Labour Day in Curaçao
Labour Day, or Dag van de Arbeid, is a statutory public holiday in Curaçao, normally observed on May 1. The government lists workers and schoolchildren as having the day off, with a specific exception for some employees on shift schedules.[1]
A public holiday set by law
Curaçao’s government lists Labour Day among the island’s official days off and identifies May 1 as its date. The consolidated Labour Regulation also names Dag van de Arbeid as a holiday for purposes of the law. The holiday is therefore part of Curaçao’s employment rules as well as its public calendar.[1][2]
The date is May 1 unless it falls on a Sunday or on the day the King’s birthday is officially celebrated. In either case, the law says Labour Day is observed on the next working day. This Sunday rule is why the observance can move from May 1; the law also provides for the King’s-birthday overlap.[1][2]
Time off and pay
The government’s holiday guidance says workers do not have to work on official days off and schoolchildren do not have to attend school. It makes an exception for employees on scheduled shifts, such as police, firefighters and nursing staff, who are rostered to work. The guidance says these employees are entitled to overtime compensation under the Labour Regulation.[1]
The law sets out pay protections for work on a holiday. A worker who performs scheduled shift work on a holiday is entitled to at least twice the pay they would normally earn for those hours. For employees on shift schedules, the law also guarantees release from work on at least five holidays per calendar year.[2]
What visitors can expect
The Curaçao Tourist Board’s Labour Day listing says government offices, banks and most stores will be closed.[3] Check directly with any place you plan to visit, especially for transport, dining and attractions.
The holiday’s meaning and customs
The official sources reviewed confirm the holiday’s legal status and its name, but do not establish when Curaçao first began observing it or document island-wide ceremonies, food customs or regional differences. The available evidence also does not establish a regular Labour Day programme. The verified local picture is therefore a statutory day off that recognizes Labour Day in Curaçao’s employment law, rather than a particular set of customs.[1][2]
Frequently asked questions
Is Labour Day a public holiday in Curaçao?
When is Labour Day observed?
Do workers and students get the day off?
Are banks and shops open?
The Curaçao Tourist Board says offices, banks and most stores close for Labour Day. Check individual opening hours before making plans, since the listing does not give details for every business or service.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for Labour Day in Curaçao:
- Officiële vrije dagen op Curaçao (Nationale Feestdagen)- Gobiernu di Kòrsou, Digitaal loket
- Publicatieblad: Landsbesluit houdende vaststelling van de geconsolideerde tekst van de Arbeidsregeling 2000 (A° 2022 N° 123 (GT))- Gobiernu di Kòrsou, Publicatieblad
- Labor Day 2025- Curaçao Tourist Board