Easter Monday in Antigua and Barbuda
Easter Monday is a statutory public holiday in Antigua and Barbuda and part of the Easter period. The law names it as a holiday, while the country’s tourism authority identifies kite flying with local Easter Monday observance.[1][2][5]
A public holiday tied to Easter
Antigua and Barbuda’s Public Holidays (Amendment) Act, 2019 lists Easter Monday in the national holiday schedule. Government information describes it as the second day of Eastertide, following Easter Sunday.[1][2]
The law does not give Easter Monday a fixed calendar date. It also provides no substitute day for it; its schedule gives substitute-day instructions for some other named holidays but not this one.[1]
Kite flying on Easter Monday
Kite flying is a documented local observance. The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority describes colorful, traditional homemade kites flown by children and adults as part of an Easter Monday tradition.[5]
The Authority lists an Antigua and Barbuda International Kite Festival among the country’s events. Its festival page connects kite flying with Easter Monday, though event arrangements may vary.[5]
Work, pay and public services
The Public Holidays Act says public holidays are close holidays for banks, shops and stores selling goods, and public offices. It allows certain exceptions, including pharmacies filling prescriptions, food or drink sales before 9 a.m., and petrol stations; the government may also permit specified shops to open by Gazette order.[3]
The Labour Code says employees are not obliged to work on a public holiday except in emergencies, with possible exemptions for industries or enterprises by ministerial order. For an employee who does not work, the Code provides for basic pay if the scheduled workday immediately before and after the holiday was worked. If an employee works, the Code sets additional holiday pay, subject to its provisions.[4]
Planning around the holiday
Because the law provides for closures at banks, public offices and many shops, check directly with a particular business before making plans. The law permits specified exceptions and Gazette orders, so opening arrangements can differ.[3]
Travelers should check with transport operators and venues for their schedules.[3]
Frequently asked questions
Is Easter Monday a public holiday in Antigua and Barbuda?
Yes. It is listed in the Public Holidays (Amendment) Act, 2019 schedule.[1]
When does Easter Monday fall?
Do employees have the day off?
The Labour Code says employees are generally not obliged to work on a public holiday, apart from emergencies or applicable ministerial exemptions. It also sets conditions for holiday pay.[4]
Are banks and shops open?
The Public Holidays Act treats banks, shops and stores selling goods, and public offices as closed for public holidays, while allowing certain exceptions and government-authorized openings.[3]
What is a local Easter Monday tradition?
The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority describes kite flying, including colorful homemade kites, as an Easter Monday tradition.[5]
Sources and references
Sources used for Easter Monday in Antigua & Barbuda:
- Public Holidays (Amendment) Act, 2019- Government of Antigua and Barbuda
- National Holidays- Antigua and Barbuda Government Information Service
- The Public Holidays Act- Government of Antigua and Barbuda
- The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Code- Government of Antigua and Barbuda
- Antigua & Barbuda International Kite festival- Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority