Armistice Day in French Guiana
Armistice Day falls every year on November 11 and is a public holiday in French Guiana under the French Labour Code. It remembers the 1918 armistice and, by law, honors all those who have died for France.[1][2]
A day of remembrance
The armistice between France and Germany took effect at 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918, suspending the fighting in the First World War. The day’s meaning later widened: a 2012 law made it an annual tribute to all the dead for France, while retaining its link to the armistice and the commemoration of victory and peace.[2][3]
Commemorations across French Guiana
Local commemorations connect the national remembrance to communities across the territory. The Collectivité Territoriale de Guyane reported ceremonies across French Guiana in 2017, with its elected representatives attending events in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni and Iracoubo. The ceremonies also recalled French Guiana’s place in the French Republic and its history.[4]
A separate municipal notice shows how a local ceremony can be organized: Macouria announced an Armistice Day commemoration at its war memorial in 2024. Dates, venues and programmes can vary by commune, so check local announcements if you want to attend.[5]
Public holiday and time off
The Labour Code lists November 11 among France’s legal public holidays. In the private sector, however, Armistice Day is not automatically a day off: whether it is worked or not depends on the applicable collective agreement or, if there is none, the employer. If it is not worked, workers with at least three months’ seniority are generally entitled to no loss of pay.[1][6]
A public holiday that falls on an employee’s usual day off does not automatically create an extra day of leave; a more favorable collective agreement may provide one. The calendar date remains November 11 each year.[6]
What to expect for services
Public offices may close, but arrangements can differ by service. For example, the territorial authority announced that its public reception and offices would close for Armistice Day in 2021, while keeping open services whose operational duties required it. Check with banks, shops and transport operators before making plans.[7]
Frequently asked questions
When is Armistice Day in French Guiana?
Is Armistice Day a day off for workers?
Not automatically for private-sector workers. The applicable collective agreement or employer determines whether the day is worked; if it is not worked, eligible employees with at least three months’ seniority generally keep their pay.[6]
Is there a substitute day when November 11 falls on a weekend?
No automatic extra day of leave applies when a public holiday falls on a worker’s usual day off, although a collective agreement may offer more favorable terms.[6]
Will shops, banks and public transport be open?
Check with the specific shop, bank or transport operator for its opening hours. Public office schedules may also vary.[7]
Sources and references
Sources used for Armistice Day in French Guiana:
- Article L3133-1 - Code du travail- Légifrance
- LOI n° 2012-273 du 28 février 2012 fixant au 11 novembre la commémoration de tous les morts pour la France (1)- Légifrance, Journal officiel de la République française
- 11 novembre 2019 : hommage à nos héros d’hier et d’aujourd’hui- Presidency of the French Republic
- CEREMONIES DU 11 NOVEMBRE 2017- Collectivité Territoriale de Guyane
- Macouria- Ville de Macouria
- Jours fériés et ponts dans le secteur privé- Service Public / Direction de l'information légale et administrative
- [ARMISTICE] Fermeture de l’accueil au public et des bureaux de la Collectivité Territoriale de Guyane les 11 et 12 novembre 2021- Collectivité Territoriale de Guyane