The Cuban calendar is mainly civic: the triumph of the Revolution on 1 January, 1 May, and the 25–27 July dates anchor the year, with Christmas restored as a holiday in 1998.

How people take the days

The July dates run as a block with mass public events; the rest of the year holidays are single days without official bridges.

If you're visiting

State offices and banks close; the tourism sector runs normally. On 1 May there are parades and street closures in central Havana.

If you live here

Administrative business bunches up either side of the long holidays, so don't leave paperwork to the eve of one.

What these days actually mean

Observance, business closures and transport impact for the next few dates.

Independence Day

10 Oct 2026

Public

Observance: The national day: parades, flags, official ceremonies and, in most places, fireworks after dark.
Business: Government offices and banks closed; retail varies by country.
Transport: Route closures around parades and heavy crowding around evening displays.

Christmas Day

25 Dec 2026

Public

Observance: The central Christian winter feast; in most countries the household gathering matters more than the church service.
Business: Near-total closure of retail, offices and banks. Expect the preceding afternoon to shut early too.
Transport: Skeleton or suspended services in many countries. Book intercity travel well ahead.

CUCuba · 2026

How the holiday year works in Cuba