Public Holidays in Gabon 2025 – National & Religious Calendar
Gabon observes a combination of national, Christian, and Islamic public holidays. On those days, government institutions, schools, banks, and many businesses close so people can participate in ceremonies, worship, or national commemorations. Islamic holidays depend on the lunar calendar and may shift by a day.
Overview of Public Holidays in Gabon
Gabonese public holidays include fixed Gregorian dates (e.g., New Year, Independence Day, Christmas) and moveable religious observances (Easter, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha). The list below reflects officially announced and widely recognized observances.
List of Public Holidays in Gabon (2025)
| Holiday | Date (2025) | Day | Significance / Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Wednesday | Marks the first day of the year. |
| Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) | March 30 | Sunday | Islamic festival marking the end of Ramadan (date may vary by sighting). |
| Presidential Election Holiday | April 11 & April 12 | Friday & Saturday | Designated days off for presidential elections. |
| Women’s Day | April 17 | Thursday | Honors women’s rights and representation. |
| Easter Monday | April 21 | Monday | Christian holiday following Easter Sunday. |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Thursday | International Workers’ Day. |
| Ascension Day | May 29 | Thursday | Christian observance 40 days after Easter. |
| Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) | June 6 | Friday | Major Islamic holiday (date may vary by sighting). |
| Whit Monday | June 9 | Monday | Christian holiday after Pentecost. |
| Assumption Day | August 15 | Friday | Christian feast of the Assumption of Mary. |
| Independence Day (Observance) | August 16 & August 17 | Saturday & Sunday | National Days celebrating Gabon’s independence. |
| National Liberation Day | August 30 | Saturday | Commemoration of national liberation events. |
| All Saints’ Day | November 1 | Saturday | Christian memorial holiday. |
| Christmas Day (Noël) | December 25 | Thursday | Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus. |
Religious & Cultural Significance
Christian holidays like Easter, Assumption Day, and Christmas are rooted in Gabon’s Catholic and broader Christian traditions. Islamic holidays, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, reflect the practices of the Muslim community and depend on lunar calculations. National holidays, including Independence and Liberation Day, celebrate Gabon’s history, sovereignty, and struggle for freedom. Women’s Day is a modern observance honoring women’s contributions to society.
Public Observances & Closures
On public holidays, government offices, schools, banking institutions, and many businesses close. Some holidays that fall on weekends may not be shifted, depending on national practice. Because Islamic holidays depend on lunar sightings, their exact dates may vary by a day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays are there in Gabon in 2025?
Gabon observes around 11 public holidays in 2025.
Do Islamic holiday dates change every year?
Yes. Islamic holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha follow the lunar calendar, so their Gregorian dates shift yearly.
Does Gabon shift holidays that fall on Sunday?
There is no universal shift rule for all holidays; many remain on their calendar dates.
What is Women’s Day in Gabon?
Women’s Day (April 17) is a public holiday recognizing the role and rights of women in Gabonese society.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Gabon reflect the country’s religious traditions, political history, and social values. Whether observing Easter, commemorating independence, or celebrating faith during Eid, these observances shape Gabon’s civic and cultural life each year.
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