Easter Monday in the Bahamas
Easter Monday is a public holiday in the Bahamas, set by law for the first Monday after Easter. The law normally closes public offices, banks and shops, although it allows exceptions and special notices can permit shops to open.[1]
The holiday in Bahamian law
The Public Holidays Act lists Good Friday and the first Monday after Easter as public holidays. It directs that public offices and banks, as well as shops, keep the day as a “close holiday.” The Act also says public offices are not open to the public on public holidays.[1]
The Act’s Sunday substitute rule applies when a public holiday falls on Sunday. Easter Monday is defined as a Monday, so that rule does not create a substitute day for it. The Governor-General may authorize shops to trade on a public holiday by notice in the Gazette, and the Act permits certain essential sales, including medicines and fresh food, subject to its conditions.[1]
Christian meaning and observance
Easter is a Christian celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus. In the Bahamas, the Archdiocese of Nassau’s parish schedule documents Easter Monday Masses alongside the Holy Week and Easter services; its listings cover Nassau and parishes in the Family Islands and Grand Bahama.[2]
Easter Monday is a legal holiday in the Bahamas and falls after Easter Sunday.[1][2]
What to expect
Public offices and banks are legally closed on the holiday. Shops are also subject to the close-holiday rule, but exceptions and Gazette notices can change whether particular shops may open. Check with a business directly before making plans; the law does not establish a general Easter Monday schedule for public transport, restaurants or tourist services.[1]
The Act defines the date by reference to Easter rather than a fixed calendar date: Easter Monday is the first Monday after Easter. That rule is why its calendar date changes from year to year while it remains a Monday.[1]
Pay, leave and local services
The Public Holidays Act establishes the holiday and its closures. Check with your employer about Easter Monday pay or leave, and with local providers about food, family activities and transport.[1]
Frequently asked questions
Is Easter Monday a public holiday in the Bahamas?
Yes. The Public Holidays Act lists the first Monday after Easter as a public holiday.[1]
Are public offices and banks closed?
The Act requires public offices and banks to keep public holidays as close holidays.[1]
Are shops open?
The Act generally makes shops close on public holidays, but it allows specified essential sales and permits the Governor-General to authorize shop openings by Gazette notice. Opening arrangements may therefore vary; confirm with the shop.[1]
Does the holiday guarantee paid leave or extra pay?
The Public Holidays Act establishes the holiday and closures. Check the applicable employment rules or your employer’s policy about paid leave or extra pay.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Easter Monday in Bahamas:
- PUBLIC HOLIDAYS- Government of The Bahamas
- Holy Week Mass Schedule 2026- Archdiocese of Nassau