Public holidays in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2026 include ten recurring statutory holidays established by Presidential Ordinance No. 23/042 of March 30, 2023. The government also announced exceptional paid rest days and substitute holidays during 2026, affecting the country's working calendar.
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The verified 2026 dataset contains 15 calendar dates: ten recurring statutory holidays, four announced substitute dates and one exceptional nationwide celebration holiday. Some substitute-day decisions have raised legal questions because their timing differs from the rule established by the presidential ordinance. The calendar below provides holiday dates and confirmation status, followed by explanations of the country's national commemorations, public holiday legislation and practical working-day rules.
Also Explore: Public Holiday in Congo
Next Public Holiday in Democratic Republic of the Congo
| Date | Day | Holiday | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 25, 2026 | Friday | Christmas Day | Confirmed |
Public Holidays in Democratic Republic of the Congo 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 | Thursday | New Year's Day | Confirmed |
| January 4, 2026 | Sunday | Martyrs of Independence Day | Confirmed |
| January 5, 2026 | Monday | Martyrs of Independence Day – Substitute Holiday | Announced – Legal Status Disputed |
| January 16, 2026 | Friday | National Hero Laurent-Désiré Kabila Day | Confirmed |
| January 17, 2026 | Saturday | National Hero Patrice Emery Lumumba Day | Confirmed |
| January 19, 2026 | Monday | Patrice Emery Lumumba Day – Substitute Holiday | Confirmed – Ministerial Announcement |
| April 1, 2026 | Wednesday | FIFA World Cup Qualification Celebration | Confirmed – Exceptional Paid Holiday |
| April 6, 2026 | Monday | Simon Kimbangu and African Consciousness Day | Confirmed |
| May 1, 2026 | Friday | Labour Day | Confirmed |
| May 17, 2026 | Sunday | Armed Forces Day (Liberation Day) | Confirmed |
| May 18, 2026 | Monday | Armed Forces Day – Substitute Holiday | Confirmed – Ministerial Announcement |
| June 30, 2026 | Tuesday | Independence Day | Confirmed |
| August 1, 2026 | Saturday | Parents' Day | Confirmed |
| August 3, 2026 | Monday | Parents' Day – Substitute Holiday | Announced – Legal Status Disputed |
| December 25, 2026 | Friday | Christmas Day | Confirmed |
The principal legal framework is Presidential Ordinance No. 23/042 of March 30, 2023, which identifies ten recurring nationwide statutory holidays.
The Central Bank of the Congo's official 2026 closure calendar confirms these dates. Additional holidays announced during the year are separate from the permanent statutory list and should be interpreted according to their applicable government communications.
How Public Holidays Work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo uses the French expression jours fériés légaux for legally established public holidays. Official government announcements may also designate particular days as chômés et payés, meaning non-working and paid.
Presidential Ordinance No. 23/042 replaced the earlier Ordinance No. 14/010 of May 14, 2014. It sets out ten annual public holidays commemorating independence, national heroes, the armed forces, African consciousness, parents and other nationally recognized occasions.
Unlike countries with extensive movable religious holiday calendars, the Democratic Republic of the Congo's recurring statutory holidays are assigned fixed calendar dates. However, the actual day of leave may be affected by weekend arrangements and ministerial communications.
National Holidays and Historical Commemorations
Martyrs of Independence Day – January 4
Martyrs of Independence Day commemorates the Congolese people who lost their lives during the struggle for independence, particularly the events of January 4, 1959, in Léopoldville, now Kinshasa.
The events became an important milestone in the movement toward independence from Belgian colonial rule. January 4 is recognized as a nationwide statutory public holiday under the 2023 presidential ordinance.
In 2026, January 4 falls on Sunday. A ministerial communication announced Monday, January 5 as a substitute day, although this decision raised legal questions because Article 2 of the ordinance specifies the preceding day for Sunday holidays.
National Hero Laurent-Désiré Kabila Day – January 16
January 16 commemorates Laurent-Désiré Kabila, the former president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo who was assassinated in 2001.
The annual commemoration recognizes his place in the country's political history. It is one of the ten statutory nationwide public holidays.
National Hero Patrice Emery Lumumba Day – January 17
January 17 honours Patrice Emery Lumumba, the country's first prime minister after independence in 1960. Lumumba became an important symbol of Congolese independence and African anti-colonial movements.
The date commemorates his assassination in 1961. It is a recurring statutory public holiday, while Monday, January 19 was additionally announced as a substitute day in 2026.
Armed Forces Day – May 17
May 17 is officially designated as Armed Forces Day under Presidential Ordinance No. 23/042. The date is also associated with the political changes of May 17, 1997, when Laurent-Désiré Kabila's forces entered Kinshasa and the government of Mobutu Sese Seko came to an end.
Armed Forces Day recognizes the country's armed forces and their role in national history.
In 2026, May 17 falls on Sunday. The Ministry of Employment and Labour announced an exceptional transfer of the holiday to Monday, May 18, identifying that date as a nationwide paid non-working day.
Independence Day – June 30
Independence Day is celebrated on June 30 each year, commemorating the Democratic Republic of the Congo's independence from Belgium on June 30, 1960.
It is one of the country's most important national commemorations and a statutory nationwide public holiday. In 2026, Independence Day falls on Tuesday, June 30.
Simon Kimbangu and African Consciousness Day
April 6 is officially recognized as the Day of Simon Kimbangu's Struggle and African Consciousness under the 2023 presidential ordinance.
Simon Kimbangu was a Congolese religious leader whose movement became associated with African spiritual independence, dignity and resistance to colonial domination.
The statutory holiday recognizes his historical contribution and the broader significance of African consciousness.
In 2026, April 6 falls on Monday. Although this date coincides with Easter Monday, the Democratic Republic of the Congo legally identifies the public holiday as Simon Kimbangu and African Consciousness Day, not Easter Monday.
The statutory designation is confirmed by the Congolese Press Agency's report on the April 6 holiday and Presidential Ordinance No. 23/042.
Parents' Day in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Parents' Day, celebrated annually on August 1, recognizes parents and their contributions to family life and society. It is a statutory nationwide public holiday.
In 2026, Parents' Day falls on Saturday, August 1. A Ministry of Employment and Labour communication dated July 27 announced that the related day off would be transferred to Monday, August 3.
The communication referred to Decree No. 24/09 of February 17, 2024, regarding administrative working-day arrangements. It stated that the substitute day applied to public administrations and businesses.
However, questions have been raised about how this announcement interacts with the 2023 presidential ordinance and its specific rule concerning holidays falling on Sundays. Readers should distinguish the original statutory date from the announced substitute day.
Additional Government-Declared Public Holidays in 2026
Not every nationwide paid holiday in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is part of the recurring statutory calendar. The government may announce special arrangements for exceptional national events.
April 1 – FIFA World Cup Qualification Celebration
Wednesday, April 1, 2026 was declared a nationwide paid non-working day following the qualification of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's national football team, the Leopards, for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Ministry of Employment and Labour announced the exceptional holiday to allow people across the country to celebrate the achievement.
The declaration was reported by the Congolese Press Agency on April 1, 2026.
This was an exceptional paid holiday specific to 2026. It does not form part of the ten recurring statutory holidays established by Presidential Ordinance No. 23/042.
Substitute Holidays Announced in 2026
Four substitute days were announced during 2026 in connection with statutory national commemorations:
- January 5, following Martyrs of Independence Day on January 4.
- January 19, following Patrice Emery Lumumba Day on January 17.
- May 18, following Armed Forces Day on May 17.
- August 3, following Parents' Day on August 1.
These substitute dates should be distinguished from the original statutory holidays. Their announcements and legal treatment are relevant when determining the working calendar for government employees and private-sector workers.
What Happens When a Public Holiday Falls on a Weekend?
Article 2 of Presidential Ordinance No. 23/042 establishes a specific rule: when a statutory public holiday falls on Sunday, the associated day of leave is taken on the preceding day.
This is not the same as an automatic transfer to the following Monday. The ordinance also does not establish a general Saturday-to-Monday substitution rule.
In 2026, some ministerial communications announced following-Monday holidays rather than applying the ordinance's preceding-day provision. For example, Armed Forces Day on Sunday, May 17 was exceptionally transferred to Monday, May 18.
The Ministry of Employment and Labour's announcement confirms the May 18 arrangement.
These differences have generated legal discussion about the relationship between ministerial announcements and the higher-level presidential ordinance. Employees and employers should consult the relevant official communication and applicable labour rules for the date concerned.
Are Public Holidays Paid in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Statutory public holidays are recognized under the country's legal employment framework, and government declarations may expressly identify additional days as non-working and paid.
Presidential Ordinance No. 23/042 establishes the recurring statutory dates and cites Article 123 of the Labour Code as part of its legal foundation.
Employees required to work during a public holiday should consult the applicable Labour Code provisions, employment agreements and sector-specific regulations to establish their entitlements.
The declaration of an exceptional paid holiday does not necessarily mean every workplace must close. Essential services and workplaces operating under special arrangements may maintain activities in accordance with applicable rules.
Are Banks Closed on Public Holidays in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
The Central Bank of the Congo publishes an official calendar of bank closure dates. Its 2026 schedule lists the ten recurring statutory holidays recognized under national legislation.
The calendar includes New Year's Day, national hero commemorations, Simon Kimbangu Day, Labour Day, Armed Forces Day, Independence Day, Parents' Day and Christmas Day.
The Central Bank of the Congo's official closure schedule is a useful reference for planning banking transactions.
Individual commercial banks may have additional operational arrangements, particularly when an exceptional holiday or substitute day is announced. Customers should confirm branch opening hours and payment-processing schedules directly with their banks.
Long Weekends in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2026
Several confirmed statutory holidays and announced substitute days create potential extended breaks for employees following a Monday-to-Friday working week.
- January 16–19: The two national hero commemorations fall on Friday and Saturday, with Monday, January 19 announced as a substitute holiday.
- April 4–6: Simon Kimbangu and African Consciousness Day falls on Monday, creating a three-day weekend.
- May 1–3: Labour Day falls on Friday, creating a three-day weekend.
- May 16–18: Armed Forces Day falls on Sunday, with a confirmed paid holiday announced for Monday, May 18.
- August 1–3: Parents' Day falls on Saturday, with Monday, August 3 announced as a substitute day.
- December 25–27: Christmas Day falls on Friday, creating a three-day weekend.
These periods assume a Saturday-Sunday weekend. Actual entitlement to the announced substitute days may depend on the applicable government communication, employment regulations and working arrangements.
Who Announces Public Holidays in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
The country's recurring statutory public holidays are established by presidential ordinance. The Ministry of Employment and Labour communicates holiday observance arrangements and exceptional paid non-working days.
The Central Bank of the Congo separately publishes its banking closure schedule, while official government announcements and national press agency reports provide information about exceptional decisions.
For legal certainty, the presidential ordinance and any directly applicable official communication should take precedence over commercial holiday calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the next public holiday in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
The next public holiday depends on the current date. The Next Public Holiday in Democratic Republic of the Congo section near the top of this page displays the upcoming holiday using the VisaBoards public holiday database.
What is the Democratic Republic of the Congo's country code?
The Democratic Republic of the Congo's ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country code is CD. It is different from the Republic of the Congo, also known as Congo-Brazzaville, which uses CG.
How many public holidays are there in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2026?
The country has ten recurring statutory public holidays established by Presidential Ordinance No. 23/042. Five additional 2026 dates were announced through ministerial communications, including four substitute dates and one exceptional paid holiday. The supplied verified dataset therefore contains 15 distinct calendar dates, although the legal interpretation of certain substitutes has been disputed.
Is April 6 a public holiday in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Yes. April 6 is Simon Kimbangu and African Consciousness Day, a nationwide statutory public holiday established by the presidential ordinance of March 30, 2023. In 2026, it falls on Monday.
Is Easter Monday a public holiday in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Easter Monday is not separately listed among the ten statutory public holidays under Ordinance No. 23/042. In 2026, Easter Monday coincides with April 6, which is legally recognized as Simon Kimbangu and African Consciousness Day.
When is Independence Day in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2026?
Independence Day falls on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. It commemorates the country's independence from Belgium on June 30, 1960, and is a nationwide statutory public holiday.
Was April 1, 2026 a public holiday in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Yes. April 1, 2026 was declared an exceptional nationwide paid non-working day to celebrate the national football team's qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It was a one-off declaration, not a recurring statutory holiday.
Why was May 18, 2026 declared a public holiday?
Armed Forces Day fell on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The Ministry of Employment and Labour announced that the associated paid holiday would exceptionally be observed on Monday, May 18.
Does the Democratic Republic of the Congo provide substitute public holidays?
Yes, the legal framework addresses Sunday holidays. Article 2 of Presidential Ordinance No. 23/042 provides for leave on the preceding day when a statutory holiday falls on Sunday. Some ministerial communications in 2026 announced following-Monday substitutes, creating questions about the applicable legal interpretation.
Are public holidays paid in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Statutory public holidays are recognized under the country's labour framework, while exceptional government announcements may expressly declare additional days non-working and paid. Specific entitlements for employees required to work depend on applicable employment rules.
Official Sources for Public Holidays in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Presidential Ordinance No. 23/042 of March 30, 2023: Establishes the ten recurring statutory holidays, the Sunday substitution provision and the replacement of the earlier 2014 ordinance.
- Central Bank of the Congo – Official 2026 Closure Calendar: Confirms statutory holiday dates and the central bank's scheduled closures.
- Congolese Press Agency – Simon Kimbangu Day: Explains the official recognition of April 6 as a statutory public holiday.
- Congolese Press Agency – April 1 Exceptional Paid Holiday: Reports the nationwide paid holiday declared following qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Ministry of Employment and Labour – May 18 Holiday Announcement: Confirms the exceptional transfer of Armed Forces Day to Monday, May 18, 2026.
- Published Ministry Communiqué – Parents' Day 2026: Reproduces the announcement transferring the day off associated with August 1 to Monday, August 3.
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