Cabinet Confirms Independence Public Holiday for Monday, November 3

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has officially confirmed that this year’s Independence Day public holiday will be observed on Monday, November 3, 2025, in accordance with national law.

The decision follows the Public Holidays (Amendment) Act of 2019, which clearly outlines that when November 1, the country’s Independence Day, falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday shall be declared a public holiday.

The government wants ensure that all citizens can fully participate in the national celebrations.

According to the legislation, when Independence Day falls on a weekend, the public holiday moves to the Monday, and all official acts and celebrations should take place then.

The clarification comes after some members of the Adventist community raised concerns about being excluded from this year’s official Independence activities, since the original events schedule, published by the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, had listed the ceremonial parade and food fair for Saturday, November 1.

With Cabinet’s confirmation, those activities will now take place on Monday, November 3, which will also serve as the official public holiday.

This adjustment ensures that all citizens, including those who observe Saturday as their day of worship, will have an opportunity to participate in the country’s 44th Independence anniversary celebrations.

The revised schedule is expected to be published in the coming days, as the nation prepares to commemorate another year of independence under the theme of unity, pride, and national progress.