You may find yourself visiting the best kept secret in the Caribbean during a national or Christian holiday, so take a look at these Turks and Caicos holidays.
Commonwealth Day: Second Monday of March. The second Monday of March marks Commonwealth Day, a holiday celebrated in the United Kingdom and its sovereign territories. In Turks and Caicos, festivities include several patriotic events throughout the islands, including flag-raising and reading the Commonwealth message from the Queen.
Good Friday and Easter: Late March to Early April. Since many citizens are Christians, predominantly Baptists, Methodists, Anglicans, Church of God congregants, and Catholics, most people celebrate Good Friday, when Jesus Christ was crucified, and Easter, when according to Christian scriptures he was raised from the dead.
National Heroes' Day: Last Monday of May. This day marks "National Heroes' Day" on which citizens celebrate the patriots of Turks and Caicos, both known and unknown. Falling on the last Monday of every May, the holiday corresponds to the United States' Memorial Day.
The nation's capitol, Grand Turks, houses two ceremonies for the holiday, one at JAGS McCartney Mausoleum and the other at Lester Williams Park. The ceremonies include a wreath-laying in honor of first Chief Minister of Turks and Caicos, James Alexander George Smith McCartney, along with special rites and speeches to honor unsung heroes of the islands.
The Birthday of the Queen: June 13, 2010. As subjects of the British Commonwealth, citizens of Turks and Caicos follow the law and celebrate the Queen's birthday as a national holiday. Though the Queen's actual birthday is April 21, the holiday is on June 13.
Emancipation Day: August 1, 2010. On August 1, 1834, the English Parliament passed the Slavery Abolishment Act of 1833, outlawing serfdom and servitude in the British Empire. As a result, Turks and Caicos recognizes the first day of August as "Emancipation Day."
National Youth Day: Last Friday of September. On the last Friday of September, the islands honor of the nation's youth. Commonly called "National Youth Day," the holiday includes parades, festivals, and special events across the islands to stir up patriotism, appreciation for cultural ancestry, and hope for the nation's future.
Columbus Day: Monday Closest to October 10. On the Monday that falls closest to October 10, the Turks and Caicos citizens celebrate Columbus Day. Although some argue that Ponce de Leon found the islands first, tradition holds that Columbus landed on the islands in 1492.
International Human Rights Day: October 24. In light of the events of World War II, the United Nations General Assembly adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948. The declaration outlines the basic human rights to which all humans around the globe are entitled. In 1950, the United Nations encouraged the nations of the world to recognize this holiday. The Turks and Caicos Islands chose to move it to the earlier date.
Christmas: December 25. Because of the strong Christian presence in Turks and Caicos, the nation recognizes Christmas, and like most other countries in the world, the citizens celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25.
Boxing Day: December 26. Boxing Day is a banking holiday celebrated in the Commonwealth nations. This secular holiday means a day off work for bank employees.
Many debate the origin of the holiday. Some people think it is related to the "alms boxes" the Church puts out on the Feast of St. Stephen, also on December 26, to provide for the poor. Others claim that it began during the Victorian era when tradesmen were given "Christmas boxes" or gifts for exceptional services throughout the year. A third contingent attributes the holiday to an Old English tradition, in which wealthy landowners would give their servants the 26th off to visit their families. The servants would receive supplies, food, and other items for the trip.
New Year's Day: January 1. Many restaurants, resorts, and bars will throw parties and shoot fireworks on December 31, 2010, in anticipation for the New Year. If you manage to stay awake, you can catch the Junkanoo rush in Providenciales, a street parade with Caribbean music. Junkanoo festivals also occur on Boxing Day.
Now that you know the major Turks and Caicos holidays, you can better plan your vacation.
Just fifteen minutes from Providenciales International Airport, the Tuscany, http://www.thetuscanyresort.com, sits a secluded stretch of Grace Bay Beach on the northeastern coast of Providenciales. Come visit the Tuscany and celebrate the holidays at a luxurious, beachfront retreat.
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