Chad has 12 recurring nationwide statutory public holidays in 2026, plus an additional substitute holiday on March 9 for International Women's Day. The calendar includes national celebrations, Christian holidays and major Islamic observances such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha and the Prophet Muhammad's Birthday.
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Chad's public holiday framework is established by Decree No. 97-413 of September 30, 1997, as amended in 2019. The law distinguishes between holidays that are non-working and paid and those classified as non-working but unpaid under the decree. Some holidays also qualify for a Monday substitute when their regular date falls on a Sunday.
This guide covers Chad's official public holiday dates for 2026, Islamic holiday confirmations, Independence Day, substitute holidays and the rules affecting workers and businesses.
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Next Public Holiday in Chad
| Date | Day | Holiday | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 1, 2026 | Sunday | All Saints' Day | Confirmed |
Public Holidays in Chad 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 | Thursday | New Year's Day | Confirmed |
| March 8, 2026 | Sunday | International Women's Day | Confirmed |
| March 9, 2026 | Monday | International Women's Day – Substitute Holiday | Confirmed |
| March 20, 2026 | Friday | Eid al-Fitr (Aïd el-Fitr) | Expected |
| April 6, 2026 | Monday | Easter Monday | Confirmed |
| May 1, 2026 | Friday | Labour Day | Confirmed |
| May 27, 2026 | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha (Aïd el-Adha) | Expected |
| August 11, 2026 | Tuesday | Independence Day | Confirmed |
| August 26, 2026 | Wednesday | Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (Maouloud El Nebi) | Expected |
| November 1, 2026 | Sunday | All Saints' Day | Confirmed |
| November 28, 2026 | Saturday | Republic Day (Proclamation of the Republic) | Confirmed |
| December 1, 2026 | Tuesday | Freedom and Democracy Day | Confirmed |
| December 25, 2026 | Friday | Christmas Day | Confirmed |
Chad's 2026 nationwide schedule contains 13 holiday entries: 12 recurring statutory holidays and one substitute holiday associated with International Women's Day.
The calendar includes fixed-date civil holidays, Christian observances and Islamic holidays determined according to the religious calendar and official announcements.
The legal foundation is Decree No. 97-413 of September 30, 1997, which establishes the nationwide list of public holidays and the distinction between paid and unpaid non-working days.
Decree No. 273 of March 7, 2019, subsequently added International Women's Day to the category of paid public holidays.
How Public Holidays Work in Chad
Public holidays in Chad are legally recognized days of national, historical or religious significance. The country's legislation uses two principal classifications: jours fériés et chômés and jours fériés, chômés et payés.
These classifications are important because they determine whether a public holiday is expressly designated as paid under the relevant decree.
Non-Working and Paid Public Holidays
Article 2 of Decree No. 97-413 identifies holidays that are both non-working and paid throughout Chad.
The original Article 2 list includes New Year's Day, Labour Day, Independence Day and Freedom and Democracy Day.
Decree No. 273 of 2019 added International Women's Day on March 8 to the paid-holiday category.
These holidays are subject to the statutory Sunday-substitution provision. When one falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is also designated a paid non-working holiday.
Non-Working Holidays Under Article 1
Article 1 of the 1997 decree establishes another category of nationwide public holidays. These are legally designated as non-working but are not classified as paid holidays under the decree itself.
The category includes All Saints' Day, Republic Day, Christmas Day, Easter Monday, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha and Maouloud El Nebi.
Article 6 provides that non-working unpaid holidays do not create the same compensation entitlement as paid public holidays under the decree.
Workers and employers should consider the applicable employment contract, collective agreement and any other relevant legal provisions when determining individual entitlements.
International Women's Day in Chad 2026
International Women's Day is observed annually on March 8 in Chad. The celebration recognizes women's contributions to society and is associated with national activities promoting women's rights, achievements and participation.
Chad formally added International Women's Day to its paid public holiday framework through Decree No. 273 of March 7, 2019.
In 2026, March 8 falls on Sunday. Under the Sunday-substitution rule, Monday, March 9, is also a paid public holiday.
The Ministry of Public Service and Social Dialogue confirmed that both March 8 and March 9, 2026, would be observed as non-working days, with the substitute Monday designated as paid.
Why Is March 9 a Public Holiday in Chad?
March 9, 2026, is a substitute holiday for International Women's Day, which falls on Sunday, March 8.
The replacement is supported by the statutory holiday framework amended in 2019. It is not a separate annual commemorative holiday.
This creates a three-day weekend for employees who normally have Saturday and Sunday off.
Islamic Public Holidays in Chad
Islamic celebrations are an important part of Chad's national holiday calendar. The country recognizes Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha and Maouloud El Nebi as statutory public holidays.
These observances follow the Islamic lunar calendar, so their Gregorian dates vary from year to year. Official announcements are particularly important when finalizing their dates.
Eid al-Fitr 2026 in Chad
Eid al-Fitr, also known locally as Aïd el-Fitr, marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting.
In 2026, Chad observed Eid al-Fitr on Friday, March 20. The Ministry of Public Service and Social Dialogue announced the date as a nationwide non-working public holiday for workers in the public and private sectors.
The announcement also specified that Saturday, March 21, remained a working day for services that normally operate on Saturdays.
Eid al-Fitr is traditionally celebrated with communal prayers, family gatherings, charitable giving and festive meals.
Eid al-Adha 2026 in Chad
Eid al-Adha, commonly known as Tabaski or Aïd el-Adha, is one of the principal Islamic celebrations observed in Chad.
In 2026, Eid al-Adha fell on Wednesday, May 27.
The Ministry of Public Service and Social Dialogue confirmed May 27 as a nationwide non-working holiday in an announcement issued on May 25, 2026.
The ministry also clarified that Thursday, May 28, remained an ordinary working day.
Tabaski is associated with prayers, family gatherings, charitable activities and the religious tradition of sacrifice.
Prophet Muhammad's Birthday 2026
Maouloud El Nebi, also called Mawlid, commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad and is recognized as a nationwide statutory public holiday in Chad.
In 2026, the Ministry of Public Service and Social Dialogue declared Tuesday, August 25, a non-working day throughout the country for the observance of Maouloud El Nebi.
The ministry also announced that Wednesday, August 26, remained a working day.
As with other Islamic holidays, the Gregorian date changes each year because the observance follows the Islamic lunar calendar.
Christian Public Holidays in Chad
Chad's statutory public holiday calendar also recognizes several Christian celebrations, including Easter Monday, All Saints' Day and Christmas Day.
These observances are included in Article 1 of Decree No. 97-413 as nationwide non-working holidays.
Easter Monday 2026
Easter Monday falls on April 6, 2026, in Chad.
The holiday follows Easter Sunday and is recognized as a statutory public holiday under the national holiday decree.
For employees who normally rest on Saturday and Sunday, Easter Monday creates a three-day weekend.
All Saints' Day
All Saints' Day is observed annually on November 1 and is a statutory public holiday in Chad.
In 2026, November 1 falls on Sunday.
The general Sunday-substitution provision in the 1997 decree applies to the paid holidays listed under Article 2. All Saints' Day is listed under Article 1, so a substitute holiday on November 2 should not be assumed without a separate official announcement.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is observed on December 25 and commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.
In 2026, Christmas Day falls on Friday, creating a three-day weekend for employees whose normal working schedule runs from Monday to Friday.
Christmas is recognized as a nationwide non-working public holiday under Article 1 of the national holiday decree.
National and Historical Holidays in Chad
Chad observes several fixed-date public holidays commemorating the country's independence, republican history and political developments.
Independence Day – August 11
Chad celebrates Independence Day on August 11 each year, commemorating independence from France on August 11, 1960.
Independence Day is a nationwide paid public holiday under Article 2 of Decree No. 97-413.
In 2026, the holiday falls on Tuesday, August 11.
The date is associated with official commemorations and celebrations of Chad's independence and national identity.
Republic Day – November 28
Republic Day, also known as the Proclamation of the Republic, is celebrated annually on November 28.
The holiday commemorates the proclamation of the Republic of Chad on November 28, 1958, during the country's transition toward independence.
In 2026, Republic Day falls on Saturday, November 28.
The holiday is listed under Article 1 of the 1997 decree as a nationwide non-working public holiday.
Freedom and Democracy Day – December 1
Freedom and Democracy Day is observed annually on December 1 in Chad.
The holiday commemorates the political events of December 1, 1990, when Idriss Déby and his forces took power, ending the government of Hissène Habré.
The date remains a statutory paid public holiday under the national holiday framework.
In 2026, Freedom and Democracy Day falls on Tuesday, December 1.
Substitute and Observed Holiday Rules in Chad
Chad's holiday legislation contains a Sunday-substitution rule, but it does not automatically apply to every public holiday.
Under Article 2 of Decree No. 97-413, as amended in 2019, when a paid statutory holiday covered by that article falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes a paid non-working day.
This rule applies to New Year's Day, International Women's Day, Labour Day, Independence Day and Freedom and Democracy Day.
For example, International Women's Day falls on Sunday, March 8, 2026, making Monday, March 9, a substitute public holiday.
The same general rule should not automatically be applied to Article 1 holidays such as All Saints' Day or Christmas without an applicable legal provision or separate official declaration.
Long Weekends in Chad in 2026
Several public holidays in Chad fall on Fridays or Mondays in 2026. These dates create opportunities for longer breaks for employees who follow a standard Monday-to-Friday working schedule.
Three-Day Holiday Weekends
- March 7–9: International Women's Day and its Monday substitute holiday.
- March 20–22: Eid al-Fitr weekend.
- April 4–6: Easter Monday weekend.
- May 1–3: Labour Day weekend.
- December 25–27: Christmas weekend.
These examples assume Saturday and Sunday are normal rest days for the employee. Actual working schedules vary across industries and employers.
The inclusion of an ordinary weekend does not create extra statutory holiday dates beyond those recognized by law.
Can Workers Extend Holiday Breaks?
Employees may be able to extend a public holiday break using approved annual leave.
For example, taking approved leave around a Tuesday holiday may create a longer continuous period away from work.
Additional time off requires the applicable leave entitlement and employer approval. Such arrangements are not automatically granted as public holidays.
Are Public Holidays Paid in Chad?
Not every statutory public holiday in Chad has the same payment classification under the national holiday decree.
Decree No. 97-413 establishes two distinct categories of holidays.
Paid Public Holidays
Article 2 identifies holidays that are non-working and paid. Following the 2019 amendment, this category covers New Year's Day, International Women's Day, Labour Day, Independence Day and Freedom and Democracy Day.
Article 3 protects relevant employees from a reduction in their regular salary solely because of the paid holiday.
Article 5 provides compensation rules for workers paid by the hour, day or output and for employees who work on a designated paid public holiday.
Non-Working but Unpaid Holidays
Article 1 lists holidays that are non-working but are not expressly designated as paid under the 1997 decree.
Article 6 states that unpaid non-working holidays do not give rise to compensation under that provision and may be recovered.
Individual employment arrangements or other applicable rules may provide additional protections. Employers and employees should verify their current legal and contractual obligations before making payroll decisions.
Are Government Offices and Banks Closed on Public Holidays?
Government offices and conventional banking branches in Chad may suspend or modify their normal public-facing operations during nationwide statutory public holidays.
The specific availability of banking services, government appointments and administrative procedures depends on the institution.
Essential services and selected financial operations may continue according to separate schedules.
Residents should confirm opening arrangements directly with the relevant bank, public office or service provider before making time-sensitive visits.
Are Shops and Businesses Open During Public Holidays?
Commercial activity in Chad may continue during some public holidays, depending on the type of business, operational requirements and applicable employment rules.
Restaurants, healthcare facilities, transport providers and certain retail establishments may operate under different schedules from government offices.
A statutory holiday's paid or unpaid classification also does not necessarily determine whether every business must close.
Employers should consult the applicable labour framework and official holiday announcements when organizing staff schedules.
Who Announces Public Holidays in Chad?
Chad's recurring statutory public holidays are established through national legislation and presidential decrees.
The Ministry of Public Service and Social Dialogue, or the ministry responsible for public employment and labour relations under its current designation, issues announcements clarifying the observance of particular holidays.
These notices are especially important for Islamic holidays, whose dates follow the lunar calendar, and for exceptional or substitute holiday arrangements.
Article 4 of Decree No. 97-413 also provides for exceptional public holidays to be declared by the President of the Republic in connection with important events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the next public holiday in Chad?
The next public holiday depends on the current date. The Next Public Holiday in Chad section near the top of this page displays the upcoming holiday using the VisaBoards public holiday database.
What is Chad's country code?
Chad's ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country code is TD. The code is derived from the country's French name, Tchad, and is used in international identification and holiday databases.
How many public holidays are there in Chad in 2026?
Chad has 12 recurring nationwide statutory holidays and one additional substitute holiday in 2026, giving 13 holiday entries. The substitute is Monday, March 9, following International Women's Day on Sunday, March 8.
When is Eid al-Fitr in Chad in 2026?
Eid al-Fitr was observed on Friday, March 20, 2026. The Ministry of Public Service and Social Dialogue announced the date as a nationwide non-working public holiday.
When is Eid al-Adha in Chad in 2026?
Eid al-Adha, also known as Tabaski, was observed on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Chad's Ministry of Public Service confirmed the holiday through an announcement issued on May 25.
When is the Prophet Muhammad's Birthday in Chad in 2026?
Maouloud El Nebi was observed on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. The ministry announced the date as a nationwide non-working holiday and stated that Wednesday, August 26, remained a working day.
Is International Women's Day a public holiday in Chad?
Yes. International Women's Day became a nationwide paid public holiday under Decree No. 273 of March 7, 2019. Because March 8 falls on Sunday in 2026, Monday, March 9, is also observed as a paid substitute holiday.
Are all public holidays paid in Chad?
No. Chad's Decree No. 97-413 distinguishes between holidays designated as non-working and paid under Article 2 and holidays classified as non-working but unpaid under Article 1. Other applicable employment rules may affect individual entitlements.
Does Chad provide substitute holidays when a holiday falls on Sunday?
Yes, for the paid holidays covered by Article 2 of the national holiday decree, as amended. When one of those holidays falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is designated as a paid public holiday. The rule does not automatically extend to every Article 1 holiday.
Is November 2 a public holiday in Chad in 2026?
November 2 is not included as a confirmed nationwide substitute holiday in the verified 2026 schedule. All Saints' Day falls on Sunday, November 1, but the general Sunday replacement provision does not automatically apply to that Article 1 holiday.
Official Sources for Public Holidays in Chad
Chad's holiday schedule is primarily based on national decrees and announcements issued by the ministry responsible for public service and labour relations.
- Decree No. 97-413 of September 30, 1997 – ILO NATLEX: Establishes the statutory nationwide public holidays, paid and unpaid holiday classifications, Sunday-substitution provisions and employee compensation rules.
- Decree No. 273 of March 7, 2019 – Report of the Presidential Amendment: Documents the addition of International Women's Day to Chad's paid public holiday framework.
- Ministry of Public Service – International Women's Day 2026 Announcement: Reports the official decision recognizing March 8 and the substitute holiday on March 9.
- Ministry of Public Service – Eid al-Fitr 2026 Announcement: Reports the nationwide holiday declaration for March 20, 2026.
- Ministry of Public Service – Eid al-Adha 2026 Announcement: Reports the confirmed nationwide holiday on May 27, 2026, and the resumption of work on May 28.
- Ministry of Public Service and Social Dialogue – Maouloud 2026 Communication: Reproduces the ministry's August 24 announcement declaring August 25 a nationwide non-working holiday.
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