The twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda is coming together this Thursday, September 10, for its annual National Day of Prayer, a longstanding official public holiday that calls on all residents to set aside time to unite in spiritual reflection for the country’s future.
Scheduled annually on the second Thursday of September, this year’s observance includes a flagship National Prayer Service set to kick off at 4 p.m. at the iconic Antigua Recreation Grounds. Local public broadcaster ABS will carry the entire service live across all its media platforms, ensuring that those unable to attend in person can still participate in the national gathering remotely.
Organizers have issued a formal appeal to the public, inviting all residents to pray for God’s wisdom, peace, and direction for the nation, as well as for the country’s leaders and individuals in positions of public authority. Along with collective prayer, the day is marked by a tradition of nationwide fasting, and a temporary regulation prohibits the sale and consumption of all alcohol between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. to uphold the solemnity of the observance.
In a minor pre-observance correction, the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Department confirmed that September 10 stands as the official 2026 date for the holiday, after an error was identified in an earlier published version of the national public holiday calendar.
Over years of observation, the National Day of Prayer has solidified its place as a core fixture on the country’s annual national events calendar. It serves as a rare unifying occasion that brings together leaders from faith communities, sitting government officials, and ordinary community members from across the country for shared prayer and collective reflection on the nation’s path forward.