbus Day 19 November Garifuna Settlement Day fixed at 19 November (see Note 1)Since 1941, this holiday has honoured the Garifuna people, a group of mixed-race people with African and Carib roots. 25 December Christmas Day fixed at 25 December (see Note 1)Birth of Jesus 26 December Boxing Day fixed at 26 December (see Note 1)This is a day set aside for charitable works, although many people participate in sports or go shopping.
(*) Moveable holidays (**) Replacement days: Note 1 – Chapter 289 of the laws of Belize states that if the holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed as the bank and public holiday. Note 2 – Chapter 289 of the laws of Belize states that if the holiday falls on a Sunday or a Friday, the following Monday is observed as the bank and public holiday; further, if the holiday falls on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, the preceding Monday is observed as the bank and public holiday.
Variable holidays
2020 9 March, Monday: National Heroes and Benefactors Day 10 April, Friday: Good Friday 11 April, Saturday: Holy Saturday 13 April, Monday: Easter Monday 25 May, Monday: Commonwealth Day 28 December, Monday: Boxing Day Holiday 2021 2 April, Friday: Good Friday 3 April, Saturday: Holy Saturday 5 April, Monday: Easter Monday 24 May, Monday: Commonwealth Day 11 October, Monday: Pan America Day 27 December, Monday: Boxing Day Holiday 2022 7 March, Monday: National Heroes and Benefactors Day 15 April, Friday: Good Friday 16 April, Saturday: Holy Saturday 18 April, Monday: Easter Monday 2 May Monday: Labour Day Holiday 23 May, Monday: Commonwealth Day 10 October, Monday: Pan America Day 2023 2 January, Monday: New Year Holiday 6 March, Monday: National Heroes and Benefactors Day 7 April, Friday: Good Friday 8 April, Saturday: Holy Saturday 10 April, Monday: Easter Monday 29 May, Monday: Sovereign's Day 11 September, Monday: Saint George's Caye Holiday 9 October, Monday: Pan America Day 20 November, Monday: Garifuna Settlement Holiday
References
Laws of Belize Chapter 289