Public Holidays in Chad 2026 – Islamic, Christian & National Days
Chad observes a diverse set of public holidays that reflect its Islamic and Christian heritage, along with milestones from its national history. These holidays serve as moments of unity and reflection for citizens across all 23 provinces. Long weekends are also commonly used for domestic travel, with many families exploring destinations listed in places to visit in Chad or enjoying short stays at the best hotels in Chad.
Overview of Public Holidays in Chad
Public holidays in Chad include religious observances from both Islam and Christianity, as well as national commemorations such as Independence Day and Republic Day. Because Chad follows both the Gregorian and Islamic lunar calendars, several holidays — particularly Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha — vary each year based on moon sightings.
List of Public Holidays in Chad (2026)
| Holiday | Date (2026) | Day | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday | Marks the beginning of the new year and is celebrated nationwide. |
| International Women’s Day | March 8 | Sunday | Celebrates the contributions of women to Chadian society. |
| Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan Festival) | March 20 – March 22* | Friday – Sunday* | Marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Friday | Honors workers’ rights and achievements. |
| Ascension Day | May 14 | Thursday | Christian holiday celebrating Christ’s ascension into heaven. |
| Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) | May 27 – May 30* | Wednesday – Saturday* | Commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son. |
| Independence Day | August 11 | Tuesday | Marks Chad’s independence from France in 1960. |
| All Saints’ Day | November 1 | Sunday | Christian feast honoring all saints and martyrs. |
| Republic Day (Liberation Day) | December 1 | Tuesday | Commemorates the 1990 revolution restoring the republic. |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday | Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. |
* Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar and may vary depending on official moon sightings.
List of Public Holidays in Chad (2025)
| Holiday | Date (2025) | Day | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Wednesday | Marks the beginning of the new year and is celebrated nationwide. |
| International Women’s Day | March 8 | Saturday | Celebrates the contributions of women to Chadian society. |
| Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan Festival) | March 31 – April 2 * | Monday – Wednesday * | Marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Thursday | Honors workers’ rights and achievements. |
| Ascension Day | May 29 | Thursday | Christian holiday celebrating Christ’s ascension into heaven. |
| Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) | June 7 – 10 * | Saturday – Tuesday * | Commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son. |
| Independence Day | August 11 | Monday | Marks Chad’s independence from France in 1960. |
| All Saints’ Day | November 1 | Saturday | Christian feast honoring all saints and martyrs. |
| Republic Day (Liberation Day) | December 1 | Monday | Commemorates the 1990 revolution restoring the republic. |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Thursday | Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. |
* Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar and may vary depending on moon sightings.
Religious and Cultural Significance
Chad’s holiday calendar highlights its religious diversity and national unity. With a nearly even Muslim and Christian population, the country officially observes Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Christmas, and Ascension Day. Independence Day and Republic Day commemorate key moments in Chad’s modern history.
Public Observances and Closures
On official holidays, government offices, schools, and banks close nationwide. In N’Djamena and other major cities, national parades, religious prayers, and public ceremonies take place, while rural communities observe holidays through family gatherings and local traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Chad have in 2026?
Chad is expected to observe around 10 to 12 public holidays in 2026, depending on the Islamic lunar calendar.
When is Independence Day celebrated in Chad?
Independence Day is celebrated on August 11 to mark freedom from French colonial rule in 1960.
Does Chad celebrate both Eid and Christmas?
Yes. Chad officially recognizes Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, as well as Christian holidays including Christmas and Ascension Day.
What is Republic Day in Chad?
Republic Day on December 1 commemorates the 1990 revolution that ended authoritarian rule and restored the republic.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Chad reflect the nation’s faith, resilience, and cultural diversity. From Independence Day and Republic Day to religious celebrations like Eid and Christmas, these holidays unite communities and preserve Chad’s national identity.
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