The main public holidays celebrated throughout the Caribbean, during which virtually all shops and offices close, are:

January 1 New Year's Day

Good Friday

Easter Monday

May 1 Labour Day

Whit Monday

Dec 25 Christmas Day

Dec 26 Boxing Day

Bear in mind that islands ruled by European countries will celebrate the national holidays of the governing country; for example, Bastille Day is celebrated in Guadeloupe and Queen's Day in the Netherlands Antilles