Thanksgiving Day in Grenada
Grenada’s Thanksgiving Day is observed on October 25, the date named in the Bank Holidays Act. It commemorates the anniversary of the 1983 Caribbean and American military intervention in Grenada, following the deaths of Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and several colleagues.[1][2]
A bank holiday set by law
Chapter 25 of Grenada’s Bank Holidays Act lists October 25 as Thanksgiving Day. The Act says listed bank holidays are kept as close holidays in Grenada’s banks and as public holidays at public offices. It also provides that when one of the listed days falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is a bank holiday.[1]
The Employment Act addresses pay for employees who work on public holidays. A worker paid by the day qualifies for public-holiday pay if they work both the working day before and the working day after the holiday. Employees’ arrangements may also depend on their employment terms.[4]
The history behind the name
Grenada’s Thanksgiving Day refers to the events of October 25, 1983. The Embassy of Grenada describes the holiday as commemorating the anniversary of a joint Caribbean and American military intervention. It says the force landed after the deaths of then Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and several colleagues, with the stated aim of restoring order.[2]
The holiday commemorates Grenada’s 1983 history rather than a harvest celebration or particular thanksgiving meal.[2]
How the day is observed
The official material consulted identifies October 25 as a public holiday and explains its historical meaning, but does not set out a customary ceremony, special food, or regional variation for the day. Claims that people commonly attend wreath-laying events, share particular dishes, or gather at beaches are not established by these sources.[2]
What closes
The Embassy of Grenada says banks, business places, and most shops close for Thanksgiving Day. The Bank Holidays Act also provides for public offices to observe bank holidays. Check directly with individual shops, restaurants, schools, or transport services for their hours.[1][2]
The Act’s Sunday provision is relevant when October 25 falls on a Sunday: the next Monday is also a bank holiday. This rule is stated in the Act’s schedule and repeated in the Government of Grenada’s published holiday calendar.[1][3]
Frequently asked questions
When is Thanksgiving Day in Grenada?
It is listed in Grenada’s Bank Holidays Act on October 25 each year.[1]
Is it a day off?
Are banks and shops open?
Grenada’s Embassy says banks, business places, and most shops close. Check with a particular business for its hours.[2]
Is Monday observed when October 25 is a Sunday?
Yes. The Bank Holidays Act says the Monday immediately following is a bank holiday when a listed holiday falls on Sunday.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Thanksgiving Day in Grenada:
- Bank Holidays Act, Chapter 25- Parliament of Grenada
- Public Holidays and Events- Embassy of Grenada in the People’s Republic of China
- Grenada’s Public Holidays - 2025- Government of Grenada, Cabinet Office
- Employment Act, Chapter 89, Act No. 14 of 1999- Ministry of Legal Affairs, Labour and Consumer Affairs, Grenada