Belize holiday calendar

Public holidays in Belize 2026

Calendar compilation last reviewed

Plan the year with every Belize public holiday, regional date and major cultural observance in our calendar. Each entry links to a detailed guide covering its history, status, traditions and sources.

Public holidays
14
Regional dates
0
Observances
3
Substitute dates
0

How public holidays work in Belize

The calendar separates public holidays from regional dates and cultural observances. Public holidays are the broadest category in our Belize calendar. Regional holidays may apply only in a particular state, province, territory or community, while an observance does not automatically mean that workplaces, schools or public services close.

No separate substitute dates are currently listed for 2026. Weekend and time-off rules can still vary by employer, region and holiday, so consult the linked guide and primary source before making arrangements. April is the busiest month, with 4 listed dates.

Belize holiday dates in 2026

The table lists 17 calendar entries. Follow a holiday name for its full background, observance details and traditions.

Public holidays, regional dates and cultural observances in Belize for 2026
DateHolidayTypeObserved day
New Year’s DayBelize’s January 1 public and bank holiday, opening the year with family gatherings, music and fireworks.Public holiday—
George Price DayA January 15 public holiday honoring George Cadle Price, Belize’s first Prime Minister and Father of the Nation.Public holiday—
Heroes and Benefactors DayBelize’s March 9 public holiday recognizing people whose service and generosity helped build the nation.Public holiday—
Good FridayA public and bank holiday at the solemn center of Belize’s Easter weekend.Public holiday—
Holy SaturdayA Belize public and bank holiday bridging Good Friday’s mourning and Easter Sunday’s celebration.Public holiday—
Easter SundayThe Christian celebration of the resurrection, widely observed across Belize but not a separate public or bank holiday.Cultural observance—
Easter MondayA public and bank holiday closing Belize’s Easter weekend, often used for family outings and community events.Public holiday—
Labor DayBelize’s May 1 public and bank holiday recognizing workers, labour rights and collective organization.Public holiday—
Emancipation DayAn August 1 public and bank holiday marking the full legal emancipation of enslaved Africans in Belize in 1838.Public holiday—
St. George’s Caye DayBelize’s September 10 public holiday commemorating the 1798 Battle of St. George’s Caye.Public holiday—
Independence DayBelize’s September 21 public holiday celebrating independence from the United Kingdom in 1981.Public holiday—
Indigenous Peoples’ Resistance DayBelize’s October 12 public holiday recognizing Indigenous resistance, survival and living cultural heritage.Public holiday—
Los FinadosA November 1–2 remembrance tradition in northern and western Belize honoring deceased relatives through altars, stories and prayer.Cultural observance—
Garifuna Settlement DayA November 19 public and bank holiday celebrating Garifuna arrival, culture and enduring contributions to Belize.Public holiday—
Christmas EveBelize’s December 24 festive evening of family meals, church services, Las Posadas and preparations for Christmas Day.Cultural observance—
Christmas DayA December 25 public and bank holiday celebrated through worship, family meals and Belize’s diverse Christmas traditions.Public holiday—
Boxing DayBelize’s December 26 public and bank holiday, extending the Christmas season with recreation and Kriol cultural traditions.Public holiday—

Sources for Belize holidays

Calendar dates and classifications are checked against the primary calendar sources below. Historical and cultural claims have additional citations on each individual holiday guide.