Public Holiday Nationwide

Dessalines Day

Name: Dessalines Day
Start: 2028-10-17
End: 2028-10-17
Location: Haiti

Tuesday, October 17, 2028

October 2028

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Holiday selected

🏪 What's open

Banks Reduced
Government offices Closed
Schools Closed
Shops Varies
Restaurants Reduced
Public transit Reduced
Stock market Closed
Post office Closed

🛋️ Long weekend potential

4-Day Block

SAT 14 Weekend

SUN 15 Weekend

MON 16 Bridge Day

TUE 17 Holiday

4-day weekend with a bridge day on October 16

📣 Traveler notes

Haiti, located on the western part of Hispaniola, is a Caribbean nation with a profound culture rooted in successful slave revolts. Visitors should approach the country with patience and respect for its post-colonial culture.

January 1: New Year's Day and Independence Day
January 2: Ancestry Day
May 18: Flag and Universities Day
August 15: Assumption
October 17: Dessalines' Death Anniversary
Dress modestly in cities (especially women). Learn basic Haitian Creole phrases. Always request permission before photographing people and avoid documenting poverty or waste. Treat locals with respect, patience, and as equals. Avoid giving money or candy, as this can compromise human dignity. Carry extra food and water to share with guides or drivers.

About this holiday

Dessalines Day commemorates Jean-Jacques Dessalines, a key figure in the Haitian Revolution and the first Haitian Emperor. Under his leadership, Haiti abolished slavery, making it the first American nation to do so. Dessalines is considered one of Haiti's founders.