Guyana holiday calendar

Public holidays in Guyana 2026

Calendar compilation last reviewed

Plan the year with every Guyana 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
16
Regional dates
0
Observances
3
Substitute dates
1

How public holidays work in Guyana

The calendar separates public holidays from regional dates and cultural observances. Public holidays are the broadest category in our Guyana 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.

1 holiday has a separate substitute or observed date in 2026. Those dates are shown in the table, but entitlements can still depend on location, employer and the governing authority. May is the busiest month, with 4 listed dates.

Guyana holiday dates in 2026

The table lists 19 calendar entries. Follow a holiday name for its full background, observance details and traditions.

Public holidays, regional dates and cultural observances in Guyana for 2026
DateHolidayTypeObserved day
New Year’s DayGuyana’s January 1 public holiday, opening the year with worship, family gatherings and celebration.Public holiday—
MashramaniGuyana’s national festival of costume, music, floats and cooperative celebration, held around Republic Day.Cultural observance—
Republic DayA February 23 public holiday marking Guyana’s transition to a republic in 1970 and celebrated through Mashramani.Public holiday—
PhagwahA Hindu public holiday, also known as Holi, celebrating renewal and the triumph of good through colour, music and fellowship.Public holiday—
Eid-ul-FitrA public holiday marking the close of Ramadan with prayer, gratitude, charity and shared meals.Public holiday—
Good FridayA public holiday at the solemn centre of Christian Holy Week in Guyana.Public holiday—
Easter SundayThe central Christian Easter observance, celebrated with worship, music and family gatherings.Cultural observance—
Easter MondayA public holiday extending Easter weekend with family outings, fellowship and rest.Public holiday—
Labour DayA May 1 public holiday recognising workers, trade-union history and the dignity of labour in Guyana.Public holiday—
Arrival DayA May 5 public holiday recognising the peoples whose journeys and labour shaped Guyana’s plural society.Public holiday—
Independence DayA May 26 public holiday commemorating Guyana’s independence from the United Kingdom in 1966.Public holiday—
Eid-ul-AdhaA Muslim public holiday of prayer, sacrifice, charity and remembrance of Ibrahim’s devotion.Public holiday—
CARICOM DayA public holiday recognising Caribbean Community cooperation and Guyana’s role as host of the CARICOM Secretariat.Public holiday—
Emancipation DayAn August 1 public holiday commemorating emancipation and honouring African Guyanese history and culture.Public holiday—
Youman NabiA Muslim public holiday commemorating the birth and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.Public holiday—
Amerindian Heritage MonthA September cultural observance celebrating Guyana’s Indigenous peoples, languages, knowledge and living heritage.Cultural observance—
DeepavaliA Hindu public holiday and festival of lights celebrating the triumph of light, knowledge and hope.Public holiday
Christmas DayA December 25 public holiday combining Christian worship, family meals, music and year-end reunion.Public holiday—
Boxing DayA December 26 public holiday extending Guyana’s Christmas season with family visits, recreation and community gatherings.Public holiday—

Sources for Guyana 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.