Boxing Day in St Helena
Boxing Day is a public holiday in St Helena, observed on 26 December, the day after Christmas Day. Local law sets out its public-holiday status and rules for weekend observance and work on the holiday; it does not describe island-specific customs or an origin story.[1][2]
Legal status and date
The Public Holidays Ordinance, 1945 lists Boxing Day, fixed on 26 December, in its First Schedule. It appears alongside Christmas Day, St Helena Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday and the official birthday observance. This gives Boxing Day a place in St Helena’s statutory calendar, rather than making it only an informal continuation of Christmas.[1][2]
The ordinance says that when a public holiday other than Christmas Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the Governor must by Proclamation designate either the preceding Friday or the following Monday as a public holiday in lieu. The provision gives those two options; it does not establish one automatic substitute day for every case.[1]
Work and public services
The law’s Second Schedule identifies offices, shops, workshops and factories as undertakings covered by the holiday-pay provisions. For employees in those undertakings, employers must pay the remuneration the employee would have earned for work on the public holiday. If an undertaking opens, an employee who is not paid a monthly salary must receive a paid day off later or, at the employee’s option, an additional day’s pay. The ordinance therefore allows covered workplaces to operate while setting out compensation for qualifying employees.[1]
The legislation establishes the holiday and certain employment rules. Residents and visitors should check directly with the service or business they plan to use for its Boxing Day arrangements.[1]
Meaning and local observance
The St Helena legislation names Boxing Day but does not explain the holiday’s historical origin, define what the name means, or prescribe a ceremony, meal, sport or community custom. Boxing Day in St Helena is a public holiday on 26 December.[1][2]
How weekend dates are handled
The weekend rule applies to Boxing Day because it is a public holiday other than Christmas Day. The 2024 amendment repeals and replaces section 5 of the 1945 ordinance, concerning the authority to vary holidays or designate a day of national importance; it does not amend section 2(3), which contains the Friday-or-Monday rule for weekend holidays.[1][2]
Boxing Day in St Helena: FAQs
When is Boxing Day in St Helena?
It is listed in the Public Holidays Ordinance as 26 December.[1]
Is Boxing Day a public holiday?
Yes. The ordinance lists Boxing Day among St Helena’s public holidays.[1]
What happens when Boxing Day falls on a weekend?
For a public holiday other than Christmas Day that falls on Saturday or Sunday, the ordinance requires the Governor to proclaim either the preceding Friday or following Monday as a public holiday in lieu.[1]
Are shops, banks or transport services open?
The law names shops among the covered undertakings but does not give opening hours for individual businesses, banks or transport services. Check directly with the provider for its holiday arrangements.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Boxing Day in St. Helena:
- Public Holidays Ordinance, 1945- St Helena Government
- Public Holidays (Amendment) Ordinance, 2024- St Helena Government Gazette