The most anticipated of national holidays are the 3 days of Festival in August (August Monday) that are set aside to commemorate the 1 August 1834 emancipation of African slaves. British Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival 28th July - 9th August 2017 = A celebration of their ancestors' freedom from colonialism & their cultural history. During thatĀ time, they showcase the culture & history of their people in grand style with extravaganzas of local & international music, pageants, Food Fairs, J'ouvert (early morning street jamming), parades, gospel celebrations, & folklore presentations. Visit the Virgin Islands Festival on Facebook to stay up to date on all the Festival Celebrations. The major national holidays in the British Virgin Islands: New Year's Day (1 January), Commonwealth Day (13 March), Sovereign's Birthday, Territory Day, Festival (the first Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday in August; a/k/a August Monday), Saint Ursula's Day (21 October), & Boxing Day (26 December). In November 2000, the Legislative Council replaced the holiday commemorating the birthday of the heir to the throne with a national holiday commemorating the birth of H. Lavity Stoutt (7 March). The most anticipated of national holidays are the 3 days of Festival in August (August Monday) that are set aside to commemorate the 1 August 1834 emancipation of African slaves. Festival is celebrated with beauty contests, calypso competitions, food fair, parades, public musical performances, dances, & family reunions. Religious holidays include Christmas, Good Friday, & Easter Monday. Read more: www.everyculture.com/Bo-Co/British-Virgin-Islands.html#ixzz4nK4wCG5B