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Holidays and festivals

In Holland there are a multitude of official and traditional holidays that the Dutch enjoy celebrating. On the first of January, some Dutch people greet the New Year by taking an invigorating plunge into cold water, for instance the traditional New Year’s Day ´Dip in the Sea´ on the beach in Scheveningen.

In February, Carnival is celebrated in many regions, with traditional costumed parades and partying. In addition, the American tradition of Valentine’s Day is gaining in popularity each year.

The Dutch enjoy a long weekend off for Easter. The day before Easter, Good Friday, is a national holiday but some people still have to work depending on what they do. Municipal and government organisations are closed, however. Searching for hidden (chocolate) Easter eggs is a beloved tradition in Holland.

The biggest celebration of the year takes place every year on April 27. This is ´King´s Day´ in Holland, and throughout the country festivities take place, with everything and everyone decked out in the colour orange – the colour of the royal family, the ‘House of Orange’. In many Dutch cities, the King's Day festivities start the night before the actual holiday this is a special celebration called ‘King’s Night’. Live shows and concerts are held on city squares and you can enjoy the festive atmosphere in many pubs and cafés that turn orange for the occasion, for instance in The Hague, Utrecht and Amsterdam.

On the fourth of May, the Day of Remembrance, special ceremonies are held in many cities and towns in Holland, to remember and honor both the civilians and the military personnel who have died as victims of wars and military peace-keeping missions. On May 5, Liberation Day is celebrated with concerts and festivals, such as Bevrijdingspop (´Liberation Pop´) in Haarlem.

The festival called Vlaggetjesdag (‘Flag Dag´), usually held around the first weeks of June, centers on the arrival of the first ´new herring´ catch in fishing ports. This is the official opening of the herring season and attracts a lot of visitors, especially in Scheveningen.

The summer recess of government workers in the Hague ends on the third Tuesday in September. On that day, the so-called Prinsjesdag (Princes’ Day, also called ‘Budget Day’), the ruling monarch holds a ‘Speech from the Throne’ to publicly announce the political guidelines and budget for the coming year. On this day as well, the Royal Family rides through The Hague in a parade in the horse-drawn ‘Golden Coach’.

The feast of St. Nicolas, who is called Sinterklaas in Holland, is celebrated on December 5. Sinterklaas is much more important in Holland than Santa Claus. As soon as Sinterklaas departs, the Christmas tree is put up and everything becomes Christmas themed. You can visit several Christmas markets, such as the famous Dickens Festival in Deventer. The biggest Christmas market is organised in Dordrecht. Small ice skating rinks are set up in many cities and villages. Holland celebrates two days of Christmas: 1st and 2nd Christmas Day. People usually celebrate the holiday with their family and friends. Nearly every home in Holland has a decorated Christmas tree for Christmas. The Dutch celebrate the end of the year with Oudejaarsavond – the last evening of the ´Old Year´, with champagne and fireworks.

* - Full restrictions apply for ALL commerce
** - Restrictions apply except to retail
(1) Liquor Stores must be closed for Thanksgiving and Christmas Days.
(1A) Liquor stores may not open prior to 12:00 noon Memorial Day.
(2) Many companies operate all day on these holidays, pending obtaining a local permit.
(3) All holidays falling on Sunday must be observed on Monday, under state law. Saturday holidays are observed on Saturday.

For a PDF version: Massachusetts Legal Holidays (PDF)

Above is a list of all legal holidays observed in Massachusetts. State, county, and municipal offices are closed on the days listed above. Federal offices are only closed on holidays which the federal government recognizes (i.e. New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans’ Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas). The term “federal holiday” is not applicable to individual states and the private sector since each state has jurisdiction over its holidays.

In Massachusetts certain holidays are subject to laws which restrict the type of work that may be performed as well as the kind of business and commercial activities that may remain open. Only those holidays followed by asterisks (*) have certain restrictions. On holidays not followed by asterisks, business and commercial activities may operate as usual.

Please note: Only retail establishments may open during the summer holidays of Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. Some businesses may be required to pay premium pay on some holidays. Please contact the Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division at 617-727-3465. The Department of Labor Standards (617-626-6975) oversees the approval of local permits allowing businesses to open on Columbus, Veteran’s Days, Thanksgiving and Christmas when they otherwise could not open for some or all hours on those days.

For further information on holiday laws, contact Citizen Information Service.

Holidays and celebrations are part of the Aruban culture. On this page you can find out more about Aruban holidays, celebrations and traditions in order to give you a chance to celebrate these festivities with us while vacationing in Aruba. Or better yet, plan ahead and make sure you will be visiting Aruba during one of these celebrations.

National Holidays

Please find below list of National Holidays that are annually commemorated in Aruba. For more information on what to expect while vacationing in Aruba during a National Holiday, please check out our travel tips for official holiday's page.

New Year's Day

Annually on January 1^st

Like in most countries, midnight fireworks mark the beginning of a new year in Aruba. This spectacular display can be viewed from all around the island, but the best spots are probably on top of one of the hills for a complete overview of the spectacle.

A common Aruban tradition on the day leading up to New Year's Eve is setting off a pagara, a long string of Chinese firecrackers. The pagara will be set off all around the island and mark the end of year for local businesses. According to the myth the firecrackers will also keep away any evil spirits. Another known tradition with New Year is Dande, where a group of musicians will stroll from house to house (most of the times of family and friends) to spread best wishes for the New Year.

Betico Croes Day

Annually on January 25^th

On January 25^th Aruba commemorates the birthday of the late Aruban political leader, Gilberto Francois (Betico) Croes. Betico Croes helped Aruba with attaining the "Status Aparte". With its new status Aruba was given autonomy from the Netherlands Antilles, and was allowed to function as a commonwealth within the Dutch kingdom.

This official holiday features several cultural, sports and musical events throughout the island and there is a national celebration at Plaza Betico in Oranjestad.

Carnival Monday

February 15^th 

Carnival Monday always takes place after the weekend of the grand Carnival parades and is the Monday before Ash Wednesday. On this official day of rest everyone can recoup and recover from all the parades and festivities that took place in the previous two months or so.
Click here to view the full carnival schedule.

National Anthem & Flag Day

Annually on March 18^th

March 18^th is considered Aruba's National Day and on this day Arubans celebrate the Status Aparte, the national anthem and flag.
This official holiday features several cultural, sports and musical events throughout the island and there is a national celebration in the evening at Plaza Betico in Oranjestad.

Good Friday

April 2^nd 2021

Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Easter Monday

April 5^th 2021

Easter Monday is a Christian holiday celebrated after Easter Sunday, which observes Jesus Christ's resurrection.

King's Day

Annually on April 27^th

On this day we celebrate the birthday of King Willem-Alexander of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. An official ceremony is held in honor of HM King Willem-Alexander followed by various activities such as flea markets, kite contests, sporting events and other fun activities at different community centers.

From 1890 to 2013, the day was known as Queen's Day. On April 30^th 2013, on Queen's Day, Prince Willem-Alexander succeeded his mother Beatrix and became King of the Netherlands. Consequently, from 2014 onwards the name is changed from Queen's Day to King's Day and also the date has changed from April 30^th to April 27^th.

Labor Day

Annually on May 1^st

A public holiday in many countries worldwide to celebrate of the working classes.

Ascension Day

May 13^th 2021

A Christian holiday that commemorates Jesus Christ's ascension to heaven.

Christmas Day

Annually on December 25^th

This holiday is celebrated in the same way as in most other countries; the festivities are a combination of the commemoration of Jesus's birth with various cultural customs.
Most locals repair and paint their homes before decorating it with Christmas trees, lights and decorations. A new tradition that was born a few years ago is the decoration of traffic circles around the island. Each circle is decorated by a local company or organization and is being opened with a small ceremony as soon as the decorations are completed. It's worth driving around the island to admire all the beautiful transformed homes, offices and traffic circles.
Gaita bands are bringing the traditional sound of Christmas during parties and festivities. From November till Christmas you may find Gaita bands in shopping malls, restaurants, stores and private residences.
Read more about Christmas in Aruba.

Boxing Day

Annually on December 26^th
Boxing Day is celebrated the day following Christmas Day. Several restaurants serve special Christmas menus in the weeks leading to Boxing Day.

Celebrations in Aruba

There are several celebrations that are not an official holiday, but that are still part of the cultural celebrations in Aruba. Music and garments play an important role in most cultural celebrations. Also check out our events section for more information about parties and activities during your stay.

Dera Gai

Annually onJune 24^th

A special festive song, bright yellow and red costumes and traditional dances highlight the annual "Dera Gai" (the burying of the rooster) festival. This cultural celebration is observed on the Feast of St. John the Baptist and the purpose was to thank the Gods for the good harvest year and to request them to bless the harvests for the following year. This celebration dates back to 1862. Festival activities are held at various community centers.

Carnival

Aruba's Carnival is a fun-filled season with parades, shows, elections and music contests. Carnival season officially starts each year at 11:11 AM on the 11^th of the 11^th (November 11^th). The Carnival Schedule, including all contests, parties and parades, for the upcoming season is official announced during a ceremony on this day. During the period starting from November 11^th till December 31^st, participants have time to prepare for the Carnival parades and contests. All the contests, parties and parades start after the New Year's celebration, with the first parade, the Torch Parade, on the first Saturday in January. The final parades always take place in the weekend before Ash Wednesday.

Sinterklaas (Sint Nicolas)

Annually onDecember 5^th

Traditionally, Saint Nicolas arrives with his "Zwarte Pieten" (helpers) via boat at the Harbor in Oranjestad a few weeks before his birthday. On his arrival he greets all children of Aruba and rewards them with gifts and candy for their good behavior. On December 5^th, on his birthday, Sint Nicolas treats all children with presents that get delivered to their house.

California is a part of the United States, famous for its golden coast, and is the most populous state in the country. It is the only state to host both Summer and Winter Olympics. You can find the Hollywood entertainment industry in Los Angeles and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

Public holidays in California are also observed by all other states. These federal or state holidays are considered paid day-offs for employees and are marked with celebrations and festivities.

When are public holidays in California?

What are the public holidays in California?

New Year’s Day
Celebrated every 1st of January, New Year’s Day commemorates the first day of the year according to the Gregorian calendar.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day
This holiday is observed every 3rd Monday of January each year, in commemoration of the birthday of Martin Luther King. He was an advocate for the civil rights movement in the United States.

Presidents’ Day
This birthday is celebrated in commemoration of George Washington’s birthday on February 22, 1732. He is the first president of the United States. The holiday is celebrated every third Monday of February.

Cesar Chavez Day
This is a new holiday declared by former president Barrack Obama which is celebrated every March 31. Cesar Chavez was a civil rights and labor movement activist. It is a state holiday in California and other states.

Mother’s Day
Mother’s day is celebrated every 2nd Sunday in May to remember all mothers.

Memorial Day
A federal holiday in the United States, Memorial Day or Decoration Day remembers the members of the armed forces who died serving the country.

Father’s Day
The holiday celebrated every 16th Sunday of June remembers fathers all throughout the country.

Independence Day
The United States was declared independent on July 04, 1776, free from British rule. Independence Day holiday in the United States is held with parades, fairs, carnivals, reunions, fireworks, and baseball games.

Labor Day
A public holiday celebrated on the first Monday of September, Labor Day celebrates laborers’ and workers’ rights and contribution to the state.

Veterans Day
This holiday honors military veterans serving the United States Armed Forces every November 11.

Thanksgiving
A holiday celebrated every 4th Thursday of November, Thanksgiving Day is a day to thank God for blessings. This holiday is held before Black Friday.

Day after Thanksgiving
This holiday is celebrated after the fourth Thursday in November in the United States. Almost all employees in the US are also given a paid day off during this day.

Christmas Day
Christmas Day falls every December 25 of each year which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.

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