Public Holidays in Cabo Verde 2026 – National & Public Holidays

Cabo Verde has 11 nationwide public holiday dates listed for 2026, including Independence Day, Freedom and Democracy Day, National Heroes Day and major Christian celebrations. The country's holiday calendar also distinguishes national holidays from municipality-specific holidays and special public-sector leave. This guide covers the official 2026 dates, national commemorations, religious observances, bank closures and practical holiday arrangements, using information published by the Bank of Cabo Verde and the government's Official Gazette.

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Next Public Holiday in Cabo Verde

Date	Day	Holiday	Status
November 1, 2026	Sunday	All Saints' Day	Confirmed

Public Holidays in Cabo Verde 2026

Date	Day	Holiday	Status
January 1, 2026	Thursday	New Year's Day	Confirmed
January 13, 2026	Tuesday	Freedom and Democracy Day	Confirmed
January 20, 2026	Tuesday	Nationality and National Heroes Day	Confirmed
April 3, 2026	Friday	Good Friday	Confirmed
April 5, 2026	Sunday	Easter Sunday	Confirmed
April 29, 2026	Wednesday	Praia City Day	Regional
May 1, 2026	Friday	International Workers' Day	Confirmed
May 19, 2026	Tuesday	Praia Municipality Day	Regional
June 1, 2026	Monday	International Children's Day	Confirmed
July 5, 2026	Sunday	Independence Day	Confirmed
August 15, 2026	Saturday	Assumption Day	Confirmed
November 1, 2026	Sunday	All Saints' Day	Confirmed
December 25, 2026	Friday	Christmas Day	Confirmed

The 2026 calendar includes fixed national holidays and religious celebrations whose dates follow the Christian calendar. Good Friday and Easter Sunday change dates each year, while holidays such as Independence Day, International Children's Day and Christmas Day are observed on fixed dates.

The Bank of Cabo Verde's official holiday calendar identifies the dates and distinguishes nationwide observances from local holidays applicable to Praia. Additional government decisions concerning public-sector leave are published in the Boletim Oficial, Cabo Verde's Official Gazette.

National and Historical Holidays in Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde's national holidays commemorate independence, democratic development and the individuals who contributed to the country's political history. These occasions are recognized nationally and are important parts of Cabo Verdean civic life.

Freedom and Democracy Day

Freedom and Democracy Day, known in Portuguese as Dia da Liberdade e da Democracia, is celebrated annually on 13 January. It commemorates the country's democratic transition and the first multiparty parliamentary elections, held on 13 January 1991.

The holiday recognizes the development of political pluralism and democratic participation following the country's earlier one-party political system. The Official Gazette's Resolution No. 120/2025 concerns the commemoration of the 35th anniversary of Freedom and Democracy Day.

Nationality and National Heroes Day

Nationality and National Heroes Day is observed annually on 20 January. The holiday honours those who contributed to Cabo Verde's struggle for self-determination and national independence.

The date is associated with the death of Amílcar Cabral on 20 January 1973. Cabral was a leading figure in the independence movements of Cabo Verde and Guinea-Bissau and remains an important national historical figure.

The holiday provides an occasion to reflect on Cabo Verde's national identity, independence movement and historical legacy.

Independence Day in Cabo Verde

Independence Day is celebrated on 5 July each year. It commemorates Cabo Verde's independence from Portugal on 5 July 1975 and is one of the country's most significant national occasions.

The day is associated with national ceremonies, cultural events and celebrations of Cabo Verdean identity. Public activities may include official addresses, musical performances and community gatherings.

In 2026, Independence Day falls on Sunday, 5 July. The official calendar lists the Sunday date, and an additional nationwide substitute holiday should not be assumed without a separate government decision.

Religious Public Holidays in Cabo Verde

Christian observances form an important part of Cabo Verde's national holiday calendar. Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Assumption Day, All Saints' Day and Christmas Day are among the religious occasions appearing in the 2026 schedule.

Good Friday and Easter Sunday

Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. In 2026, Good Friday falls on 3 April, followed by Easter Sunday on 5 April.

Easter is an important religious celebration in Cabo Verde, with church services, family gatherings and other community traditions. The exact dates change annually according to the Christian calculation of Easter.

Holy Thursday is also religiously significant, but it should be distinguished from the nationwide holiday schedule. For 2026, the government granted a public-sector afternoon leave arrangement on 2 April through a separate resolution.

Assumption Day

Assumption Day is observed annually on 15 August. It commemorates the Catholic belief in the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and is recognized as a religious holiday in Cabo Verde.

Religious communities may mark the occasion through church services, processions and other devotional activities. In 2026, Assumption Day falls on a Saturday.

All Saints' Day

All Saints' Day is celebrated on 1 November each year. The occasion honours the saints of the Christian tradition and is associated with religious observance and remembrance.

Families may attend religious services and participate in local traditions connected with the day. In 2026, All Saints' Day falls on a Sunday.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day is observed on 25 December and celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is an official nationwide holiday in Cabo Verde.

Christmas celebrations commonly include church services, family meals, gatherings and community activities. In 2026, Christmas Day falls on a Friday, providing a potential three-day weekend for people who normally do not work on Saturdays and Sundays.

International Workers' Day and Children's Day

International Workers' Day

International Workers' Day is observed annually on 1 May. The holiday recognizes workers and their role in Cabo Verde's social and economic development.

Labour organizations and community groups may organize activities concerning workers' rights, employment conditions and social progress. In 2026, the holiday falls on a Friday.

International Children's Day

International Children's Day, known locally as Dia Mundial da Criança, is celebrated on 1 June in Cabo Verde.

The occasion recognizes children's welfare, rights and development. Educational institutions and community organizations may hold activities emphasizing children's health, education, protection and well-being.

The 2026 holiday falls on Monday, 1 June, making it a potential long weekend for employees following a Monday-to-Friday work schedule.

Carnival and Ash Wednesday in Cabo Verde 2026

Carnival is one of Cabo Verde's best-known cultural celebrations, particularly in São Vicente, where the city of Mindelo is associated with colourful parades, music, costumes and performances.

However, Carnival and Ash Wednesday should not automatically be classified as ordinary nationwide public holidays. Cabo Verde's government can grant specific periods of administrative leave, known in Portuguese as tolerância de ponto, for public-sector workers.

For 2026, Resolution No. 25/2026 of 12 February granted eligible public-sector employees leave beginning at noon on Tuesday, 17 February, and continuing throughout Wednesday, 18 February.

The resolution applies to state employees, public institutes and local authorities, with exclusions for certain essential services, including security, healthcare and continuously operating services.

This special leave arrangement is not equivalent to declaring both dates general nationwide public holidays for every private-sector worker.

Municipal Holidays in Cabo Verde

In addition to nationwide public holidays, Cabo Verde recognizes holidays applicable to particular municipalities. These local observances should not be confused with holidays that apply throughout the country.

Praia City Day

Praia City Day is observed on 29 April and applies specifically to the municipality of Praia, the country's capital.

It is included as a municipal holiday in the Bank of Cabo Verde's official calendar. The date is not a nationwide public holiday and should be treated separately when arranging work or services outside Praia.

Praia Municipality Day

Praia Municipality Day is observed on 19 May and is also identified as a local holiday for Praia.

The Bank of Cabo Verde's published calendar explicitly classifies both Praia dates as municipality-specific holidays and indicates that the bank closes when these holidays fall on working days.

Other municipalities may have their own local celebrations and holiday arrangements. Those dates should be checked against the relevant municipal authorities rather than added automatically to the nationwide holiday calendar.

Does Cabo Verde Give Special Public-Sector Leave?

Yes. Cabo Verde's government may authorize special time off for eligible public-sector employees through formal resolutions. These arrangements are described as tolerância de ponto and are distinct from general nationwide public holidays.

Two examples from 2026 illustrate the distinction:

• Carnival and Ash Wednesday: Resolution No. 25/2026 granted public-sector leave from noon on 17 February and throughout 18 February.
• Holy Thursday: Resolution No. 57/2026 granted eligible public-sector employees the afternoon of 2 April off, with affected public services operating between 8:00 a.m. and noon.

The Holy Thursday resolution published in the Official Gazette identifies the covered institutions and exclusions. Armed forces, police, healthcare facilities, prison services and other essential operations are subject to specified exceptions.

Such resolutions establish the particular leave arrangements they describe. They do not automatically extend the same entitlement to all private-sector employees.

Are Public Holidays Paid in Cabo Verde?

Cabo Verde's employment legislation recognizes public holidays within the framework of working time, rest periods and employee rights. The applicable treatment of a public holiday depends on the legal provisions governing the employment relationship and the circumstances in which work is performed.

Employees and employers should distinguish between nationwide public holidays, municipal holidays and government-authorized public-sector leave. These categories may carry different obligations.

For questions about remuneration, holiday work or compensatory arrangements, employers and employees should consult the applicable Cabo Verdean Labour Code, employment agreements and official labour guidance. Public-sector tolerância de ponto should not be treated as automatically establishing equivalent private-sector entitlements.

Are Banks Closed on Public Holidays in Cabo Verde?

The Bank of Cabo Verde publishes a dedicated official holiday calendar for its banking operations. This calendar identifies national holidays, certain local holidays and dates for which administrative leave may be authorized.

Banking services may be unavailable or operate under modified schedules on public holidays. Commercial banks may also publish their own branch opening arrangements.

Customers arranging bank visits, transfers or other time-sensitive transactions should consult the Bank of Cabo Verde holiday calendar and confirm operating hours with the relevant institution.

Some digital banking services may remain accessible even when physical branches are closed, although payment processing and settlement may follow different schedules.

Long Weekends in Cabo Verde in 2026

Several 2026 public holidays fall on Fridays or Mondays, creating opportunities for extended breaks for employees who normally work Monday to Friday.

• Good Friday: Friday, 3 April, creates a potential three-day weekend through Easter Sunday, 5 April.
• International Workers' Day: Friday, 1 May, creates a three-day weekend through Sunday, 3 May.
• International Children's Day: Monday, 1 June, creates a three-day weekend beginning Saturday, 30 May.
• Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December, creates a three-day weekend through Sunday, 27 December.

New Year's Day falls on Thursday, 1 January. Employees with available annual leave could consider taking Friday, 2 January, to extend their break. This would be personal leave rather than an additional officially scheduled public holiday.

Independence Day, Assumption Day and All Saints' Day fall on weekends in 2026. No automatic replacement dates have been added to this calendar.

These examples assume a Saturday-Sunday weekend. The actual length of a break depends on the employee's regular working days and any specifically applicable official arrangements.

Are Government Offices, Schools and Businesses Closed?

Nationwide public holidays generally affect ordinary government office operations, although essential public services may continue under separate working arrangements.

School schedules take national holidays into account, but academic vacations, examination dates and school-specific closures are established through separate educational calendars.

Private businesses may have different operating schedules depending on the sector, employment rules and customer demand. Shops, hotels, restaurants and transport services may continue operating during some public holidays.

Visitors and residents should confirm opening hours directly with the relevant institution or business, particularly during Christmas, Easter and major national celebrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the next public holiday in Cabo Verde?

The next public holiday depends on the current date. The Next Public Holiday in Cabo Verde section near the top of this page displays the upcoming holiday using the VisaBoards public holiday database.

How many public holidays are there in Cabo Verde in 2026?

The 2026 nationwide calendar used on this page contains 11 public holiday dates, including Easter Sunday. The count excludes municipal holidays and special public-sector leave arrangements for Carnival, Ash Wednesday and Holy Thursday.

What is Cabo Verde's country code?

Cabo Verde's ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country code is CV. The country is also widely known in English as Cape Verde, although Cabo Verde is its official international name.

When is Cabo Verde Independence Day in 2026?

Independence Day falls on Sunday, 5 July 2026. The holiday commemorates Cabo Verde's independence from Portugal on 5 July 1975.

Is Carnival a public holiday in Cabo Verde?

Carnival is a major cultural celebration, but it is not listed as an ordinary nationwide public holiday in the 2026 calendar. Resolution No. 25/2026 granted eligible public-sector employees leave from noon on 17 February and throughout Ash Wednesday on 18 February, subject to specified exclusions.

Is Good Friday a public holiday in Cabo Verde?

Yes. Good Friday is included in Cabo Verde's nationwide holiday calendar. In 2026, it falls on Friday, 3 April, followed by Easter Sunday on 5 April.

Is Children's Day a public holiday in Cabo Verde?

Yes. International Children's Day is included in the official nationwide holiday calendar and is observed annually on 1 June. In 2026, it falls on a Monday.

Are municipal holidays the same as national public holidays?

No. Municipal holidays apply to particular local jurisdictions, while nationwide public holidays are recognized across Cabo Verde. Praia City Day on 29 April and Praia Municipality Day on 19 May are municipality-specific holidays.

Does Cabo Verde automatically move Sunday holidays to Monday?

An automatic Monday substitution should not be assumed. The 2026 official calendar lists Sunday holidays on their actual dates without providing a general replacement day for each one. Any additional leave arrangement should be supported by an applicable official decision.

Where can I find official public holiday announcements for Cabo Verde?

Official information is available through the Bank of Cabo Verde's published holiday calendar and the Boletim Oficial, the government's official gazette. The gazette also publishes resolutions establishing special public-sector leave arrangements.

Official Sources for Public Holidays in Cabo Verde

• Bank of Cabo Verde: Official Banking Holiday Calendar 2026, listing national holiday dates and distinguishing Praia's municipal holidays.
• Official Gazette: Resolution No. 120/2025, concerning the 35th anniversary commemoration of Freedom and Democracy Day.
• Official Gazette: Decree No. 6/2026, approving the implementation protocol relating to the Catholic Church and addressing recognized religious feast days.
• Official Gazette: Resolution No. 25/2026, authorizing special public-sector leave for Carnival and Ash Wednesday.
• Official Gazette: Resolution No. 57/2026, authorizing public-sector afternoon leave for Holy Thursday on 2 April 2026.