Public Holidays in Belize 2024
Belize celebrates various public holidays throughout the year, each with its own cultural, historical, and religious significance. These holidays are observed with enthusiasm and are often marked by festivities, parades, and traditional ceremonies. In this guide, we will explore the public holidays in Belize for the year 2024, providing detailed descriptions of each holiday along with information on the groups entitled to days off.
New Year’s Day – January 1, 2024
New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year and is celebrated with parties, family gatherings, and fireworks displays across Belize. It is a time for reflection on the past year and for setting goals and resolutions for the year ahead.
Days off: New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Belize, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
National Heroes and Benefactors Day – March 9, 2024
National Heroes and Benefactors Day is observed to honor the contributions and sacrifices of Belizean heroes and benefactors who played pivotal roles in the country’s history and development. It is a day to remember and pay tribute to individuals who have made significant positive impacts on Belizean society.
Days off: National Heroes and Benefactors Day is a public holiday in Belize, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Good Friday – April 5, 2024
Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is observed by Christians worldwide. In Belize, it is a solemn day marked by religious services, processions, and other observances that reflect on the significance of Christ’s sacrifice.
Days off: Good Friday is a public holiday in Belize, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Holy Saturday – April 6, 2024
Holy Saturday, also known as Black Saturday, is observed as the day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It is a time of reflection and anticipation for the celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Days off: Holy Saturday is not a public holiday in Belize.
Easter Sunday – April 7, 2024
Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as recounted in Christian scripture. It is a joyous occasion marked by church services, family gatherings, and festive meals.
Days off: Easter Sunday is not a public holiday in Belize.
Easter Monday – April 8, 2024
Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday and is part of the Easter holiday period. It is a time for relaxation and leisure activities, with many Belizeans enjoying picnics, beach outings, and other forms of recreation.
Days off: Easter Monday is a public holiday in Belize, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Labour Day – May 1, 2024
Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, is observed globally to honor the contributions of workers to society and advocate for labor rights and improved working conditions. In Belize, it is marked by rallies, parades, and other events organized by trade unions and labor organizations.
Days off: Labour Day is a public holiday in Belize, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Sovereign’s Day – June 10, 2024
Sovereign’s Day, also known as the Queen’s Birthday, is celebrated in honor of the reigning monarch of Belize, currently Queen Elizabeth II. It is a day of national pride and patriotism, marked by official ceremonies, parades, and cultural events.
Days off: Sovereign’s Day is a public holiday in Belize, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
St. George’s Caye Day – September 10, 2024
St. George’s Caye Day commemorates the Battle of St. George’s Caye, a significant event in Belizean history that took place on September 10, 1798. The battle was a decisive victory for British settlers over Spanish forces and is celebrated as a symbol of Belizean unity and resilience.
Days off: St. George’s Caye Day is a public holiday in Belize, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Independence Day – September 21, 2024
Independence Day celebrates Belize’s independence from British colonial rule, which was achieved on September 21, 1981. It is a day of national pride and patriotism, marked by flag-raising ceremonies, parades, cultural performances, and other festivities.
Days off: Independence Day is a public holiday in Belize, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Garifuna Settlement Day – November 19, 2024
Garifuna Settlement Day commemorates the arrival of the Garifuna people in Belize in 1832. It celebrates the rich cultural heritage and contributions of the Garifuna community to Belizean society and is marked by traditional music, dance, food, and other cultural events.
Days off: Garifuna Settlement Day is a public holiday in Belize, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students, particularly in areas with a significant Garifuna population.
Christmas Day – December 25, 2024
Christmas Day is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed with religious services, festive meals, and the exchange of gifts. It is a time for family gatherings and traditions.
Days off: Christmas Day is a public holiday in Belize, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Boxing Day – December 26, 2024
Boxing Day is traditionally observed as a day for giving to the less fortunate and spending time with family and friends. In Belize, it is a time for relaxation and leisure activities.
Days off: Boxing Day is a public holiday in Belize, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Table: Summary of Public Holidays in Belize 2024
| Holiday | Date | Description | Days Off for Groups |
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Beginning of the Gregorian calendar year | Nationwide |
| National Heroes and Benefactors Day | March 9 | Tribute to Belizean heroes and benefactors | Nationwide |
| Good Friday | April 5 | Commemoration of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ | Nationwide |
| Easter Monday | April 8 | End of the Easter holiday period | Nationwide |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Celebration of workers’ contributions | Nationwide |
| Sovereign’s Day | June 10 | Celebration of the Queen’s Birthday | Nationwide |
| St. George’s Caye Day | September 10 | Commemoration of the Battle of St. George’s Caye | Nationwide |
| Independence Day | September 21 | Celebration of Belize’s independence | Nationwide |
| Garifuna Settlement Day | November 19 | Celebration of Garifuna culture and heritage | Nationwide |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ | Nationwide |
| Boxing Day | December 26 | Day for giving and relaxation | Nationwide |