Boxing Day in Antigua and Barbuda
Boxing Day is a public holiday in Antigua and Barbuda, fixed by law on 26 December. Its rules form part of the Christmas holiday schedule, while historical accounts of Antigua’s Christmas season describe music, masquerades and seasonal food.[1][4]
A public holiday set by law
The Public Holidays (Amendment) Act, 2019 lists Boxing Day as 26 December each year. It provides that when 26 December falls on a Sunday, the following Monday and Tuesday are public holidays. The same Act gives Christmas Day its own weekend rule: when 25 December falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday and Tuesday are public holidays.[1]
The holiday has practical consequences for work and public services. The Public Holidays Act says public holidays are close holidays in banks, shops and stores selling goods, and public offices. It allows exceptions for urgent pharmacy services, early-morning food and drink sales, petrol stations and emergency vehicle repairs; the government may also authorize specified shops to open by Gazette order.[2]
The Labour Code says employees generally cannot be required to work on a public holiday except in emergencies, subject to exemptions made by ministerial order. It also sets conditions for holiday pay and additional pay for employees who work on a public holiday. Sunday has a special provision: the 2019 Act says the Labour Code’s public-holiday leave and pay sections do not apply to Sundays unless another public holiday falls on that Sunday.[1][3]
Christmas traditions in Antigua
The Historical and Archaeological Society of Antigua and Barbuda records traditions from Christmas past on Antigua, including masquerades, ironbands, long ghost and stilt walkers, and a Christmas season lasting from Christmas Day to the First Sunday.[4]
The Society’s account describes sorrel drink and Christmas cake offered to visiting carol singers, as well as seasoned, slow-cooked pork.[4]
Planning for the day
Because the law treats Boxing Day as a close holiday for banks, shops, stores and public offices, plan for many routine services to be unavailable. The law provides limited exceptions and permits official orders allowing particular shops to open, so local arrangements can vary.[2]
The legislation establishes the holiday and its closure rules, but it does not set opening hours for individual businesses or describe transport schedules. Check directly with a shop, restaurant, bank or transport provider before relying on normal service.[2]
Boxing Day questions
Is Boxing Day a public holiday in Antigua and Barbuda?
Yes. The Public Holidays (Amendment) Act, 2019 lists Boxing Day as a public holiday on 26 December each year.[1]
What happens when Boxing Day falls on a Sunday?
The Act provides that the following Monday and Tuesday are public holidays. It also contains a special rule for public-holiday leave and pay on Sundays.[1]
Are banks and shops open?
The Public Holidays Act generally treats public holidays as close holidays for banks, shops, stores and public offices, with specified exceptions and possible government orders permitting some shops to open.[2]
What foods are associated with Antigua’s Christmas season?
The historical account records sorrel drink and Christmas cake offered to carol singers, as well as seasoned, slow-cooked pork.[4]
Sources and references
Sources used for Boxing Day in Antigua & Barbuda:
- Public Holidays (Amendment) Act, 2019- Government of Antigua and Barbuda
- The Public Holidays Act, Cap. 354- Government of Antigua and Barbuda
- Antigua and Barbuda Labour Code, Cap. 27- Government of Antigua and Barbuda
- HAS Newsletter No. 155, October, November, December 2021- Historical and Archaeological Society, Museum of Antigua and Barbuda