Public holidays in Djibouti in 2026 include national commemorations, Islamic religious festivals and Christmas Day. The country's legal framework recognizes 12 statutory holiday dates, including two days each for Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha and Independence Day. Some Islamic observances follow the lunar calendar, so their Gregorian dates require year-specific confirmation. This guide explains the official holiday system, paid public holidays, religious celebrations and important planning considerations.
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Next Public Holiday in Djibouti
| Date | Day | Holiday | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 25, 2026 | Friday | Christmas Day | Officially Scheduled |
Public Holidays in Djibouti 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 | Thursday | New Year's Day | Officially Scheduled |
| January 16, 2026 | Friday | Al Isra et Al Mirague | Subject to Confirmation |
| March 20, 2026 | Friday | Eid al-Fitr — Day 1 | Subject to Confirmation |
| March 21, 2026 | Saturday | Eid al-Fitr — Day 2 | Subject to Confirmation |
| May 1, 2026 | Friday | Labour Day | Officially Scheduled |
| May 27, 2026 | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha — Day 1 | Subject to Confirmation |
| May 28, 2026 | Thursday | Eid al-Adha — Day 2 | Subject to Confirmation |
| June 16, 2026 | Tuesday | Awal Mouharam (Islamic New Year) | Subject to Confirmation |
| June 27, 2026 | Saturday | Independence Day — Day 1 | Officially Scheduled |
| June 28, 2026 | Sunday | Independence Day — Day 2 | Officially Scheduled |
| August 25, 2026 | Tuesday | Mouloud (Prophet Muhammad's Birthday) | Subject to Confirmation |
| December 25, 2026 | Friday | Christmas Day | Officially Scheduled |
Djibouti's public-holiday framework is established principally through Order No. 77-347 of 4 October 1977, as amended by Order No. 80-0931/PR. These provisions identify national and religious holidays that are legally recognized as paid non-working days. Christmas Day was added separately under Order No. 77-609/PR/CAB.
The calendar distinguishes fixed annual holidays from Islamic celebrations whose dates depend on the Hijri calendar. Holiday dates that have not been established through sufficiently authoritative year-specific evidence should remain clearly marked as tentative or subject to confirmation.
National Public Holidays in Djibouti
Djibouti recognizes several fixed-date public holidays associated with the country's independence, workers and annual civic calendar. Unlike religious holidays, their Gregorian dates remain the same each year.
Independence Day in Djibouti
Djibouti celebrates its independence from France on 27 June, commemorating the establishment of the independent Republic of Djibouti in 1977.
Independence Day is legally recognized as a two-day nationwide public holiday covering 27 and 28 June annually. Order No. 80-0931/PR expressly amended the earlier holiday legislation to establish both consecutive dates as paid public holidays.
In 2026, Independence Day falls on Saturday, 27 June, followed by the second statutory holiday on Sunday, 28 June. These are separate legally designated holiday dates rather than an assumed weekend-substitution arrangement.
Labour Day
Labour Day is observed annually on 1 May. The holiday recognizes workers and their contribution to national economic and social development.
In 2026, Labour Day falls on Friday, 1 May. It is one of the paid public holidays expressly recognized in Djibouti's national holiday legislation.
New Year's Day
New Year's Day is a nationwide public holiday observed on 1 January. It marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year and is included in Djibouti's statutory schedule of paid holidays.
Islamic Public Holidays in Djibouti
Islamic celebrations form an important part of Djibouti's official holiday calendar. The legal framework recognizes Al Isra et Al Mirague, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Awal Mouharam and Mouloud.
These observances are associated with the Islamic lunar calendar. Their dates move through the Gregorian calendar from year to year, and advance estimates may differ from the dates ultimately observed in Djibouti.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. It is celebrated through communal prayers, family gatherings, charitable giving and visits to relatives and friends.
Djibouti's holiday legislation provides two consecutive paid public holidays for Eid al-Fitr.
Published calendars generally place the 2026 celebration on 20 and 21 March. Where a specific official Djiboutian confirmation is unavailable, these dates should be treated as provisional rather than conclusively announced.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's devotion and willingness to obey God. Religious observances include prayers, charitable activities and sharing food with family members and people in need.
Djibouti recognizes two consecutive paid public holidays for Eid al-Adha.
The Djiboutian News Agency reported on 26 May 2026 that the festival would be celebrated the following day, establishing 27 May as the first day of the 2026 celebration. The second statutory holiday consequently falls on 28 May under the two-day legal provision.
Awal Mouharam (Islamic New Year)
Awal Mouharam marks the beginning of the Islamic Hijri year. The observance recalls the Hijrah, the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, which forms the starting point of the Islamic calendar.
In 2026, Djibouti observed Islamic New Year on Tuesday, 16 June. The Djiboutian News Agency specifically reported that the date was a paid non-working public holiday.
This contemporary national report resolves the disagreement found in some advance holiday calendars that listed a different date.
Al Isra et Al Mirague
Al Isra et Al Mirague commemorates the Prophet Muhammad's Night Journey and Ascension. Djibouti's statutory holiday legislation recognizes one paid public holiday for this religious observance.
Several published calendars list 16 January 2026. However, the exact observed date should not be treated as officially confirmed without reliable year-specific Djiboutian evidence.
Mouloud (Prophet Muhammad's Birthday)
Mouloud, also known as Mawlid or Milad un Nabi, commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad. It is included in Djibouti's legislation as a one-day paid public holiday.
Published 2026 holiday calendars differ on whether the Gregorian date is 25 or 26 August. The date should therefore remain provisional until the applicable national observance can be established through authoritative evidence.
Christmas Day in Djibouti
Christmas Day is officially recognized as a nationwide public holiday on 25 December, despite Djibouti's predominantly Muslim religious tradition.
Order No. 77-609/PR/CAB expressly added Christmas Day to the existing statutory holiday schedule and established it as a paid non-working day throughout the republic.
Christmas Day falls on Friday, 25 December 2026. Its nationwide legal recognition is distinct from the religious practices of individual communities.
Are Public Holidays Paid in Djibouti?
Yes. Djibouti's foundational holiday orders designate the listed statutory holidays as "jours fériés, chômés et payés," meaning public holidays that are non-working and paid.
The legislation establishes the general legal character of these holidays. Individual employment arrangements, essential-service requirements and questions about remuneration for work performed on a holiday should be assessed against the applicable labour rules and employment contracts.
The designation of a paid holiday does not, by itself, establish a universal overtime multiplier or an automatic replacement day for every employee.
How Are Religious Holiday Dates Confirmed in Djibouti?
Djibouti's Islamic holidays follow the Hijri calendar rather than fixed Gregorian dates. Advance calendars may calculate an anticipated date, while the national observance may depend on the religious calendar followed locally and announcements by the relevant authorities.
For this reason, a distinction should be maintained between three types of information:
- Statutory recognition: A holiday is established under national legislation even though its Gregorian date changes annually.
- Expected date: A published calendar provides a provisional Gregorian date based on the Islamic calendar.
- Confirmed observance: Reliable contemporary national evidence identifies when the celebration or public holiday actually occurs.
For accurate travel arrangements, appointments and workplace planning, the observed date should be checked against authoritative Djiboutian announcements rather than relying exclusively on international holiday calendars.
Long Weekends in Djibouti in 2026
Several public holidays in 2026 create opportunities for extended time away from work. Actual breaks depend on an employee's normal working days, workplace arrangements and whether religious holiday dates have been confirmed.
Labour Day on Friday, 1 May and Christmas Day on Friday, 25 December may each create a three-day break for employees who normally have Saturday and Sunday off. This is a conditional planning example, not a declaration of additional statutory holidays.
Independence Day covers Saturday, 27 June and Sunday, 28 June. Both dates are officially recognized as public holidays regardless of an individual employer's weekly rest-day arrangements.
For religious celebrations, the consecutive holiday periods around Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may provide additional opportunities for family visits and travel. The applicable dates and individual working arrangements should be checked before booking.
Are Banks, Government Offices and Schools Closed on Public Holidays?
Government Offices
Statutory public holidays are designated non-working days under Djibouti's national legal framework. Government services should therefore be expected to operate on holiday arrangements, although essential functions may continue.
Banks and Financial Institutions
Public holidays can affect banking services, branch operations and payment processing. Specific closures or alternative operating arrangements should be verified with the relevant financial institution. A separate bank-only holiday should not be assumed without an applicable official notice.
Schools and Educational Institutions
Public holidays may affect school attendance and administrative schedules. However, the national public-holiday calendar should not be confused with the full academic calendar, school vacation periods or institution-specific closure arrangements.
Shops and Private Businesses
Retailers, restaurants, transport providers and other private businesses may operate different schedules during public holidays. Customers should check individual opening hours, particularly around major religious celebrations.
What Happens When a Public Holiday Falls on a Weekend in Djibouti?
A public holiday falling on an employee's normal rest day does not automatically establish an additional weekday holiday in the absence of an applicable legal rule or specific official announcement.
Djibouti's Independence Day is an important example. The law expressly designates both 27 and 28 June as public holidays. The second date is a statutory holiday in its own right, not merely a substitute granted because the first date falls on a weekend.
Employees and employers should consult the applicable holiday regulations, workplace arrangements and any specific government declarations when determining compensatory leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the next public holiday in Djibouti?
The next public holiday depends on the current date. The Next Public Holiday in Djibouti section near the top of this page displays the upcoming holiday from the VisaBoards public holiday database.
What is Djibouti's country code?
Djibouti's ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country code is DJ.
How many public holidays are there in Djibouti in 2026?
Djibouti's statutory framework identifies 12 nationwide public-holiday dates. This counts both days of Eid al-Fitr, both days of Eid al-Adha and both days of Independence Day separately. It excludes additional holidays without established nationwide statutory status.
When is Independence Day in Djibouti in 2026?
Independence Day is observed on Saturday, 27 June and Sunday, 28 June 2026. Both dates are legally recognized nationwide paid public holidays.
When is Eid al-Fitr in Djibouti in 2026?
Published calendars generally list Eid al-Fitr on 20 and 21 March 2026. Djibouti's statutory framework provides two consecutive paid holidays, but the exact observed Gregorian dates should be confirmed through authoritative national information.
When is Eid al-Adha in Djibouti in 2026?
Eid al-Adha began on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, as supported by reporting from the Djiboutian News Agency. The statutory two-day holiday period covers 27 and 28 May.
When is Islamic New Year in Djibouti in 2026?
Islamic New Year was observed on Tuesday, 16 June 2026. The Djiboutian News Agency confirmed that it was a paid non-working public holiday.
Is Christmas Day a public holiday in Djibouti?
Yes. Christmas Day is a nationwide paid public holiday observed on 25 December. It was added to Djibouti's statutory holiday framework through Order No. 77-609/PR/CAB.
Is Arafat Day an official public holiday in Djibouti?
Some international calendars list Arafat Day as a public holiday in 2026. However, its standing as a general nationwide statutory holiday has not been established by the foundational holiday legislation examined here. It should not be added to the verified statutory schedule without further official evidence.
Does Djibouti automatically provide a substitute holiday when a public holiday falls on a weekend?
A general automatic substitute-day entitlement has not been established by the cited holiday orders. Any replacement leave should be confirmed through the applicable labour rules, employment arrangements or a specific official announcement.
Official Sources for Public Holidays in Djibouti
- Official Gazette of Djibouti — Order No. 80-0931/PR: Establishes the amended statutory public-holiday framework and expressly confirms that Independence Day covers 27 and 28 June.
- Official Gazette of Djibouti — Order No. 77-609/PR/CAB: Establishes 25 December as a nationwide paid public holiday.
- Djiboutian News Agency — Islamic New Year 1448: Confirms the national observance and paid public-holiday status of 16 June 2026.
- Djiboutian News Agency — Eid al-Adha 2026: Reports the observance of Eid al-Adha on 27 May 2026.
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