National Heroes' Day 2026 — How Many Days Until National Heroes' Day?
About National Heroes' Day
National Heroes' Day in Jamaica falls on the third Monday of October, honouring the seven men and women officially declared National Heroes of Jamaica for their outstanding contributions to the nation's history, freedom, and development. The holiday was established to foster national pride and remind Jamaicans of the sacrifices made for their country's independence and dignity.
Jamaica's seven National Heroes are: Norman Washington Manley (advocate for universal adult suffrage), Sir Alexander Bustamante (first Prime Minister), Marcus Garvey (pan-African leader and founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association), Paul Bogle (leader of the 1865 Morant Bay Rebellion), George William Gordon (martyr of the Morant Bay Rebellion), Samuel Sharpe (leader of the 1831–32 Baptist War), and Queen Nanny of the Maroons (military leader of the Windward Maroons in the 18th century).
National Heroes' Day celebrations take place at the National Heroes Park in Kingston, where the national heroes are buried or commemorated. Ceremonies include wreath-laying, cultural performances, and civic programmes. Schools and community organisations hold events celebrating the heroes' legacies. The day is increasingly used to encourage new generations to reflect on what heroism and national service mean in contemporary Jamaica.
- National Heroes' Day falls on the third Monday of October in Jamaica
- Jamaica has seven official National Heroes — including Queen Nanny and Marcus Garvey
- Marcus Garvey was also honoured by the United Nations as one of the world's foremost advocates for people of African descent
- Queen Nanny of the Maroons is the only woman among Jamaica's seven National Heroes
- The National Heroes are buried or commemorated at National Heroes Park in Kingston