Public Holidays in Gabon 2026 – National & Public Holidays
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 lists below reflect officially recognized and commonly observed holidays.
List of Public Holidays in Gabon (2026)
| Holiday | Date (2026) | Day | Significance / Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday | Marks the first day of the year. |
| Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)* | March 20 / 21* | Friday / Saturday* | Islamic festival marking the end of Ramadan. |
| Women’s Day | April 17 | Friday | Honors women’s rights and contributions. |
| Easter Monday | April 6 | Monday | Christian holiday following Easter Sunday. |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Friday | International Workers’ Day. |
| Ascension Day | May 14 | Thursday | Christian observance 40 days after Easter. |
| Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)* | May 27 / 28* | Wednesday / Thursday* | Major Islamic holiday. |
| Whit Monday | May 25 | Monday | Christian holiday after Pentecost. |
| Assumption Day | August 15 | Saturday | Christian feast of the Assumption of Mary. |
| Independence Day | August 17 | Monday | Celebrates Gabon’s independence. |
| National Liberation Day | August 30 | Sunday | Commemoration of national liberation events. |
| All Saints’ Day | November 1 | Sunday | Christian memorial holiday. |
| Christmas Day (Noël) | December 25 | Friday | Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus. |
* Islamic holiday dates are approximate and may change based on moon sightings.
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). |
| 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). |
| 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 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 reflect Gabon’s Catholic and broader Christian heritage. Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are observed by the Muslim community and depend on lunar calculations. National holidays, including Independence Day and National Liberation Day, celebrate Gabon’s sovereignty, history, and political development. Women’s Day honors the social and civic role of women in Gabonese society.
Public Observances & Closures
On public holidays, government offices, schools, banks, and many businesses close nationwide. Some holidays falling on weekends may not be shifted. Islamic holidays may vary slightly depending on official moon sightings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays are there in Gabon each year?
Gabon generally observes around 11–13 public holidays per year, depending on religious observances and special national declarations.
Do Islamic holiday dates change every year?
Yes. Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar, so their Gregorian dates shift each year.
Does Gabon shift holidays that fall on Sunday?
There is no universal substitution rule; many holidays remain on their calendar dates.
What is Women’s Day in Gabon?
Women’s Day (April 17) is a public holiday recognizing women’s rights and contributions to Gabonese society.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Gabon reflect a blend of religious faith, national history, and social values. From Christian and Islamic observances to independence commemorations, these holidays shape Gabon’s civic and cultural rhythm each year.
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