Anguilla Day in Anguilla
Anguilla Day is a public holiday marking a turning point in Anguilla’s modern political history. It commemorates the expulsion of the Royal St. Kitts Police Force on May 30, 1967, an event that began the Anguilla Revolution.[1]
Why Anguilla Day matters
The holiday reflects Anguilla’s rejection of its political relationship with St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla. The Government of Anguilla’s history says the island opposed the associated statehood arrangement after the West Indies Federation collapsed, and that the decision sparked the revolution.[1]
The Government’s account describes May 30, 1967, as the day islanders repelled the police force. After years of negotiations, Anguilla became a separate dependent territory with some autonomy in government in 1980.[1] Anguilla Day therefore commemorates a local struggle for political separation from St. Kitts, rather than independence from the United Kingdom.
Date and public-holiday rules
Anguilla Day is set for May 30 in the Public Holidays Regulations. The regulations also set out substitute-day rules: if May 30 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday is a public holiday; if that Monday is Whit Monday, Anguilla Day is observed on the Tuesday instead.[2]
The holiday is listed among Anguilla’s public holidays.[2] Private workers should check their employment terms for leave entitlement. Check the official holiday calendar for the applicable observed date when May 30 falls on a weekend.
Boat racing and celebrations
Boat racing is closely associated with Anguilla Day. The Anguilla Tourist Board describes it as the island’s national pastime and says the biggest boat-racing competition is held on Anguilla Day, with boats setting off from Sandy Ground.[3]
The Tourist Board also describes Anguilla’s boats as hand-crafted and painted, and presents the race as part of the island’s seafaring and boat-building traditions.[3] The exact programme can vary, so visitors who want to attend should look for an official announcement closer to the holiday.
Planning around the holiday
Because Anguilla Day is a public holiday, confirm opening hours with the government office, bank, shop or other service you plan to visit. If you are going to the boat race, check the current official event information for its location and schedule; the Tourist Board identifies Sandy Ground as the departure area for the major Anguilla Day competition.[2][3]
Frequently asked questions
When is Anguilla Day?
The holiday is set for May 30. If it falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday is the public holiday, unless that Monday is Whit Monday, in which case the holiday moves to Tuesday.[2]
What does Anguilla Day commemorate?
It commemorates the expulsion of the Royal St. Kitts Police Force from Anguilla on May 30, 1967, at the beginning of the Anguilla Revolution.[1]
Is Anguilla Day a day off?
It is listed in Anguilla’s Public Holidays Regulations as a public holiday. The rules cited here do not specify every private employee’s leave entitlement, so workers should check their employment terms.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for Anguilla Day in Anguilla:
- Anguilla History- Government of Anguilla
- Public Holidays Regulations- Government of Anguilla; hosted by the International Labour Organization’s NATLEX database
- Arts & Culture- Anguilla Tourist Board