While full emancipation from the British was not achieved until 1838, the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 marks the official end of slavery throughout much of the British Empire. The Act freed slaves under the age of six and otherwise changed the status of enslaved people to those of “apprentice”: required to work forty hours a week without pay. Further exceptions include “the Territories in the Possession of the East India Company”, “the Island of Ceylon” (Sri Lanka), and “the Island of Saint Helena” (located in the southern Atlantic Ocean, west of Angola). In all, nearly 800,000 enslaved Africans were emancipated. Today, nearly 45 million people of the Caribbean celebrate Emancipation Day.
The work requirement and status of “apprentice” was seen as reparation for the loss of property for slave owners. This reparation required a £20 million loan by the British government - 40% of the British national treasury at the time, or ~5% of the GDP. The borrowed money was financed by British taxpayers, including taxes paid by the descendants of slaves. Some were paid through government annuities; the last of which were completed in 2015 - 178 years after “emancipation.” (https://taxjustice.net/2020/06/09/slavery-compensation-uk-questions/)
In 2012, Germany agreed to pay Jewish victims of the Holocaust over $8 billion. In the United States, the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 awarded reparations to Japanese Americans who survived internment camps during WWII. Recent estimates of reparations for descendants of enslaved Black Americans in the United States amount to $5.9 and $14 trillion.
Antigua and Barbuda- Celebrates carnival on the first Monday of August, including J’ouvert, an early morning celebration of emancipation.
Anguilla- “August Week” begins with carnival.
The Bahamas- Like many, the former slave village of Fox Hill, Nassau, learned of emancipation a week after others on the island. Today, Bay Fest lasts several days with celebrations concentrated in Fox Hill.
Barbados- The “Season of Emancipation” runs from April 14 to August 23. Included in the celebration are remembrance of slave and labor rebellions, Africa Day, the birthday of Marcus Garvey, and the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition.
Belize- First celebrated Emancipation Day in 2021.
Bermuda
British Virgin Islands- “August Festival” is celebrated on the first Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of August.
Canada- Officially recognized by the Canadian House of Commons in 2021. However, Black communities throughout Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia have recognized the date since emancipation, including the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, the largest Caribbean festival in North America.
Dominica- Emancipation Day is celebrated on the first Monday, known as August Monday.
Grenada- Celebrations take place on the first Monday in August.
Guyana
Jamaica- Bookending a week-long celebration, Emancipation Day kicks off the week, which ends with the celebration of Jamaican Independence Day. The night of July 31, public vigils are held with church bells and song at midnight, to mark the moment of emancipation.
Saint Kitts and Nevis- Celebrates “Emancipation Day” the first Monday and Tuesday
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
South Africa
Trinidad and Togabo - Became first independent country to celebrate the abolition of slavery with a national holiday, including an all-night vigil and cultural celebrations. The celebration of Emanicipation Day replaced the previous acknowledgement of “Columbus Discovery Day.”