Good Friday in Antigua and Barbuda
Good Friday is a public holiday in Antigua and Barbuda and is also identified in the Public Holidays Act as a common-law holiday. It falls on the Friday before Easter and commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.[1][2][4]
Date and legal status
The Public Holidays (Amendment) Act, 2019 includes Good Friday in the national public-holiday schedule. The day moves with Easter; the Act names the holiday but does not set a fixed calendar date.[1][4]
The 2019 schedule does not provide an automatic substitute day for Good Friday when it falls on a weekend. The Public Holidays Act gives the Governor-General, acting on Cabinet advice, power to change a public holiday in a special case by proclamation.[1][2]
What the day means
Good Friday is part of the Christian observance leading to Easter. Christians commemorate Jesus’s death by crucifixion; practices can include scripture readings and special church services. Worship schedules differ, so anyone hoping to attend a service should check with a local church.[4]
Work and business hours
The Public Holidays Act provides for banks, shops and stores selling goods, and public offices to close on public holidays. It allows exceptions for drugstores filling prescriptions, public markets and food or drink sales until 9 a.m., petrol stations, and garages making emergency vehicle repairs. Gazette orders may also permit specified kinds of shops to open.[2]
Under the Labour Code, employees generally cannot be required to work on a public holiday except in an emergency, although the Minister may exempt specified industries or enterprises by Gazette order. Eligible employees who do not work retain their basic pay if they worked their scheduled day immediately before and after the holiday. Employees who do work are entitled to additional pay at no less than 150 percent of their basic hourly rate for hours worked, subject to the Code’s provisions.[3]
Planning around the holiday
For visitors and residents, expect public offices and banks to be closed, and check shop hours before making plans because the law provides limited exceptions and additional openings may be authorized. The legislation does not set holiday hours for public transport, restaurants or other visitor services, so check directly with each provider.[2]
Good Friday in Antigua and Barbuda: FAQs
Is Good Friday a public holiday?
When does Good Friday fall?
It is the Friday before Easter Sunday, so its date changes from year to year.[4]
Do employees have the day off?
The Labour Code generally says employees cannot be required to work on a public holiday, except in emergencies or where an applicable ministerial order provides otherwise.[3]
Are banks and shops open?
The Public Holidays Act provides for banks, shops, stores and public offices to close. It lists limited exceptions for certain shops and services, so confirm opening hours directly.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for Good Friday in Antigua & Barbuda:
- Public Holidays (Amendment) Act, 2019- Government of Antigua and Barbuda
- The Public Holidays Act (Cap. 354)- Government of Antigua and Barbuda
- The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Code (Cap. 27)- Government of Antigua and Barbuda
- Good Friday- University of Michigan Office of the Provost