Cuba has nine official National Public Holidays January 1st - Liberation Day & New Year’s Liberation Day is also called “Triumph de la Revolution.” This day celebrates the removal of dictator Batista from power and the start of Fidel Castro’s power. January 2nd - Victory of the Armed Forces A holiday commemorating its revolution’s history. Good Friday became a national holiday following the visit of Pope Benedict XVI. The first Good Friday recognized as a holiday was in 2014, according to Grandma, the Official Body Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba. May 1st - International Labor Day Called “Did de los Trabajadores,” Havana-Guide.com noted there are many celebrations this holiday, including “speeches on the ‘Plaza de la Revolution’ celebrating the work force and the Communist party.” July 25th till 27th - Commemoration of the Assault to Montana/National Rebellion Day This three-day long holiday remembers the 1953 capture and exile of Fidel Castro, according to VisitarCuba. This happened near Santiago in the Montana army barracks. This week is also celebrated with carnivals in Santiago as the saint day of St. James (Santiago). October 19th - Independence Day, “Did de la Independence” Independence Day celebrates the early independence of Cuba in 1868, when Carlos Manuel Speeds freed his slaves and began the War of Independence against Spain, according to Travel Cuba. December 25, 2017 - Christmas, “Nativized” Christmas has only recently been re-established as a holiday due to Pope John Paul’s visit in 1998.