Emancipation Day
Nationwide public holiday in Barbados
Dates
| Year | Date | Weekday | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 August | Saturday | Nationwide |
| 2027 | 1 August | Sunday | Nationwide |
| 2027 | 3 August | Tuesday | Emancipation Day (observed) Observed day off for Emancipation Day (Sun 1 Aug) |
Observed days are days off given instead of, or as well as, the holiday's own date, for example when it falls on a weekend or the law moves it to a Monday.
Where it applies
Everywhere in Barbados.
Is it a day off?
Yes. It is an official public holiday, so most employees have the day off. Government offices, schools and many businesses are usually closed; shops, restaurants and public transport may keep reduced hours. Check local announcements for opening times.
Make it longer
Sat 31 Jul – Tue 3 Aug is a 4-day weekend with no leave needed.
Plan more breaks with the leave planner.
Typical weather in Bridgetown around 1 August: high 29°C (84°F), low 28°C (82°F), rain on 53% of days.
Averages for 2015–2024, 3 days either side of the date, for the area around Bridgetown. Past averages, not a forecast.
Forecast for Sunday 1 August in Bridgetown: (MET Norway)
Coming up next in Barbados
Monday, 2 August 2027
Emancipation Day in other countries
Bahamas
Belize
Bermuda
Cayman Islands
Dominica
Grenada
Jamaica
Montserrat
Puerto Rico
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
More for Barbados
Holiday dates are for general information and can change. Official government announcements take precedence.