Barbados is a lovely island nation known for its pretty beaches, colorful culture, and friendly locals. As you plan your trip to this Caribbean gem in 2025, it’s good to know about the public holidays.
These national celebrations allow you to experience the island’s rich history and traditions. Each holiday is special, from the fun Crop Over festival to religious events.
This blog will look at the public holidays in Barbados for 2025. We’ll share details about their backgrounds and how people celebrate them across the island.
Public Holidays In Barbados In 2025
There are a total of 12 public holidays in Barbados in 2025, one of which fell on the weekend.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Barbados people celebrate and think about the past year at the start of the new one. Traditional foods like pudding and souse are served at parties and feasts where families get together.
It is a chance to say goodbye to the old year and hello to the new one with hope and joy. Many people make plans or goals to improve themselves and improve things.
Errol Barrow Day (January 21)
Errol Barrow was a very important person in Barbados’ past, and this holiday honors him. As the country’s first prime minister, he played a big role in its growth after it gained its freedom.
Celebrations mark his memory and the things he did to build the country. His effects on education, health care, and foreign relations will be discussed at speeches, art shows, and panel discussions.
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Good Friday
It is a solemn Christian holiday that remembers when Jesus Christ was killed. Many Barbadians attend special church events and don’t eat or drink certain foods.
People think about and honor the things Jesus did on this day. Some also participate in reenactments or parades that show what happened when he was killed.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is a day of celebration in Barbados that follows Easter Sunday. Friends and family gather together to enjoy outdoor parties, picnics, and trips to the beach.
It is a time to eat, play games, and spend valuable time with loved ones. Kids often participate in Easter egg hunts or receive small gifts, making the holiday more enjoyable.
National Heroes’ Day (April 28)
It is a special day in Barbados as it honors the ten individuals who have been designated as the country’s national heroes. These men and women have contributed to Barbados’s development, independence, and cultural identity.
Parades, exhibitions, and educational events celebrate their achievements and sacrifices. The day provides an opportunity to boost the national spirit and honor their lasting contributions.
Labour Day (May 1)
Labour Day is a special day in Barbados that acknowledges the significant role of workers and the labor movement. On this day, rallies, marches, and speeches are organized to celebrate the rights and accomplishments of the working class.
It provides a platform to advocate for fair wages, safe working conditions, and greater job opportunities. Unions and workers’ organizations play a central role in the festivities.
Whit Monday
Whit Monday, also known as Pentecost Monday, is a Christian holiday celebrated on the day following Pentecost Sunday.
In Barbados, it is generally regarded as a day of rest, and many families take the opportunity to gather for picnics, outdoor activities, or quality time together.
It is a time to recharge and relax with loved ones after the religious observances of Pentecost.
Emancipation Day (August 1)
This holiday celebrates the abolition of slavery in Barbados and the British Empire in 1834. It serves as a time to celebrate freedom, resilience, and the rich cultural heritage of the Afro-Barbadian community.
The celebrations include music, dance, and theatrical performances that pay tribute to the struggles and triumphs of the ancestors. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing pursuit of equality and human rights.
Kadooment Day (First Monday in August)
The most exciting part of the annual Crop Over festival is Kadooment Day, which honors Barbadian music, culture, and customs. The streets are full of laughter and joy thanks to costume bands, music, and street parties.
It’s a time to party, dance, and celebrate what makes the island special. The celebrations end with a big parade that shows off the artistic and creative talents of the people in the area.
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Independence Day (November 30)
Independence Day is significant for Barbados as it marks its independence from the United Kingdom in 1966. This day is marked with parades, concerts, and official ceremonies celebrating the nation’s sovereignty and pride.
It also serves as an opportunity to reflect on the struggles and achievements of those who fought for self-governance. The people of Barbados come together to remember their past and promise to work together to make the future better.
Christmas Day (December 25)
Christmas Day is a religious and cultural holiday that marks the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time when family members come together, attend church services, and eat some traditional foods like ham and great cake.
People decorate their homes and give gifts as a practice they love. It’s a happy event that gets people together in an atmosphere of love, kindness, and unity.
Boxing Day (December 26)
Boxing Day is a public holiday celebrated on December 26th, the day after Christmas. In Barbados, it’s a time to continue the festive celebrations by engaging in various outdoor activities, visiting beaches, and spending quality time with loved ones.
Families often organize picnics, play sports, or relax and enjoy the holiday atmosphere. It’s a great opportunity to extend the Christmas cheer and create lasting memories with friends and family.
Please find below the complete list of the public holidays in Barbados In 2025.
Holiday | Date | Weekday |
New Year’s Day | Jan 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
Errol Barrow Day | Jan 21, 2025 | Tuesday |
Good Friday | Apr 18, 2025 | Friday |
Easter Monday | Apr 21, 2025 | Monday |
National Heroes’ Day | Apr 28, 2025 | Monday |
Labour Day | May 01, 2025 | Thursday |
Whit Monday | Jun 09, 2025 | Monday |
Emancipation Day | Aug 01, 2025 | Friday |
Kadooment Day | Aug 04, 2025 | Monday |
Independence Day | Nov 30, 2025 | Sunday |
Independence Day Holiday | Dec 01, 2025 | Monday |
Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2025 | Thursday |
Boxing Day | Dec 26, 2025 | Friday |