The Public Holidays in Saint Pierre and Miquelon in 2025 offer a fascinating glimpse into the unique culture and heritage of this French overseas collectivity. Nestled off the coast of Newfoundland, these islands blend French traditions with local customs, creating a distinctive holiday calendar.
From the jubilant celebrations of New Year’s Day to the solemn observances of Armistice Day, each holiday tells a story of the archipelago’s rich history and vibrant community life. Whether honoring religious traditions, commemorating historical events, or simply enjoying well-deserved breaks, these public holidays provide residents and visitors alike with opportunities to experience the spirit of Saint Pierre and Miquelon throughout the year.
Public Holidays in Saint Pierre and Miquelon in 2025
The following is the list of Public Holidays in Saint Pierre and Miquelon 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 |
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 Martin in 2025 |
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day marks the start of the new year in the Gregorian calendar. In Saint Pierre and Miquelon, as in many parts of the world, it’s a time for fresh beginnings and new resolutions. Families and friends often gather to celebrate, enjoying special meals and festivities.
The holiday is deeply rooted in French traditions, given the archipelago’s strong ties to France. People may exchange gifts, watch fireworks, or participate in local community events. It’s a day of hope and optimism as residents look forward to the possibilities the new year brings to their unique island community.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday follows Easter Sunday and is part of the Christian Easter celebration. In Saint Pierre and Miquelon, this holiday reflects the islands’ predominantly Catholic heritage. While Easter Sunday focuses on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Easter Monday is a more relaxed day for family gatherings and outdoor activities, weather permitting.
Traditional Easter foods may be enjoyed, and children might participate in egg hunts or other festive games. The holiday also marks the beginning of spring, symbolizing renewal and new life. For many residents, it’s a welcome day off to extend the Easter weekend celebrations.
Labour Day
Labour Day, or Fête du Travail, is celebrated on May 1st in Saint Pierre and Miquelon, aligning with International Workers’ Day. This holiday honors the achievements and rights of workers. It recognizes the contributions of the labor movement and the importance of fair working conditions. In Saint Pierre and Miquelon, where fishing and tourism are key industries, Labour Day holds special significance for the local workforce.
The day might feature parades, speeches, or community gatherings. Many businesses close, allowing workers to rest and spend time with family, reflecting on the value of their labor to the islands’ economy and society.
Victory Day
Victory Day, observed on May 8th, commemorates the end of World War II in Europe. For Saint Pierre and Miquelon, this day holds particular significance due to the islands’ unique history during the war. In 1941, Free French forces took control of the islands from Vichy France, making them the first French territory to join the Allied forces.
The day is marked with solemn ceremonies remembering those who fought and died. Flag-raising events, wreath-laying at monuments, and gatherings of veterans and citizens take place. It’s a time to reflect on the islands’ role in the war and the importance of peace.
Ascension Day
Ascension Day, occurring 40 days after Easter is a Christian holiday celebrating Jesus Christ’s ascension into heaven. In Saint Pierre and Miquelon, where Catholicism is the predominant religion, this day holds spiritual importance. It’s typically a public holiday, allowing residents time for religious observance and reflection. Churches may have special services or masses.
While it’s a religious occasion, many also see it as a welcome spring holiday. Some families might use this day for outings or gatherings, enjoying the improving weather as summer approaches. It’s a day that blends spiritual significance with community togetherness.
Whit Monday
Whit Monday, sometimes called Pentecost Monday, comes 50 days following Easter. Pentecost Sunday, which honors the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, comes first. Observed as a state holiday in Saint Pierre and Miquelon, this Christian celebration reflects the Catholic customs of the islands.
Whit Monday is generally observed as a community day, but having religious roots. Making use of the late spring, families and friends may get together for picnics or outdoor activities. There could be planned neighborhood celebrations or festivities. It is a day combining leisure and social fun with spiritual introspection.
National Day
Celebrated on July 14, National Day in Saint Pierre and Miquelon falls on France’s Bastille Day. It captures the archipelago’s position as an overseas French collectivity. The day honors the storming of the Bastille in 1789, a pivotal occasion of the French Revolution. Usually, celebrations comprise parades, pyrotechnics, and other community activities.
The French tricolor flag is somewhat conspicuously displayed. National Day is a moment for locals to honor their history by fusing their particular island character with French culture. It emphasizes the close political and cultural relationships between the islands and mainland France.
Assumption Day
Assumption Day, observed on August 15th, is a significant Catholic holiday celebrating the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was bodily taken into heaven at the end of her earthly life. In Saint Pierre and Miquelon, where Catholicism is deeply rooted, this day holds particular religious importance.
Churches may hold special masses or processions. Beyond its spiritual significance, Assumption Day is also seen as a summer holiday. Many families use this time for gatherings, picnics, or beach outings, taking advantage of the usually pleasant August weather. It’s a day that blends spiritual observance with summer leisure.
All Saints’ Day
Celebrated on November 1, All Saints’ Day is a Christian celebration celebrating all saints, known and unknown. In Saint Pierre and Miquelon, this day is quite holy, both culturally and religiously. Especially in chrysanthemums, families visit cemeteries to clean and embellish the graves of their loved ones with flowers.
One might light candles in commemoration. There are particular masses held in churches. Sad as it is, this is also a time for family get-togethers for ancestral remembrance. The celebration honors the solid Catholic background of the islands and the value of family and community ties in this close-knit society.
Armistice Day
Celebrated on November 11, Armistice Day honors the truce agreed between Germany and the Allies in 1918, which brought about the end of World War I. Like in France, this day is observed in Saint Pierre and Miquelon, with severe rituals honoring veterans and those who perished in war.
Official celebrations comprise moments of silence, wreath-laying at war memorials, and playing of the French national anthem. Veterans might show up for events or parades. Many times, schools have extra classes on the historical relevance of the day. It is time for contemplation on the worth of peace and the expenses of war.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day, December 25th, is a significant holiday in Saint Pierre and Miquelon, reflecting both the islands’ Christian heritage and secular winter celebrations. Families gather for festive meals, often featuring traditional French dishes alongside local specialties. Gift-giving, especially for children, is common.
Churches hold special Christmas masses. The islands take on a festive appearance with decorations and lights. Despite the typically cold weather, there’s a warm, communal atmosphere. Christmas in Saint Pierre and Miquelon blends religious observance with cultural traditions, creating a unique island celebration that reflects both their French heritage and local identity.