Catholic or protestant : Since pre-historic times in Europe, festivities (bonfires, offrerings) were marking the beginning of longer hours of daylight with fires and ritual. The Roman festival of Saturnalia lasted several days in December (gambling and offerings). Germanic tribes also celebrated mid-winter (drinking and rituals). The Bulgarian (with Koleduvane) and the Polish (with Gwiazdka) perpetuate this tradition. Jesus of Nazareth was probably born in springtime (Reformists favour autumn). But in the 4th century, December 25th was chosen for the celebration of his birth by Pope Julius I (Bishop Liberus is also mentioned in 354 A.D.). Thus, a Christian element was introduced in the long-established mid-winter festivals. Before 1582, the Papal States and other Italian city states celebrated New Year’s Day on Christmas Day.

Secular holiday : The world's most widely celebrated holiday, New Years was set on January 1 by Julius Caesar because that was the date the Roman consuls took over their duties. Paid holiday when falling on Saturday or Sunday

School holidays : Www.ac-guadeloupe.fr
official calendar
all study programs are aligned with the requirements of the Bologna Process
PISA ranking (average 493): 495
Schooling is mandatory till age 16
School day duration: 8:00 hours
Usually no school on Saturday
School uniform usually required

We carry confirmed dates till Aug 2026

Please note that authorities may take last-minute decisions; please double-check if this information is vital to you
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School holidays :

Banks only :

Catholic : Called 'festa móvel' in Brazil.

Catholic or protestant : Christian observance to begin the 40 day season of Lent. Ashes are marked on worshippers as a sign of penitence.

School holidays :

Catholic or protestant : Mid-Lent

Culture : A French Middle-Age tradition, celebrated in some French villages, in the French Caribbean and in Brazil ( Micareta )

School holidays :

Secular holiday :

Banks only :

Catholic or protestant : Not a paid holiday