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Emancipation Day

Saturday, 1 Aug 2026 · Guyana · Nationwide · Public holiday

Bridge day check

Falls on the weekend, so it costs most people no leave — and in many countries no day is given back.

What the day is for

1 August marks the abolition of slavery in 1838. Celebrated most vividly in African-Guyanese villages such as Buxton and Victoria with drumming, cook-ups and cultural events.

Do shops and banks close?

Public holiday; banks and offices close.

Getting around

Busy roads to the east coast and east bank villages where the main celebrations happen.

When it falls each year

Floating holidays shift; fixed ones move only in which weekday they land on.

2025Friday · 1 Aug 20253-day break
2026Saturday · 1 Aug 20262-day break
2027Sunday · 1 Aug 20272-day break
2028Tuesday · 1 Aug 2028Bridge to 4 days
2029Wednesday · 1 Aug 20291-day break

See the full Guyana holiday calendar or count the working days.