The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has confirmed that Emancipation Day in 2026 will be marked on Saturday, August 1, the same calendar date on which it falls.
The announcement rests on Section 2 of the Holidays (Public General) Act and Paragraph 5(a) of its Schedule. Under those provisions, Saturday, August 1, 2026, is to be observed as Emancipation Day across Jamaica.
The Ministry further noted that Independence Day will be observed on Thursday, August 6, 2026. Friday, August 7, 2026, remains an ordinary working day.
Officials urged Jamaicans to mark Emancipation Day by considering the lasting meaning of freedom and by recognising the strength, accomplishments and service of those who struggled for emancipation and helped build the nation’s story.
Syndicated from Jamaica Information Service · originally published .
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