Public Holidays in Dominica 2024
Dominica, known as the “Nature Isle of the Caribbean,” observes several public holidays throughout the year, reflecting its cultural diversity, historical events, and religious traditions. These holidays provide opportunities for celebration, reflection, and community gatherings. In this guide, we’ll explore the public holidays in Dominica for the year 2024, providing detailed descriptions of each holiday along with information on the groups entitled to days off.
National Holidays
New Year’s Day – January 1, 2024
New Year’s Day in Dominica marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. It is celebrated with parties, fireworks, and gatherings of family and friends. Many people make resolutions for the new year and spend time reflecting on the year gone by.
Days off: New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Dominica, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Carnival Monday and Tuesday – February 19-20, 2024
Carnival Monday and Tuesday are part of Dominica’s vibrant carnival celebrations, known as the “Real Mas.” These two days are filled with colorful parades, music, dancing, and elaborate costumes. Carnival is a time for revelry and cultural expression, with locals and visitors joining together to enjoy the festivities.
Days off: Carnival Monday and Tuesday are public holidays in Dominica, observed nationwide, providing two days off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Good Friday – April 12, 2024
Good Friday is observed by Christians as the day of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and death. In Dominica, it is a solemn day marked by religious services, processions, and reflection on the significance of Christ’s sacrifice.
Days off: Good Friday is a public holiday in Dominica, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Easter Monday – April 15, 2024
Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday and is observed as a public holiday in Dominica. It is a time for relaxation, family outings, and continued Easter celebrations.
Days off: Easter Monday is a public holiday in Dominica, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Labour Day – May 1, 2024
Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, honors the contributions of workers to society. In Dominica, it is a day for workers’ rights demonstrations, marches, and celebrations organized by trade unions and labor organizations.
Days off: Labour Day is a public holiday in Dominica, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Whit Monday – June 10, 2024
Whit Monday, also known as Pentecost Monday, is observed as a public holiday in Dominica. It is the day after Whit Sunday, which commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ.
Days off: Whit Monday is a public holiday in Dominica, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Emancipation Day – August 5, 2024
Emancipation Day in Dominica commemorates the abolition of slavery in the British Caribbean territories on August 1, 1834. It is a time to reflect on the struggles and achievements of the ancestors who fought for freedom and to celebrate the resilience of the Afro-Caribbean community.
Days off: Emancipation Day is a public holiday in Dominica, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Independence Day – November 3, 2024
Independence Day in Dominica commemorates the country’s independence from British colonial rule on November 3, 1978. It is a national holiday marked by patriotic ceremonies, parades, cultural events, and celebrations of Dominican identity and sovereignty.
Days off: Independence Day is a public holiday in Dominica, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Christmas Day – December 25, 2024
Christmas Day in Dominica celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed with religious services, family gatherings, and the exchange of gifts. Festive decorations adorn homes, churches, and public spaces, creating a joyful atmosphere.
Days off: Christmas Day is a public holiday in Dominica, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Table: Summary of Public Holidays in Dominica 2024
| Holiday | Date | Description | Days Off for Groups |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 1 | Beginning of the Gregorian calendar year | Nationwide |
| Carnival Monday | Feb 19 | Part of Dominica’s vibrant carnival celebrations | Nationwide |
| Carnival Tuesday | Feb 20 | Part of Dominica’s vibrant carnival celebrations | Nationwide |
| Good Friday | Apr 12 | Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ | Nationwide |
| Easter Monday | Apr 15 | Celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ | Nationwide |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Honors the contributions of workers to society | Nationwide |
| Whit Monday | Jun 10 | Celebration of the descent of the Holy Spirit | Nationwide |
| Emancipation Day | Aug 5 | Commemorates the abolition of slavery | Nationwide |
| Independence Day | Nov 3 | Commemorates independence from British colonial rule | Nationwide |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25 | Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ | Nationwide |