Public Holidays in Gambia 2026 – Islamic & National Holidays
The Gambia recognizes a mix of national, Christian, and Islamic public holidays. Government offices, schools, banks, and many businesses close on these days to allow citizens to observe religious festivals or commemorate national events. Islamic holidays depend on the lunar calendar and may shift by a day.
Overview of Public Holidays in The Gambia
The Gambia’s holiday calendar includes fixed-date national holidays such as New Year’s Day and Independence Day, Christian holidays tied to Easter (Good Friday, Easter Monday), and Islamic observances like Eid al-Fitr (Koriteh), Eid al-Adha (Tobaski), the Prophet’s Birthday (Mawlid Nabi), Lailat al-Qadr, and Ashura.
List of Public Holidays in The Gambia (2026)
| Holiday | Date (2026) | Day | Remarks / Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday | Start of the Gregorian year. |
| Independence Day | February 18 | Wednesday | Marks independence from the United Kingdom (1965). |
| Lailat al-Qadr* | March 16 / 17* | Monday / Tuesday* | “Night of Power” in Islam. |
| Koriteh / Eid al-Fitr* | March 20 / 21* | Friday / Saturday* | Marks the end of Ramadan. |
| Good Friday | April 3 | Friday | Christian observance of Christ’s crucifixion. |
| Easter Monday | April 6 | Monday | Christian holiday following Easter Sunday. |
| Labour Day / May Day | May 1 | Friday | International Workers’ Day. |
| Africa Day / African Liberation Day | May 25 | Monday | Commemorates African unity. |
| Tobaski / Eid al-Adha* | May 27 / 28* | Wednesday / Thursday* | Major Islamic feast of sacrifice. |
| Ashura* | June 26* | Friday* | Islamic commemoration of 10 Muharram. |
| Revolution Day | July 22 | Wednesday | Anniversary of the 1994 coup. |
| Assumption Day (Sang Marie) | August 15 | Saturday | Christian feast of the Assumption of Mary. |
| Prophet’s Birthday (Mawlid Nabi)* | August 26* | Wednesday* | Birth of Prophet Muhammad. |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday | Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus. |
* Islamic holiday dates are approximate and subject to official moon sightings.
List of Public Holidays in The Gambia (2025)
| Holiday | Date (2025) | Day | Remarks / Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Wednesday | Start of the Gregorian year. |
| Independence Day | February 18 | Tuesday | Marks independence from the United Kingdom (1965). |
| Lailat al-Qadr | March 27 | Thursday | “Night of Power” in Islam. |
| Koriteh / Eid al-Fitr | March 30 (observed March 31) | Sunday → Monday | Marks the end of Ramadan. |
| Good Friday | April 18 | Friday | Christian observance of Christ’s crucifixion. |
| Easter Monday | April 21 | Monday | Christian holiday following Easter Sunday. |
| Labour Day / May Day | May 1 | Thursday | International Workers’ Day. |
| Africa Day / African Liberation Day | May 25 (observed May 26) | Sunday → Monday | Monday declared holiday when it falls on Sunday. |
| Tobaski / Eid al-Adha | June 6–7 | Friday & Saturday | Major Islamic feast of sacrifice. |
| Ashura | July 6 | Sunday | Islamic commemoration of 10 Muharram. |
| Revolution Day | July 22 | Tuesday | Anniversary of the 1994 coup. |
| Assumption Day (Sang Marie) | August 15 | Friday | Christian feast of the Assumption of Mary. |
| Prophet’s Birthday (Mawlid Nabi) | September 5 | Friday | Birth of Prophet Muhammad. |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Thursday | Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus. |
When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the government may declare the following Monday as an observance day.
Observances, Closures & Exceptions
On public holidays, government institutions, banks, schools, and many businesses close nationwide. Islamic holidays may vary by a day depending on moon sightings and official announcements. Some holidays are declared by presidential order closer to the date.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does The Gambia observe each year?
The Gambia typically observes around 13–15 public holidays each year, depending on Islamic observances and official declarations.
Do Islamic holiday dates shift each year?
Yes. Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar, so their Gregorian dates change annually.
Does The Gambia shift holidays that fall on Sunday?
Yes, in some cases. The government may declare the following Monday as a public holiday.
Can Tobaski be observed over two days?
Yes. In some years, including 2025, the President may declare two consecutive days as public holidays for Tobaski.
Conclusion
Public holidays in The Gambia reflect the country’s strong Islamic heritage, Christian traditions, and national history. From Koriteh and Tobaski to Independence Day and Christmas, these observances play a central role in Gambian civic and cultural life.
Also Explore: Public Holidays in Gabon
