When traveling to a new location, it is always a good idea to check out the public holidays beforehand.
In some countries, public holidays last several days and can mean all businesses shut. On the flip side, other public holidays can mean special events take place that enhances your vacation.
So, with that being said, let’s explore the public holidays in Cuba in more detail.
Details: Not only do Cubans celebrate New Year’s Day on the 1st of January, but they also celebrate Liberation Day.
This holiday is about commemorating the Batista regime’s defeat by the rebel Communist forces of Fidel Castro on January 1st, 1959.
The Victory of Armed Forces Day
When: 2nd January
Details: This official public holiday is also known as Victory Day. It is a day to honor the Armed Forces in Cuba, which have been protecting the country since 1959.
Events tend to be combined with Liberation Day, so you can expect fireworks, military parades, and such like across the course of the two days.
May Day
When: 1st May
Details: Like a lot of other countries, including the United Kingdom, Cuba honors workers on the 1st of May with International Workers’ Day.
Workers will march with colleagues to the Revolution Square, where musical and cultural events take place. Leading figures will also give motivational speeches.
Unsurprisingly, the biggest gathering happens in Havana, where over one million workers gather each year. They parade along the streets until they reach Plaza de la Revolucion.
National Rebellion Day
When: 26th July
Details: National Rebellion Day takes place on the same date that revolutionaries stormed the Moncada barracks, marking the start of the Cuban Revolution.
On this date, Cubans pay tribute to the heroes of the rebellion. A number of events, marches, and conferences take place around this time.
Independence Day (Anniversary of the Beginning of the War of Independence in 1868)
When: 10th October
Details: This holiday is used to commemorate the day in 1868 when the “Father of the Homeland”, Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, gave freedom to his slaves and started the independence war against the Spanish colonial power. This results in the Ten Years’ War.
On Cuban Independence Day, you can expect people to take part in a number of different festivals around the country, which involve music and dancing. You can also expect fireworks, revolutionary poster marches, and military parades.
Christmas Day
When: 25th December
Details: Last but not least, Christmas Day does not really need much explanation! As is the case for the rest of the world, it takes place on the 25th of December.
Christmas Day is not the most important day on the calendar for most Cubans. In recent times, we have started to see Christmas slowly change in the country. The majority of restaurants and stores actually remain open on this date.
Public holidays in Cuba
So there you have it: an insight into the main public holidays that take place in Cuba. Hopefully, this has given you a better understanding of the different sacred dates in the calendar so that you can plan your trip accordingly.
