Discovery Day in Cayman Islands

A public holiday set by law

The Public Holidays Law declares the third Monday in May Discovery Day and describes it as commemorating Columbus’s 10 May 1503 discovery of the Cayman Islands. The law also requires courts and public offices to close on public general holidays. Its schedule gives no special substitute-day rule for Discovery Day; the separate substitute provisions it lists apply to other holidays.[2]

In 2024, Cabinet approved adding Emancipation Day to the May holiday calendar and retaining Discovery Day. The government calendar lists both as public holidays, with Discovery Day on the third Monday in May.[1][3][4]

A public holiday does not mean every employee necessarily has the day off. Under the Employment Act, employees who do not work on a public holiday may be entitled to their basic wage if they work the normal workday immediately before or after it. Employees who work on the holiday are generally entitled to double pay for hours worked or equivalent paid time off, subject to the Act’s provisions and permitted agreements.[5]

The sighting and the name

The Cayman Islands Government Archives records that Columbus first sighted Cayman Brac and Little Cayman on 10 May 1503, during his fourth voyage, and called them Las Tortugas because of the turtles in the surrounding waters. The archives also describe the islands later appearing on maps as Lagartos and, by 1530, as Caymanas, a name derived from a word for the marine crocodile.[6]

The official tourism site similarly identifies the two islands as the Sister Islands and connects the early turtle population with Cayman’s later role as a calling place for ships seeking provisions. These accounts place Discovery Day within the islands’ recorded maritime history; the commemoration marks the recorded sighting rather than the beginning of permanent settlement, which came later.[6][7]

Observance and practical effects

The Cayman Islands Government describes Discovery Day as a time to reflect on the islands’ heritage and progress, with community gatherings, cultural activities, and family events. Its calendar applies the holiday to all islands. Check local event listings for details of ceremonies, food, or island-by-island customs.[1]

Government offices and schools close, and the government calendar says most businesses close. Courts are also required by law to close on public general holidays. Check opening hours with banks, shops and tourist services, and transport times with the provider before you travel.[1][2]