Boxing Day is a national holiday in Trinidad and Tobago, celebrated on the 26th of December. The holiday is part of the wider Christmas holiday period in Trinidad and Tobago, with the country widely known for its vibrant and lengthy Christmas celebrations. Boxing Day, coming the day after Christmas, is typically a day of relaxation and family time, following the festivities and social gatherings of Christmas Day.
The origin of Boxing Day is tied to the UK's tradition where masters would give their servants boxes filled with small gifts, bonuses and leftover food from the Christmas feast on the day after Christmas. This practice was regarded as a way of thanking their servants for their service throughout the year. As Trinidad and Tobago was once a British colony, it inherited many British customs and traditions, including the observance of Boxing Day.
As in many other countries, sports event are common on Boxing Day in Trinidad and Tobago. Families and friends come together to enjoy ongoing cricket tournaments, horse racing, and football matches. As it is a public holiday, most businesses are closed, allowing employees to enjoy the sports and spend additional time with friends and family. Thus, Boxing Day serves as a moment of relaxation and shared enjoyment at the close of the Christmas season.