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2008
Calendar of Holidays/Events
(* Public Holidays)
January
New Year's Day*
New Years Day Parade
On Shore Fishing Competition
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February
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March
St. Patrick's Day*
St. Patrick's Week of Celebrations
This is a public holiday in Montserrat, commemorating
the slave uprising on St. Patrick's Day in 1768. This
historic event, although unsuccessful, symbolizes the
struggle and desire for freedom on the part of the islanders'
forefathers. The day is extended into a whole week of
activities, which also highlight Montserrat's Irish heritage.
The week's activities, which are enjoyed by locals and
visitors alike, normally include traditional food and
drink, historical costumes and games, a special dinner,
a church service, road race and a cruise around the island
to view the volcanic devastation.
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April
Good Friday*
Easter Monday*
Montserrat Open Fishing Tournament
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May
Labour Day* (first Monday in May)
Whit Monday* (third Monday in May)
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June
Queen’s Birthday Celebrations
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July
Lookout Day
Cudjoe Head Day
Calabash Festival
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August
August Monday*
Roman Catholic Fete
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September
Tourism Week of Activities
Tourism week is organized by the Montserrat Tourist Board,
and highlights the best of local arts and craft, food,
drink and traditional culture and music. Often an art
and craft fair and other special events are held. The
week is intended to showcase Monserrat's culture and talent
for the benefit of visitors, and also to raise the awareness
and pride locally about what the island has to offer.
This year's dates are still tentative.
Credit Union Week
Museum Week
Police, Fire Search & Rescue Community Week
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October
Police, Fire, Search and Rescue Services Community Week
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November
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December
Annual Christmas Festival Celebrations
December 25 - Christmas Day*
December 26 - Boxing Day*
December 27 - St. John's Day
December 31 - Festival Day*
The climax of Montserrat's year is the annual year-end
Festival held every December. Events usually include calypso
competitions, beauty and talent shows, choral singing,the
Schools Arts Festival, the Prince and Princess show, and
the New Year's Parade of costumed troupes. Several street
"jump-ups" are also part of Festival, featuring
informal dancing through the streets to the sounds of
music. Additionally, Montserrat's traditional masked dancers,
the Masquerades perform on stage and around the villages,
with their quaint costumes, tall head dresses, masks and
whips, performing the time-worn steps to the sounds of
fife and drum - a sight not to be missed.
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