Important Dates and Celebrations on the Corn Islands
The Corn Islands' cultural and historical calendar includes a record of holidays, festivities, and commemorations. Below is a list of important dates celebrated locally, nationally, or in remembrance of significant events:
1 January: New Year’s Day (local and national holiday)
6 January: Old Christmas and Conclusion of Masquerade Celebrations
9 February: Corn Islands' Birthday
14 February: Lovers' Day
Good Friday: Commemoration of the Passion of Christ (observed by Catholic, Baptist, and Anglican churches)
Holy Saturday: Judas Night
Easter Sunday: Also known as Sunrise Sunday; locals visit cemeteries to honour deceased loved ones, and a mass or service is held.
Easter Monday: Corn Island Picnic Day
1 April: Tom Fool’s Day
8 April: Foundation of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church (1958)
1 May: Opening of Maypole Celebrations and Foundation of Saint James Episcopal Church (1901)
30 May: Mother’s Day (local and national holiday)
31 May: Conclusion of Maypole Celebrations
1 June: Children’s Day (worldwide)
23 June: Father’s Day (national)
29 June: Teacher’s Day (national)
16 July: Feast of Our Lady Star of the Sea, Patron Saint of the Corn Islands Catholic Community (celebrated since 1958)
26 July: Grandparents’ Day (national)
25 August: Foundation of Ebenezer Baptist Church and School (1852)
27 August: Emancipation Day (local holiday)
28 August: Miss Corn Island Election Night
29 August: Cross Over (Little Corn Island)
18 September: Anniversary of Christopher Columbus sighting the Corn Islands (1502)
Last Sunday of September: Bible Day (national)
8–9 October: Anniversary of Hurricane Julia’s passage (2022)
13 October: Declaration of Great Corn Island, Little Corn Island, and Blowing Rock as Protected Areas (2021)
16 October: Declaration of Corn Island as a National Tourist Heritage Site (2013)
21 October: Anniversary of Hurricane Joan’s passage (1988)
30 October: Autonomy Day of the Caribbean Coast (local and regional holiday)
1 December: Beginning of the Christmas Carol Season
7 December: GriterÃa or PurÃsima (Catholic celebration)
8 December: Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary (celebrated by Catholic and Anglican churches)
15 December: Beginning of Masquerade Celebrations
23 December: Christmas Concert and Conclusion of Christmas Carols
24 December: Christmas Eve
25 December: Christmas Day (local and national holiday)
31 December: Watchnight (New Year’s Eve)
