Public Holidays in Cuba 2024
Cuba, an island nation in the Caribbean known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and scenic beauty, celebrates various public holidays throughout the year. These holidays reflect the country’s revolutionary past, cultural heritage, and religious traditions. In this guide, we will explore the public holidays in Cuba for the year 2024, providing detailed descriptions of each holiday along with information on the groups entitled to days off.
National Holidays
New Year’s Day (Día de Año Nuevo) – January 1, 2024
New Year’s Day in Cuba marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. It is celebrated with parties, fireworks, and gatherings of family and friends. Cubans often attend public events organized by the government, featuring music, dancing, and cultural performances.
Days off: New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Cuba, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Victory of Armed Forces Day (Día de la Victoria de las Fuerzas Armadas) – January 2, 2024
Victory of Armed Forces Day commemorates the triumph of the Cuban Revolution on January 1, 1959, when Fidel Castro’s forces overthrew the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista. It is a day to celebrate the achievements of the Cuban military and the principles of socialism and national sovereignty.
Days off: Victory of Armed Forces Day is a public holiday in Cuba, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
International Workers’ Day (Día Internacional de los Trabajadores) – May 1, 2024
International Workers’ Day, also known as Labor Day or May Day, honors the contributions of workers to society. In Cuba, it is a day for workers’ rights demonstrations, marches, and celebrations organized by trade unions and labor organizations. The government often hosts large rallies in support of socialist ideals and workers’ rights.
Days off: International Workers’ Day is a public holiday in Cuba, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Commemoration of the Assault on the Moncada Barracks (Día de la Rebeldía Nacional) – July 26, 2024
The Commemoration of the Assault on the Moncada Barracks marks the beginning of the Cuban Revolution on July 26, 1953, when a group of rebels led by Fidel Castro attacked the Moncada Barracks in Santiago de Cuba. Although the attack was unsuccessful, it ignited the revolutionary movement that eventually led to the overthrow of Fulgencio Batista’s regime.
Days off: Commemoration of the Assault on the Moncada Barracks is a public holiday in Cuba, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Celebration of the Triumph of the Revolution (Día de la Revolución) – January 1, 2024 (alternative date)
The Celebration of the Triumph of the Revolution commemorates the anniversary of the Cuban Revolution on January 1, 1959. It is a day to reflect on the achievements of the revolution, including the establishment of socialism, free healthcare and education, and resistance against imperialism.
Days off: Celebration of the Triumph of the Revolution is a public holiday in Cuba, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Christmas Day (Día de Navidad) – December 25, 2024
Christmas Day in Cuba commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is celebrated with religious services, family gatherings, and the exchange of gifts. While Christmas was not widely celebrated in Cuba during the years of Communist rule, it has become increasingly popular in recent decades, especially in urban areas.
Days off: Christmas Day is a public holiday in Cuba, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Religious Holidays
Good Friday (Viernes Santo) – April 19, 2024
Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is observed with solemnity and reflection by Christians in Cuba. It is a day for attending church services, participating in processions, and reflecting on the sacrifice of Jesus.
Days off: Good Friday is not a public holiday in Cuba, but it is observed by the Christian community.
Feast of the Assumption (Asunción de la Virgen) – August 15, 2024
The Feast of the Assumption, also known as the Assumption of Mary, celebrates the Virgin Mary’s bodily assumption into heaven. It is a significant Catholic feast day and is observed with religious services, processions, and festivities in Cuba.
Days off: Feast of the Assumption is not a public holiday in Cuba, but it is observed by the Catholic community.
Table: Summary of Public Holidays in Cuba 2024
| Holiday | Date | Description | Days Off for Groups |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 1 | Beginning of the Gregorian calendar year | Nationwide |
| Victory of Armed Forces Day | Jan 2 | Commemorates the triumph of the Cuban Revolution | Nationwide |
| International Workers’ Day | May 1 | Honors the contributions of workers to society | Nationwide |
| Commemoration of the Assault on the Moncada Barracks | July 26 | Marks the beginning of the Cuban Revolution | Nationwide |
| Celebration of the Triumph of the Revolution | Jan 1 (alternative) | Commemorates the anniversary of the Cuban Revolution | Nationwide |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25 | Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ | Nationwide |
| Good Friday | Apr 19 | Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ | Christian community |
| Feast of the Assumption | Aug 15 | Celebrates the Virgin Mary’s assumption into heaven | Catholic community |