Abolition of Slavery in French Guiana
French Guiana commemorates the abolition of slavery every June 10, the date the 1848 abolition decree was proclaimed in the colony. The day is a public holiday under French labour law, and local commemorations have included tributes, cultural events and opportunities to learn about the territory’s history.[1][2][3]
A holiday tied to French Guiana’s history
The French Provisional Government adopted the abolition decree on April 27, 1848. In French Guiana, it was proclaimed on June 10, nearly two months later. That local date became the annual commemoration, linking the holiday to the moment the decree was announced in the territory.[2]
The commemoration remembers the end of slavery and the people who lived under it. A ceremony reported by the Collectivité Territoriale de Guyane included a tribute at the Marrons de la Liberté statue and a gathering at a memorial to the free people and citizens of 1848.[3]
June 10 and public-holiday rules
French labour law names June 10 as the public holiday for the commemoration of the abolition of slavery in Guyane. A separate decree sets June 10 as the annual commemoration date. The cited decree does not specify a substitute weekday when June 10 falls on a weekend.[1][2]
Being a public holiday does not guarantee that every employee has the day off: official guidance says only May 1 is generally required to be a non-working day for employees, while other public holidays may be worked. Whether someone works on June 10 depends on the applicable workplace rules. Check opening hours with government offices and banks before you go; banks and shops set their own hours, so check with them before making plans.[1][5]
Commemorations and practical plans
Local observances have included wreath-laying, moments of remembrance, music, theatre and other artistic performances. In some years, the Collectivité Territoriale has organized events over several days and across multiple towns, including conferences, exhibitions, film screenings, historical visits and activities about heritage and marronnage. Programmes vary, so check local announcements for current events.[3][4]
A past commemorative village in Cayenne featured traditional food, demonstrations of artistic and cultural skills, exhibitions, author events and a genealogy workshop. These are examples of activities offered as part of a particular programme, not fixed customs followed everywhere in French Guiana.[4]
Frequently asked questions
When is Abolition of Slavery observed in French Guiana?
Is June 10 a public holiday?
Yes. French labour law lists June 10 as a public holiday in Guyane for the commemoration of the abolition of slavery.[1]
Does everyone get the day off?
Not necessarily. Official guidance says public holidays other than May 1 may be worked; check the rules that apply to your workplace.[5]
Are banks, shops and public transport open?
Check opening hours with government offices and banks before you go. Banks, shops and transport operators set their own hours, so check with them before making plans.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Abolition of Slavery in French Guiana:
- Article L3422-2 - Code du travail - Légifrance- Légifrance, French Government
- Décret n° 83-1003 du 23 novembre 1983 relatif à la commémoration de l'abolition de l'esclavage. - Légifrance- Légifrance, French Government
- Commémorations du 10 juin : la mémoire des esclaves honorée, l'abolition de l'esclavage célébrée- Collectivité Territoriale de Guyane
- Commémorations du 10 juin 2016 : Pou nou pa gen bliyé.- Collectivité Territoriale de Guyane
- Ponts, week-ends prolongés -Les jours fériés en 2026- Service-Public.fr, Direction de l'information légale et administrative, French Government