New Year’s Day in Antigua and Barbuda
New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Antigua and Barbuda, set by law for January 1. If January 1 falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is also a public holiday; the holiday has practical effects on public offices, banks and shops, while local visitor information describes celebrations that include church services and fireworks.[1][2][4]
A holiday set by law
The Public Holidays (Amendment) Act, 2019 replaced the schedule to the Public Holidays Act and lists New Year’s Day as January 1 each year. It provides that when January 1 falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is a public holiday.[1]
The Labour Code provides that employees generally cannot be required to work on a public holiday, except in emergencies. The Minister may exempt certain industries or enterprises by an order published in the Gazette. The Code also sets conditions for public-holiday pay, so an employee’s circumstances and any applicable order matter.[3]
How the day is marked
Antigua Cruise Port’s visitor information describes New Year’s Day as marking the start of the calendar year and associates it with festivals, church services and fireworks.[4]
Antigua Cruise Port’s visitor information describes New Year’s Day as marking the start of the calendar year and associates it with festivals, church services and fireworks.[4]
What to expect for services
The Public Holidays Act says public holidays are to be kept as close holidays in banks, shops and stores where goods are sold, and public offices. It allows specific exceptions, including drug shops supplying medicines in cases of necessity, public markets and sales of food or drink until 9 a.m., and petrol stations and garages for the listed purposes. The Act also allows the Governor-General, acting with Cabinet’s advice, to permit specified classes of shops or stores to open by Gazette order.[2]
Antigua Cruise Port cautions that some businesses may close on public holidays. Its information does not give a general New Year’s schedule for restaurants, visitor attractions or transport, so visitors should check with each business or operator before making plans.[4]
Frequently asked questions
Is New Year’s Day a public holiday in Antigua and Barbuda?
Yes. The Public Holidays (Amendment) Act, 2019 lists January 1 as New Year’s Day and a public holiday.[1]
What happens when January 1 falls on a Sunday?
The following Monday is a public holiday under the Act.[1]
Are employees entitled to the day off?
The Labour Code generally says employees cannot be required to work on a public holiday, except in emergencies. It allows the Minister to exempt certain industries or enterprises by published order.[3]
What is likely to be closed?
The Public Holidays Act provides for banks, public offices, and shops or stores selling goods to close. It lists exceptions for certain drug shops, limited morning food and drink sales, petrol stations, emergency garage repairs, and shops permitted to open by Gazette order.[2]
Are there New Year’s celebrations?
Antigua Cruise Port’s visitor information associates the holiday with festivals, church services and fireworks. It does not confirm that every activity takes place in every location or year.[4]
Sources and references
Sources used for New Year's Day in Antigua & Barbuda:
- Public Holidays (Amendment) Act, 2019- Government of Antigua and Barbuda
- The Public Holidays Act- Government of Antigua and Barbuda
- The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Code- Government of Antigua and Barbuda
- Events- Antigua Cruise Port