Jamaica Public Holidays 2021

Public holidays in Jamaica, with the official days off.

Projected dates. The government has not published the 2021 list yet, so these dates follow the current rules and may change.
8public holidays
8fall on a weekday
7long weekends (Mon or Fri)
253working days in 2021

Public holidays in 2021

New Year's Day
Jan 1Friday
PassedCountdown
Ash Wednesday
Feb 17Wednesday
Passed
Good Friday
Apr 2Friday
PassedCountdown
Easter Monday
Apr 5Monday
Passed
Labour Day (observed)Day off in lieu
May 24Monday
Passed
Emancipation Day (observed)Day off in lieu
Aug 2Monday
Passed
Independence Day
Aug 6Friday
PassedCountdown
National Heroes Day
Oct 18Monday
Passed
Christmas DayFalls on a weekend
Dec 25Saturday
PassedCountdown
Boxing DayFalls on a weekend
Dec 26Sunday
PassedCountdown

Working days in 2021

MonthWeekdaysHolidaysWorking days
January21120
February20119
March23023
April22220
May21120
June22022
July22022
August22220
September22022
October21120
November22022
December23023
Total2618253

Where these dates come from

Official source: Jamaica Information Service: Public holidays

Weekend rule: Labour Day moves to Monday if May 23 falls on a Saturday or Sunday. Other holidays on a Sunday move to Monday; holidays on a Saturday are not moved.

Note: Labour Day moves to Monday if May 23 falls on a weekend. Other holidays that fall on a Sunday are observed on the Monday.

Last checked: October 23, 2026 (official lists for 2026)

Employers can give extra days off, and some workers are covered by different rules. If a date matters for pay or a legal deadline, confirm it with your employer or the official source.

Count business days with these holidays

Public holidays in other countries

Frequently asked questions

How many public holidays are there in Jamaica in 2021?
There are 8 public holidays: New Year's Day, Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Independence Day, National Heroes Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day. 8 of the days off fall on a weekday in 2021.
What happens when a holiday falls on a weekend?
Labour Day moves to Monday if May 23 falls on a Saturday or Sunday. Other holidays on a Sunday move to Monday; holidays on a Saturday are not moved.
How many working days are there in 2021?
253 working days: 261 weekdays (Monday to Friday) minus 8 public holidays that fall on a weekday.