GUYANESE HOLIDAYS in 2022 & 2023

Guyanese celebrate many public holidays throughout the year for national, cultural and religious reasons. Public holidays are considered free days where most public and government offices are closed and people enjoy a number of leisure time activities.

Types of public holidays in Guyana

Public holidays in Guyana are designated by the Ministry of Home Affairs. They are divided into three main categories: National, Cultural and Religious

National holidays

National holidays commemorate major milestones in Guyana’s formation and evolution as a nation: Independence Day (independence from British rule) and Republic Day (establishment as a nation)

Cultural holidays

Culturally significant holidays commemorate major events in the country’s evolution: Arrival Day (beginning of arrival of indentured servants to Guyana) and Emancipation Day (abolition of slavery)

Religious holidays

Guyana recognizes its 3 main religions by allocating 2 holidays to each. Even though some citizens may not participate in the religious components of the holidays, they still enjoy celebrating the designated day with each other. Christian (Easter and Christmas), Hindu (Phagwah/Holi and Deepavali/Diwali) and Islam (Eid-al-Adha and Youman Nabi). 

Other holidays in Guyana

Additionally, some holidays fall outside of these categories: Labour Day (recognition of workers’ rights) and CARICOM Day (holiday for Caribbean Community - CARICOM - member countries)

Holidays in 2022

New Year's Day - 1 January

Republic Day - 23 February

Phagwah (Holi) - 18 March

Good Friday - 15 April

Easter Monday - 18 April

Labour Day - 1 May

Labour Day Holiday - 2 May

Arrival Day - 5 May

Independence Day - 26 May

CARICOM Day - 4 July

Eid al-Adha - 10 July

Eid al-Adha - 11 July

Emancipation Day - 1 August

Youman Nabi - 9 October

Youman Nabi Holiday - 10 October

Deepavali - 24 October

Christmas Day - 25 December

Boxing Day - 26 December

Christmas Holiday - 27 December

Holidays in 2023

New Year's Day - 1 January

New Year's Holiday - 2 January

Republic Day - 23 February

Phagwah (Holi) - 18 March

Good Friday - 7 April

Easter Monday - 10 April

Labour Day - 1 May

Arrival Day - 5 May

Independence Day - 26 May

Eid al-Adha - 29 June

CARICOM Day - 3 July

Emancipation Day - 1 August

Youman Nabi - 28 September

Deepavali - 12 November

Deepavali Holiday - 13 November

Christmas Day -  25 December

Boxing Day - 26 December

Learn more about what Guyanese do and where they go to enjoy their holidays.