Côte d’Ivoire recognizes 14 regular statutory public-holiday categories, including national celebrations, Christian festivals and Islamic religious observances. Its 2026 calendar includes confirmed dates for Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha (Tabaski), Independence Day and National Peace Day. Some Islamic holiday dates require official announcements, and the day after the Night of Destiny has not been conclusively established from a nationwide government notice for 2026. This guide explains the public-holiday system, confirmed dates, religious observances, employment arrangements and long weekends.
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Next Public Holiday in Côte d’Ivoire
| Date | Day | Holiday | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 1, 2026 | Sunday | All Saints' Day | Officially Scheduled |
Public Holidays in Côte d’Ivoire 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 | Thursday | New Year's Day | Officially Scheduled |
| March 20, 2026 | Friday | Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) | Confirmed |
| April 6, 2026 | Monday | Easter Monday | Officially Scheduled |
| May 1, 2026 | Friday | Labour Day | Officially Scheduled |
| May 14, 2026 | Thursday | Ascension Day | Officially Scheduled |
| May 25, 2026 | Monday | Whit Monday (Pentecost Monday) | Officially Scheduled |
| May 27, 2026 | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha (Tabaski) | Confirmed |
| August 7, 2026 | Friday | Independence Day (National Day) | Officially Scheduled |
| August 15, 2026 | Saturday | Assumption Day | Officially Scheduled |
| August 25, 2026 | Tuesday | Day After the Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (Maouloud) | Confirmed |
| November 1, 2026 | Sunday | All Saints' Day | Officially Scheduled |
| November 15, 2026 | Sunday | National Peace Day | Officially Scheduled |
| December 25, 2026 | Friday | Christmas Day | Officially Scheduled |
Côte d’Ivoire's holiday framework is principally established by Decree No. 96-205, as amended by Decree No. 2011-371 of November 4, 2011. It recognizes national, Christian and Islamic holidays, with special rules governing certain Sunday holidays.
The statutory framework identifies 14 regular holiday categories. The VisaBoards database currently includes 13 dates supported by statutory calendar rules or year-specific official information. The remaining category, the day after the Night of Destiny, requires further confirmation of the applicable nationwide 2026 date.
Official information is available from the Ministry of Public Service's holiday decree and announcements issued by the government and diplomatic authorities.
National Holidays in Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire observes several civic holidays that recognize national independence, workers' contributions and the importance of peace and reconciliation.
New Year's Day – January 1
New Year's Day is a nationwide public holiday observed annually on January 1. It marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year.
In 2026, January 1 falls on Thursday. The date is a statutory holiday under Côte d’Ivoire's national holiday framework.
Labour Day – May 1
Labour Day, known in French as Fête du Travail, is observed annually on May 1.
The holiday recognizes workers and their contributions to society. Labour-related ceremonies and official activities may take place throughout the country.
In 2026, Labour Day falls on Friday, May 1, creating a three-day weekend for employees who normally have Saturdays and Sundays off.
Independence Day – August 7
Independence Day is Côte d’Ivoire's national day, celebrated annually on August 7.
It commemorates the country's independence from France in 1960. The occasion is associated with official ceremonies, national celebrations and displays of the Ivorian flag.
In 2026, Independence Day falls on Friday, August 7, providing a three-day weekend for many employees with a standard five-day working week.
National Peace Day – November 15
National Peace Day (Journée nationale de la paix) is observed annually on November 15.
The holiday promotes peace, national unity, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence among Côte d’Ivoire's communities.
In 2026, National Peace Day falls on Sunday, November 15. It remains a statutory holiday, but a Monday replacement is not automatically granted solely because it falls on Sunday.
Islamic Public Holidays in Côte d’Ivoire
Islamic holidays form an important part of Côte d’Ivoire's national holiday calendar. Their dates are linked to the Islamic lunar calendar and may require confirmation by religious and government authorities.
Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
Eid al-Fitr, known locally as the Fête du Ramadan, marks the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.
For 2026, the government declared Friday, March 20, a nationwide paid public holiday. The announcement was issued through the Ministry of Employment, Social Protection and Vocational Training on March 18.
The declaration was reported in the Government Information and Communication Centre's March 19, 2026 press review.
Eid al-Fitr is traditionally associated with communal prayers, family gatherings, charitable giving and festive meals.
Eid al-Adha (Tabaski)
Eid al-Adha, widely known as Tabaski in West Africa, is an important Islamic festival commemorating the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to obey God.
The observance is associated with religious prayers, charitable giving, family gatherings and the sharing of food.
The Ivorian government confirmed Wednesday, May 27, 2026, as the nationwide public holiday for Tabaski.
The Consulate General of Côte d’Ivoire in Milan published a notice explicitly identifying May 27 as a holiday throughout the national territory.
Day After the Night of Destiny (Laylat al-Qadr)
The day following the Night of Destiny is recognized within Côte d’Ivoire's statutory holiday framework.
Laylat al-Qadr commemorates a sacred night during Ramadan, associated in Islam with the revelation of the Quran.
In 2026, the official religious commemoration took place during the night of March 15 to March 16, according to the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Transport.
The regional stock exchange BRVM lists March 17 as a holiday for the day after the Night of Destiny. However, a sufficiently explicit nationwide government holiday declaration establishing March 17 as the applicable statutory date has not been confirmed for this dataset.
The date is therefore not presented as a confirmed nationwide holiday in the VisaBoards table.
Day After the Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (Maouloud)
Maouloud commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. Côte d’Ivoire's statutory holiday framework recognizes the day following the religious celebration.
For 2026, the Ivorian Consulate General in New York explicitly identifies Tuesday, August 25, as the public holiday following Maouloud.
The BRVM calendar lists August 26, creating a discrepancy between published institutional schedules. The VisaBoards database uses August 25 because it is expressly identified as the holiday in the government consular notice.
Christian Public Holidays in Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire also recognizes several Christian festivals as nationwide public holidays. These include movable celebrations linked to Easter and fixed-date observances such as Assumption Day, All Saints' Day and Christmas.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is observed on the day after Easter Sunday. It is part of the Christian celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In 2026, Easter Monday falls on April 6 and is a nationwide statutory public holiday.
Unlike Easter Monday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday are not separately included in the regular nationwide statutory holiday categories used for this dataset.
Ascension Day
Ascension Day commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven according to Christian tradition.
The holiday takes place 39 days after Easter Sunday and always falls on a Thursday.
In 2026, Ascension Day falls on Thursday, May 14. Employees who arrange annual leave for Friday, May 15, may be able to extend their break into a four-day weekend.
Whit Monday (Pentecost Monday)
Whit Monday, also called Pentecost Monday, follows Pentecost Sunday and commemorates the Christian celebration associated with the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles.
In Côte d’Ivoire, Whit Monday is a nationwide public holiday.
It falls on Monday, May 25, in 2026, providing a three-day weekend for employees who normally have Saturdays and Sundays off.
Assumption Day
Assumption Day is celebrated annually on August 15. It commemorates the assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven according to Catholic tradition.
The observance is associated with religious services and family gatherings.
In 2026, Assumption Day falls on Saturday. It remains a statutory holiday without automatically creating an additional weekday off.
All Saints' Day
All Saints' Day is observed annually on November 1 and honors the saints of the Christian tradition.
Religious services and remembrance activities may form part of the observance.
In 2026, All Saints' Day falls on Sunday, November 1.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is observed annually on December 25 and commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.
It is a nationwide statutory public holiday in Côte d’Ivoire.
In 2026, Christmas falls on Friday, December 25, creating a three-day weekend for employees with a normal Monday-to-Friday work schedule.
How Are Islamic Holiday Dates Confirmed?
Islamic religious holidays are based on the lunar calendar, so their Gregorian dates move from year to year.
Published calendar estimates may differ from the dates officially observed in Côte d’Ivoire. Religious announcements and government declarations establish the practical dates used for public-holiday arrangements.
For Eid al-Fitr and Tabaski in 2026, government and diplomatic announcements confirmed March 20 and May 27 respectively.
Where an official declaration cannot be established reliably, a date should be qualified instead of being presented as confirmed solely because it appears on a commercial calendar or an institutional closure schedule.
Long Weekends in Côte d’Ivoire in 2026
Several public holidays create opportunities for extended breaks in 2026. These examples assume a normal Monday-to-Friday working schedule and weekends off.
Eid al-Fitr Weekend – March 20 to March 22
Eid al-Fitr falls on Friday, March 20, creating a three-day weekend through Sunday, March 22.
Easter Weekend – April 4 to April 6
Easter Monday falls on April 6, creating a three-day weekend beginning Saturday, April 4, for employees who normally have weekends off.
Labour Day Weekend – May 1 to May 3
Labour Day falls on Friday, May 1, providing a three-day weekend.
Ascension Day – May 14
Ascension Day falls on Thursday, May 14. Taking annual leave on Friday, May 15, could create a four-day break through Sunday, May 17.
Friday, May 15, is not an automatically granted nationwide public holiday.
Whit Monday Weekend – May 23 to May 25
Whit Monday falls on Monday, May 25, creating a three-day weekend from Saturday through Monday.
Independence Day Weekend – August 7 to August 9
Independence Day falls on Friday, August 7, creating a three-day weekend.
Christmas Weekend – December 25 to December 27
Christmas Day falls on Friday, December 25, providing a three-day weekend through Sunday, December 27.
Actual time off depends on employment arrangements, working schedules and the applicable statutory rules.
Does Côte d’Ivoire Provide Substitute Holidays?
Côte d’Ivoire has specific rules concerning holidays falling on Sundays. These do not amount to an automatic Monday replacement for every public holiday.
Under the holiday framework, particular protection applies when National Day or Labour Day falls on Sunday, with corresponding Monday-rest arrangements.
The statutory framework also identifies conditional arrangements affecting certain major holidays, but the precise application depends on the governing decree and relevant official decisions.
In 2026, All Saints' Day falls on Sunday, November 1, and National Peace Day falls on Sunday, November 15. Neither automatically creates a general nationwide substitute holiday on the following Monday.
Independence Day and Labour Day both fall on Fridays in 2026, so Sunday substitution rules do not affect those dates.
Are Public Holidays Paid in Côte d’Ivoire?
Recognized statutory public holidays are governed by Côte d’Ivoire's labour legislation and the applicable collective and employment arrangements.
The legal distinction between paid public holidays and ordinary working days affects employee entitlements, particularly where businesses or essential services continue operating.
The government's March 2026 Eid al-Fitr announcement expressly declared the date a nationwide holiday that was non-working and paid.
Specific compensation for employees working during public holidays depends on the applicable Labour Code provisions, sector rules and employment arrangements.
Are Banks, Shops and Government Offices Open on Public Holidays?
Banks and Financial Institutions
Bank branches and financial institutions may close on recognized public holidays. Financial markets may also publish separate operating calendars.
The Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières (BRVM) publishes its own holiday schedule, which is useful for financial-market operations but should not automatically be treated as a nationwide statutory holiday declaration.
Payment processing and settlement arrangements should be checked directly with the relevant institution.
Shops and Businesses
Shop opening hours may vary on public holidays. Some supermarkets, markets, restaurants and essential businesses may remain operational, while others close or reduce working hours.
Visitors should confirm opening times, particularly during Eid celebrations, Independence Day and Christmas.
Government Offices
Ordinary administrative services may close on nationwide public holidays. Essential public services can follow separate operating arrangements.
Government agencies, embassies and consulates may also publish their own holiday calendars, sometimes including holidays observed in the countries where diplomatic missions are located.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the next public holiday in Côte d’Ivoire?
The next public holiday depends on the current date. The Next Public Holiday in Côte d’Ivoire section near the top of this page displays the upcoming holiday using the VisaBoards public holiday database.
What is Côte d’Ivoire's country code?
Côte d’Ivoire's ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country code is CI.
How many public holidays are there in Côte d’Ivoire in 2026?
Côte d’Ivoire's statutory framework identifies 14 regular public-holiday categories. The 2026 VisaBoards database currently includes 13 dates supported by the applicable calendar rules and official information. The day after the Night of Destiny remains excluded pending sufficient confirmation of its exact nationwide date.
When is Eid al-Fitr in Côte d’Ivoire in 2026?
Eid al-Fitr was officially declared a nationwide paid holiday on Friday, March 20, 2026, following a government announcement dated March 18.
When is Tabaski in Côte d’Ivoire in 2026?
Tabaski, also known as Eid al-Adha, was officially observed on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. The date was confirmed through an Ivorian government consular announcement.
When is Independence Day in Côte d’Ivoire in 2026?
Independence Day falls on Friday, August 7, 2026. It commemorates the country's independence from France in 1960 and is a nationwide public holiday.
When is the Day After the Night of Destiny in 2026?
BRVM's 2026 financial-market calendar lists March 17 for the day after the Night of Destiny. However, a definitive government declaration establishing that date as a nationwide statutory holiday has not been confirmed for the VisaBoards dataset.
When is Maouloud observed in Côte d’Ivoire in 2026?
The Ivorian Consulate General in New York identifies Tuesday, August 25, 2026, as the public holiday following Maouloud. This differs from the August 26 date shown by BRVM.
When is National Peace Day in Côte d’Ivoire?
National Peace Day is observed annually on November 15. In 2026, the date falls on Sunday and does not automatically create an additional Monday holiday.
Does Côte d’Ivoire provide substitute holidays when holidays fall on Sunday?
Substitute arrangements apply to certain holidays under the relevant decrees, but not every Sunday holiday is automatically transferred to Monday. The applicable holiday and statutory rule must be checked individually.
Official Sources for Public Holidays in Côte d’Ivoire
The following government, diplomatic and institutional sources provide information about Côte d’Ivoire's statutory holiday framework and applicable 2026 dates.
- Ministry of Public Service – Decree No. 2011-371: Establishes amendments to the national legal framework for public holidays.
- Consulate General of Côte d’Ivoire in New York – Public Holidays: Explains statutory holiday categories and provides the 2026 notice concerning the day following Maouloud.
- Government Information and Communication Centre – March 19, 2026 Press Review: Reports the official government declaration of March 20 as the nationwide paid Eid al-Fitr holiday.
- Consulate General of Côte d’Ivoire in Milan – Tabaski 2026 Announcement: Explicitly confirms May 27, 2026, as a nationwide public holiday for Tabaski.
- Ministry of the Interior and Security – Night of Destiny 2026: Documents the official religious commemoration in March 2026.
- BRVM – Financial Market Holiday Calendar: Provides the exchange's 2026 closure dates, including the March 17 listing for the day after the Night of Destiny. Its calendar is not a substitute for a nationwide government holiday declaration.
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