Public Holidays in Cabo Verde 2026 – National & Public Holidays
Cabo Verde (Cape Verde) celebrates a rich calendar of public holidays that reflect its independence, cultural identity, and strong Christian heritage. These holidays bring communities across all islands together for reflection, music, food, and festive gatherings. Many locals and visitors also take advantage of long weekends to explore top attractions in Cabo Verde or book relaxing stays at the best hotels in Cabo Verde.
Overview of Public Holidays in Cabo Verde
Public holidays in Cabo Verde include national celebrations, Christian feast days, and historic observances. Independence Day and Heroes’ Day honor the country’s liberation movement and national heroes, while Christian holidays such as Easter, Corpus Christi, and Christmas are widely celebrated across all islands. Government offices, banks, and many private institutions close during official holidays, though markets, beaches, and tourist venues remain active.
List of Public Holidays in Cabo Verde (2026)
| Holiday | Date (2026) | Day | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday | Celebration of the new year with island-wide festivities. |
| Democracy Day | January 13 | Tuesday | Marks the introduction of multi-party democracy in 1991. |
| Heroes’ Day | January 20 | Tuesday | Honors national hero Amílcar Cabral and other independence leaders. |
| Good Friday | April 3 | Friday | Christian commemoration of Christ’s crucifixion. |
| Easter Sunday | April 5 | Sunday | Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Friday | Honors workers and labor rights across the islands. |
| Corpus Christi | June 4 | Thursday | Catholic feast celebrated with church processions and cultural events. |
| Independence Day | July 5 | Sunday | Celebrates independence from Portugal in 1975. |
| Assumption Day | August 15 | Saturday | Christian celebration honoring the Virgin Mary. |
| All Saints’ Day | November 1 | Sunday | Christian observance honoring all saints and martyrs. |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday | Catholic celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. |
List of Public Holidays in Cabo Verde (2025)
The 2025 holidays are listed below for reference, as the year is still ongoing.
| Holiday | Date (2025) | Day | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Wednesday | Celebrated across all islands. |
| Democracy Day | January 13 | Monday | Marks the introduction of multi-party democracy. |
| Heroes’ Day | January 20 | Monday | Honors Amílcar Cabral and national heroes. |
| Good Friday | April 18 | Friday | Christian observance. |
| Easter Sunday | April 20 | Sunday | Resurrection of Jesus Christ. |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Thursday | Celebrates workers. |
| Corpus Christi | June 19 | Thursday | Catholic feast. |
| Independence Day | July 5 | Saturday | National independence celebration. |
| Assumption Day | August 15 | Friday | Christian observance. |
| All Saints’ Day | November 1 | Saturday | Christian feast day. |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Thursday | Birth of Jesus Christ. |
Religious and Cultural Significance
Cabo Verde’s holiday traditions highlight its strong Catholic roots and national pride. Independence Day and Heroes’ Day commemorate the nation’s historic struggle for sovereignty, while Christian festivals such as Easter, Corpus Christi, and Christmas are celebrated with music, family gatherings, local cuisine, and vibrant cultural performances. Festivals are especially lively in Praia, Mindelo, and São Filipe. During long holidays, many travelers explore Cabo Verde’s scenic islands or even visit nearby destinations like Senegal, Gambia, or Guinea-Bissau.
Public Observances and Closures
During official holidays, government offices, banks, and schools close. Tourist centers, restaurants, and markets remain open, especially in major cities such as Praia, Mindelo, and Sal, ensuring a lively atmosphere for visitors. Concerts, parades, and cultural events are common during national holidays, attracting both locals and tourists. Many visitors choose to stay at top-rated hotels in Cabo Verde during these festive periods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Cabo Verde have in 2026?
Cabo Verde observes around 11 official public holidays in 2026, covering national milestones and Christian feast days.
When is Independence Day celebrated in 2026?
Independence Day in 2026 falls on Sunday, July 5, commemorating Cabo Verde’s freedom from Portugal.
What is Heroes’ Day in Cabo Verde?
Heroes’ Day, observed on January 20, honors Amílcar Cabral and other leaders who played a key role in the nation’s independence movement.
Is Cabo Verde a good travel destination during public holidays?
Yes. Public holidays offer lively cultural events, concerts, and beach activities. Many tourists explore Cabo Verde’s islands or enjoy relaxing stays at popular hotels during holiday periods.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Cabo Verde reflect its strong national identity, spiritual devotion, and lively cultural traditions. Whether celebrating Independence Day, Corpus Christi, or Christmas, Cabo Verdeans honor their history and culture with joy, unity, and community spirit.
Also Explore: Public Holidays in Burundi
