Easter Monday in St Helena
On St Helena, Easter Monday is named in the island’s Public Holidays Ordinance, and government notices list it as a public holiday. It follows Easter Sunday, whose Christian meaning is the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. Check locally for information about customs on Easter Monday.[1][2][4]
A public holiday under St Helena law
The Public Holidays Ordinance, 1945 names Easter Monday in its First Schedule alongside Good Friday and other public holidays. The ordinance applies to St Helena and provides for public-holiday pay in offices, shops, workshops and factories. For eligible employees in an undertaking that opens, it provides a paid day off in lieu or an additional day’s pay; it does not say that every worker automatically has the day off.[1]
The ordinance also sets a substitute-day rule: if a public holiday other than Christmas Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the Governor must proclaim either the preceding Friday or following Monday in its place. Easter Monday itself falls on a Monday.[1]
Meaning and local observance
Easter Monday comes immediately after Easter Sunday in the Christian calendar. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops describes Easter as the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection and Easter Time as a continuing season of celebration.[4]
Easter Monday is recognised in St Helena law and affects public services and trading.[1][2][3]
What closes and what to check
St Helena Government holiday notices state that government offices close on listed public and government holidays, including Easter Monday. A government trading notice says that offices, shops, workshops and factories are prohibited from opening on Good Friday and Easter Monday, while temporary market stalls, taxis and bus tours may operate. Because this is a dated notice, travellers should confirm arrangements with individual businesses and service providers.[2][3]
Check with transport and banking providers for their Easter Monday arrangements.[3]
Easter Monday questions
Is Easter Monday a public holiday on St Helena?
Do all workers get the day off?
The ordinance provides public-holiday pay rules for specified undertakings, including offices, shops, workshops and factories. It does not establish that every worker is automatically off; it sets additional entitlements for eligible employees when an undertaking opens.[1]
Are shops open on Easter Monday?
St Helena Government trading guidance says offices, shops, workshops and factories are prohibited from opening, while temporary market stalls, taxis and bus tours may operate. Confirm current arrangements with the business or provider.[3]
Does public transport run on Easter Monday?
Taxis and bus tours may operate on Easter Monday; check for current arrangements.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for Easter Monday in St. Helena:
- Public Holidays Ordinance, 1945- St Helena Government
- Public and Government Holidays 2025- St Helena Government
- TRADING ON GOOD FRIDAY & EASTER MONDAY- St Helena Government
- Easter- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops