Public Holidays - GOV.KY
Public Holidays
The Cayman Islands observes a number of public holidays and national commemorations that reflect the Islands’ history, culture, and traditions.
Emancipation Day is observed on the first Monday in May, marking the abolition of slavery in the Cayman Islands. Discovery Day is celebrated on the third Monday in May, recognising the Islands’ early recorded history.
The Sovereign’s official birthday is observed in accordance with the provisions of the Public Holidays Act (2007), typically falling on the Monday following the date appointed in the United Kingdom.
To commemorate the official passage of the Atlantic hurricane season which ends on 30th November, Cayman Thanksgiving is celebrated on the first Sunday in December. Whilst not a public holiday, this observance was agreed in Cabinet and is officially recognised as part of the national calendar.
The 2026 public holidays in the Cayman Islands are listed below.
2025 Calendar
Jan
1
New Year's Day
01 January 2026
New Year’s Day marks the first public holiday of the year and is observed on 1 January. People celebrate the occasion with family gatherings, church services, and community events, welcoming the year ahead with reflection and optimism. Government offices and most businesses close for the day.
Jan
26
National Heroes Day
26 January 2026
Remembering our national heroes and honouring residents who have made valuable contributions to our nation.
Feb
18
Ash Wednesday
18 February 2026
Ash Wednesday is a national public holiday marking the beginning of Lent in the Christian calendar — a time of reflection, prayer, and renewal. In the Cayman Islands, it also features the Agricultural Show, one of the nation’s longest-running cultural traditions. Government offices, schools, and most businesses close for the day.
Apr
3
Good Friday
03 April 2026
Good Friday is observed as a solemn public holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Many families attend church services and spend quiet time with loved ones. Alcohol sales are restricted by law, and most establishments remain closed until the following day.
Apr
6
Easter Monday
06 April 2026
Easter Monday continues the Easter celebration with community picnics, camping on the beach, and family gatherings across all three islands. The long weekend is a cherished time for relaxation and reflection before returning to work and school.
May
4
Emancipation Day
04 May 2026
Emancipation Day is observed as a national public holiday in the Cayman Islands, commemorating the abolition of slavery in the British Empire and celebrating the freedom of the islands’ enslaved population. It recognises the unique chapter in Cayman’s history when all formerly enslaved people were granted full freedom without a period of apprenticeship.
The day is marked by church services, heritage activities, and community gatherings that honour the resilience, faith, and contributions of the ancestors who helped shape the Cayman Islands. Government offices, schools, and most businesses close to allow citizens to take part in the day’s observances.
May
18
Discovery Day
18 May 2026
Discovery Day is observed as a national public holiday in the Cayman Islands, commemorating the sighting of the islands by Christopher Columbus on 10 May 1503 during his fourth voyage to the New World. The day recognises this historic event as the first recorded encounter between the Cayman Islands and the wider world.
Today, Discovery Day is an occasion to reflect on the islands’ heritage and progress, often marked by community gatherings, cultural activities, and family events celebrating Caymanian identity and history. Government offices, schools, and most businesses close for the day.
Jun
15
King's Birthday
15 June 2026
The King’s Birthday is a public holiday celebrating the official birthday of His Majesty The King. The occasion is marked by a ceremonial parade outside of Government House, the reading of the Governor’s message, and the presentation of honours and awards to outstanding citizens.
Jul
6
Constitution Day
06 July 2026
Constitution Day is observed as a national public holiday in the Cayman Islands, marking the adoption of the country’s first written constitution on 4 July 1959. This milestone established the foundation for modern self-governance and affirmed the principles of democracy, justice, and good government.
Nov
9
Remembrance Day
09 November 2026
Remembrance Day is observed as a national public holiday in the Cayman Islands to honour the men and women who served and sacrificed their lives in times of war and conflict. The observance pays tribute to Caymanians and others who defended the values of freedom, peace, and democracy.
A solemn wreath-laying ceremony is held at the Cenotaph in George Town and in Cayman Brac, attended by veterans, uniformed services, government officials, and members of the public.
Dec
25
Christmas Day
25 December 2026
Christmas Day is a deeply cherished public holiday in the Cayman Islands, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Families gather for church services, festive meals, and community outreach events that highlight the spirit of giving.
Dec
28
Boxing Day
28 December 2026
Boxing Day follows Christmas and is traditionally a time for relaxation and community activities. Many residents spend the day visiting friends and extended family, enjoying beach outings, and attending local sporting events.
2026 Calendar
Jan
1
New Year's Day
01 January 2026
New Year’s Day marks the first public holiday of the year and is observed on 1 January. People celebrate the occasion with family gatherings, church services, and community events, welcoming the year ahead with reflection and optimism. Government offices and most businesses close for the day.
Jan
26
National Heroes Day
26 January 2026
Remembering our national heroes and honouring residents who have made valuable contributions to our nation.
Feb
18
Ash Wednesday
18 February 2026
Ash Wednesday is a national public holiday marking the beginning of Lent in the Christian calendar — a time of reflection, prayer, and renewal. In the Cayman Islands, it also features the Agricultural Show, one of the nation’s longest-running cultural traditions. Government offices, schools, and most businesses close for the day.
Apr
3
Good Friday
03 April 2026
Good Friday is observed as a solemn public holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Many families attend church services and spend quiet time with loved ones. Alcohol sales are restricted by law, and most establishments remain closed until the following day.
Apr
6
Easter Monday
06 April 2026
Easter Monday continues the Easter celebration with community picnics, camping on the beach, and family gatherings across all three islands. The long weekend is a cherished time for relaxation and reflection before returning to work and school.
May
4
Emancipation Day
04 May 2026
Emancipation Day is observed as a national public holiday in the Cayman Islands, commemorating the abolition of slavery in the British Empire and celebrating the freedom of the islands’ enslaved population. It recognises the unique chapter in Cayman’s history when all formerly enslaved people were granted full freedom without a period of apprenticeship.
The day is marked by church services, heritage activities, and community gatherings that honour the resilience, faith, and contributions of the ancestors who helped shape the Cayman Islands. Government offices, schools, and most businesses close to allow citizens to take part in the day’s observances.
May
18
Discovery Day
18 May 2026
Discovery Day is observed as a national public holiday in the Cayman Islands, commemorating the sighting of the islands by Christopher Columbus on 10 May 1503 during his fourth voyage to the New World. The day recognises this historic event as the first recorded encounter between the Cayman Islands and the wider world.
Today, Discovery Day is an occasion to reflect on the islands’ heritage and progress, often marked by community gatherings, cultural activities, and family events celebrating Caymanian identity and history. Government offices, schools, and most businesses close for the day.
Jun
15
King's Birthday
15 June 2026
The King’s Birthday is a public holiday celebrating the official birthday of His Majesty The King. The occasion is marked by a ceremonial parade outside of Government House, the reading of the Governor’s message, and the presentation of honours and awards to outstanding citizens.
Jul
6
Constitution Day
06 July 2026
Constitution Day is observed as a national public holiday in the Cayman Islands, marking the adoption of the country’s first written constitution on 4 July 1959. This milestone established the foundation for modern self-governance and affirmed the principles of democracy, justice, and good government.
Nov
9
Remembrance Day
09 November 2026
Remembrance Day is observed as a national public holiday in the Cayman Islands to honour the men and women who served and sacrificed their lives in times of war and conflict. The observance pays tribute to Caymanians and others who defended the values of freedom, peace, and democracy.
A solemn wreath-laying ceremony is held at the Cenotaph in George Town and in Cayman Brac, attended by veterans, uniformed services, government officials, and members of the public.
Dec
25
Christmas Day
25 December 2026
Christmas Day is a deeply cherished public holiday in the Cayman Islands, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Families gather for church services, festive meals, and community outreach events that highlight the spirit of giving.
Dec
28
Boxing Day
28 December 2026
Boxing Day follows Christmas and is traditionally a time for relaxation and community activities. Many residents spend the day visiting friends and extended family, enjoying beach outings, and attending local sporting events.
