| Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-01 | New Year's Day | National |
| 2026-02-18 | Ash Wednesday | National |
| 2026-04-03 | Good Friday | National |
| 2026-04-06 | Easter Monday | National |
| 2026-05-23 | National Labour Day | National |
| 2026-05-25 | National Labour Day (observed) | Substitute |
| 2026-08-01 | Emancipation Day | National |
| 2026-08-06 | Independence Day | National |
| 2026-10-19 | National Heroes Day | National |
| 2026-12-25 | Christmas Day | National |
| 2026-12-26 | Boxing Day | National |
How many public holidays does Jamaica have in 2026?
Jamaica has 11 public holidays in 2026: 10 national holidays, 1 substitute day. The dates run from 1 January 2026 to 26 December 2026, and no public holiday falls in March, June, July, September, November. Observances and regional holidays are listed separately and are not counted.
Wondering how that stacks up globally? See how Jamaica's public holiday count compares.
Long weekends in Jamaica 2026
Jamaica's public holidays create 4 long weekends in 2026 - runs of three or more consecutive days off, each built around a holiday that touches a weekend.
- Fri 3 - Mon 6 April: Good Friday (4-day weekend, Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April).
- Sat 23 - Mon 25 May: National Labour Day (3-day weekend, Saturday 23 May to Monday 25 May).
- Sat 17 - Mon 19 October: National Heroes Day (3-day weekend, Saturday 17 October to Monday 19 October).
- Fri 25 - Sun 27 December: Christmas Day (3-day weekend, Friday 25 December to Sunday 27 December).
Observed and substitute holidays in Jamaica 2026
A substitute holiday is a day off moved to a nearby working weekday when a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday. The legal date never changes - only the day most people actually get off.
- 25 May 2026 (Monday) - given as the day off for National Labour Day (observed), which falls on a weekend.
Regional variations are common; see public holidays across North America for the wider picture.
Public holidays in Jamaica: is your date a holiday in 2026?
Every date in the table above is a public holiday in Jamaica in 2026. If the date you are checking appears there, it is a day off; if it does not, it is not a public holiday - however widely it may be marked.
For example, 1 January 2026 is New Year's Day, a public holiday in Jamaica.
More to explore: browse public holidays by country.
About these holidays in Jamaica (2026)
Our Jamaica public holidays guide explains the background of each holiday and how the dates are set.
New Year's Day
New Year's Day falls on 1 January and opens the Gregorian calendar year. Most countries mark it with a public holiday, and celebrations usually begin the night before with countdowns, fireworks and gatherings. The date was fixed in its current position by Julius Caesar's calendar reform, and later preserved by the Gregorian reform of 1582. traditions vary widely, from first-footing in Scotland to writing resolutions for the months ahead.
Good Friday
Good Friday is the Friday before Easter and commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus. It is a public holiday in most countries with Christian traditions, and businesses, banks and schools often close. Observance is typically solemn, with church services, processions and in some places Passion plays. The date moves each year because Easter is calculated from the first full moon following the March equinox.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday and forms the final day of the Easter octave in Western Christianity. It is a public holiday in many European, Commonwealth and Latin American countries, effectively extending the Easter weekend. Because it is tied to the movable date of Easter, it falls between late March and late April. Traditional customs include egg rolling, picnics and family outings.
Emancipation Day
Emancipation Day commemorates the ending of slavery or of colonial rule. The date and the event vary: the United Kingdom and much of the Caribbean mark 1 August 1834, when slavery ended in the British Empire, while the United States observes Juneteenth on 19 June and Washington DC on 16 April. Observances include ceremonies, educational events and reflection on the history and legacy of enslavement.
Independence Day
Independence Day marks the anniversary of a nation's formal separation from another state, or of the founding moment of its sovereignty. Because it commemorates a specific historical event, the date differs from country to country and the name often includes the year. Typical observances include flag raising, military parades, speeches by heads of state, and public concerts. It is frequently the most prominent national holiday on the calendar.