Welcome to our guide on Public Holidays in Saint Martin in 2025. This beautiful Caribbean island, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant culture, observes several holidays throughout the year that reflect its rich history and diverse heritage.
Saint Martin’s public holidays in 2025 allow residents as well as visitors to savor the island’s unique fusion of French and Dutch inspirations. From religious observances to cultural celebrations, these holidays provide insight into the island’s past and present. Whether you’re planning a visit or simply curious about Saint Martin’s traditions, understanding these public holidays will enhance your appreciation of this enchanting destination. Let’s explore the significant dates that shape the rhythm of life on the island in 2025.
Public Holidays in Saint Martin in 2025
The following is the list of Public Holidays in Saint Martin in 2025
Holiday | Date | Weekday |
New Year’s Day | Jan 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
Easter Monday | Apr 21, 2025 | Monday |
Labour Day | May 01, 2025 | Thursday |
Victory Day | May 08, 2025 | Thursday |
Abolition Day | May 28, 2025 | Wednesday |
Ascension Day | May 29, 2025 | Thursday |
Whit Monday | Jun 09, 2025 | Monday |
National Day | Jul 14, 2025 | Monday |
Assumption Day | Aug 15, 2025 | Friday |
All Saints’ Day | Nov 01, 2025 | Saturday |
Armistice Day | Nov 11, 2025 | Tuesday |
Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2025 | Thursday |
Know More: Public Holidays in Saint Lucia in 2025 |
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day marks the start of the calendar year in Saint Martin. It’s a time for fresh beginnings, resolutions, and hope for the future. Families and friends gather to celebrate, often staying up until midnight on New Year’s Eve to welcome the new year.
Traditional foods are enjoyed, and people exchange wishes for good fortune. Many attend church services to pray for blessings in the coming year. The day is filled with a festive atmosphere, with some participating in parades or beachside celebrations. It’s a public holiday, allowing residents to relax and enjoy time with loved ones.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday follows Easter Sunday and is part of the Christian Holy Week celebrations in Saint Martin. While Easter Sunday commemorates Jesus Christ’s resurrection, Easter Monday is a day of relaxation and community gatherings. Families often have picnics or beach outings, enjoying the spring weather.
Traditional foods like ham, fish, and local delicacies are shared. Some communities organize egg hunts for children or host local fairs. It’s a time for reflection on the Easter message and for spending quality time with family and friends. Along with the festival, the Lenten season—a time of fasting and atonement—ends.
Labour Day
Labour Day, observed on May 1st, honors the contributions and achievements of workers in Saint Martin. It’s a day to recognize the importance of fair labor practices and workers’ rights. Many businesses and government offices close, allowing employees to rest and enjoy the day. Some communities organize parades or rallies to celebrate workers and raise awareness about labor issues.
Unions might host events or meetings to discuss workers’ concerns. The holiday is also a time for family gatherings, picnics, or beach outings. It reminds us of the ongoing struggle for workers’ rights and the value of all forms of labor to society.
Victory Day
Victory Day, typically celebrated on May 8th, commemorates the end of World War II in Europe. In Saint Martin, it’s a day to remember those who fought for freedom and to honor the Allied victory over Nazi Germany. While Saint Martin wasn’t directly involved in the war, the island recognizes this day as part of its French heritage.
Official ceremonies might be held, including wreath-laying at war memorials. It’s a time for reflection on the costs of war and the importance of peace. Some residents attend memorial services or watch documentaries about the war. The day serves as a reminder of the global impact of World War II.
Abolition Day
Abolition Day marks the anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Saint Martin. It’s a solemn day of remembrance and celebration, honoring the resilience of ancestors who endured slavery and fought for freedom. Cultural events often feature traditional music, dance, and storytelling that highlight African heritage.
Educational programs may be organized to teach about the history of slavery and its lasting impacts. It’s a time for reflection on the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. Community gatherings and parades might take place, emphasizing unity and progress. The day serves as a powerful reminder of the island’s history and the importance of human rights.
Ascension Day
Celebrated forty days following Easter, Ascension Day honors, from a Christian perspective, Jesus Christ’s ascension into heaven. In Saint Martin, it’s a public holiday with religious and cultural significance. Many attend church services to mark the occasion.
It’s seen as a day of hope and spiritual reflection. Some families have gatherings or picnics, enjoying the typically pleasant weather. As it falls on a Thursday, some people take Friday off as well, creating a long weekend. While primarily a Christian observance, the holiday is respected by the diverse population of Saint Martin. It’s a time for contemplation and strengthening faith for many residents.
Whit Monday
Pentecost Monday, sometimes known as Whit Monday, comes fifty days following Easter.
It follows Pentecost Sunday, which commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. In Saint Martin, it’s a public holiday with both religious and secular observances. Many attend special church services or prayer meetings.
It’s also seen as the beginning of summer, and people often celebrate with outdoor activities, picnics, or beach outings. Some communities organize cultural events or sports competitions. The holiday provides a chance for families and friends to gather and enjoy leisure time together. It’s a day that blends spiritual reflection with a joyful celebration of community and the season.
National Day
Celebrated on November 11, Saint Martin’s National Day honors the feast day of the island’s namesake, Saint Martin of Tours. It’s a day of cultural pride and unity for both the French and Dutch sides of the island. Festivities often include parades, artistic performances, and official ceremonies. Local foods and drinks are enjoyed, and traditional games might be played.
It’s an opportunity to showcase the island’s unique heritage and diverse influences. The day often features music and dance performances, art exhibitions, and historical reenactments. Residents should join together at this time to celebrate their common identity and consider the island’s past and future.
Assumption Day
Assumption Day, observed on August 15th, is a significant Catholic holiday commemorating the belief that the Virgin Mary was bodily taken into heaven at the end of her earthly life. In Saint Martin, it’s a public holiday respected by people of various faiths.
Many Catholics attend special church services or processions. It’s also seen as a summer holiday, with people often enjoying beach outings or family picnics. Some communities organize cultural events or festivals around this time. While some people find the day provides an opportunity for spiritual reflection, others simply cherish the day off as a means of relaxation or time with close friends.
All Saints’ Day
All Saints’ Day, celebrated on November 1st, is a Christian holiday honoring all saints, known and unknown. In Saint Martin, it’s a day of remembrance and spiritual reflection. Many visit cemeteries to set candles and flowers on the tombstones of loved ones.
Church services are held to commemorate the saints and pray for the deceased. It’s a time for families to come together and remember their ancestors. Some communities organize processions or special memorial events. While primarily a Christian observance, the holiday’s themes of remembrance and honoring those who have passed resonate with many across different faiths.
Armistice Day
Celebrated on November 11, Armistice Day honors the signing of the armistice that ended World War I in 1918. In Saint Martin, it’s a day to honor veterans and remember those who died in wars. Official ceremonies might include wreath-laying at war memorials and moments of silence. Some communities organize parades or special events to recognize veterans.
Schools often hold educational programs about the significance of the day. It’s a time for reflection on the costs of war and the importance of peace. While Saint Martin wasn’t directly involved in World War I, the island observes this day as part of its French heritage and in solidarity with global peace efforts.
Christmas Day
In Saint Martin, Christmas Day, observed on December 25th, is a happy celebration. For Christians, it honors the birth of Jesus Christ, but adherents of many different religions also celebrate it extensively. Families gather for festive meals, often featuring traditional dishes and local specialties. Gift-giving is common, especially for children.
Many attend church services, either on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Lights, trees, and nativity scenes adorn public areas as well as homes. Some communities organize caroling events or holiday markets. It’s a time of goodwill, with many participating in charitable activities. The holiday brings a spirit of joy, generosity, and togetherness to the island.