Official holidays and days off on Bonaire 2025

Bonaire has several official holidays and days off. The island is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and many holidays celebrated in the Netherlands (and in the US) also apply to Bonaire. Of course, the island also has its own culture and traditions, from which some holidays originated. Here you can read what the official holidays and days off on Bonaire will be in 2025.

January 1 New Year's Day

On Bonaire, New Year is celebrated exuberantly. Both companies and individuals set off fireworks at new year. On New Year's Day, Bonaire's Island Gezaghebber (Governor) also receives the Maskarada group at his official residence. The Maskarada is a kind of parade of dressed up people who dance and make music.

Carnival

Carnival is one of the most important celebrations on Bonaire. It is celebrated grandly with several parades in both Kralendijk and Rincon. Since a few years, however, the Monday after Carnival is no longer an official day off. Instead, Dia di Boneiru has become an official day off now.

April 18 and April 20 Easter

Easter is an important holiday season on Bonaire. Good Friday, which will be on April 18 this year, is an official day off on the island. Easter Monday, April 20, is also considered an official day off. During Easter, it is customary to go camping on the beach. You often see ribbons hung weeks in advance with which portions of popular beaches, such as Donkey Beach, are marked off by local campers.

April 26 King's Day

King's Day normally is celebrated on April 27. But because it falls on a Sunday in 2025, the celebration of Kings Day has been moved to the day before. During Kings Day, a flea market is usually held at Wilhelminapark in downtown Kralendijk. King's Day is also an official holiday.

April 30 Dia di Rincon

One of the most important holidays on the island is Dia di Rincon. Every year the end of the harvest season is exuberantly celebrated in Rincon on April 30. Residents of the village dress in traditional clothing and there is a parade in downtown Rincon. Want to know more about this special holiday? Then read our blog about Dia di Rincon.

May 1 Labour Day

This day is also an official holiday on Bonaire. Offices and most stores are closed this day.

May 29 Ascension Day

Ascension Day is an official holiday on Bonaire. Offices and most stores are also closed today.

June 8 Pentecost

Sunday, June 8, is Pentecost Sunday. This is an official day off on the island. But please note, unlike in the Netherlands and the US, for example, Pentecost Monday, June 9, is not a day off on Bonaire!

September 6 Dia di Boneiru

In addition to Dia di Rincon, Dia di Boneiru (Bonaire Day) exists. On this day the history, culture and identity of Bonaire is celebrated. Bonaire was discovered in 1499 on this day. In the morning there is an official ceremony in the center of Kralendijk. During the day and evening there are cultural activities and music.

December 25 and 26 Christmas

We end the year with Christmas Day and Boxing Day. These days are also official days off on Bonaire. Christmas is also celebrated in a big way on Bonaire. Entire streets and traffic circles are decorated with Christmas decorations and lights. A beautiful sight!