Public Holidays in Liberia 2026 – National & Public Holidays
Liberia recognizes a number of national public holidays and observances each year. Many commemorate the country’s founding, national identity, prominent leaders, and religious or civic traditions. When a holiday falls on a weekend, an in-lieu public holiday may be declared.
Overview of Liberia’s Public Holidays
The public holiday calendar in Liberia includes:
- Fixed national holidays such as New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Flag Day, and Christmas
- Commemorative holidays honoring national leaders (e.g. J. J. Roberts’ Birthday, William Tubman’s Birthday)
- Religious and civic observances (e.g. Fast & Prayer Day, Thanksgiving)
- Decoration Day, observed on the second Wednesday of March
List of Public Holidays in Liberia (2026)
| Date | Day | Holiday / Observance | Notes / Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | Start of the Gregorian year |
| January 7 | Wednesday | Pioneers Day | National observance |
| February 11 | Wednesday | Armed Forces Day | Honors Liberia’s armed forces |
| March 11 | Wednesday | Decoration Day | Second Wednesday of March; memorial observance |
| March 15 | Sunday | J. J. Roberts’ Birthday | Birthday of Liberia’s first president |
| April 10 | Friday | Fast & Prayer Day | National religious observance |
| May 14 | Thursday | National Unification Day | Promotes unity and reconciliation |
| July 26 | Sunday | Independence Day | Celebrates independence in 1847 |
| July 27 | Monday | Independence Day (in lieu) | Observed since July 26 falls on Sunday |
| July 30 | Thursday | National Prayer Day | Public holiday for reflection and prayer |
| August 24 | Monday | Flag Day | Commemorates adoption of the national flag |
| November 5 | Thursday | Thanksgiving Day | First Thursday of November |
| November 29 | Sunday | William V. S. Tubman’s Birthday | Honors former President Tubman |
| November 30 | Monday | Tubman’s Birthday (in lieu) | Observed since Nov 29 falls on Sunday |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Christian holiday |
List of Public Holidays in Liberia (2025)
| Date | Day | Holiday / Observance | Notes / Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day | Fixed holiday, start of year |
| January 7 | Tuesday | Pioneers Day | Observance (not always a full public holiday) |
| February 11 | Tuesday | Armed Forces Day | Honors Liberia’s armed forces |
| March 12 | Wednesday | Decoration Day | Second Wednesday of March, memorial observance |
| March 15 | Saturday | J. J. Roberts’ Birthday | Birthday of Liberia’s first president |
| April 11 | Friday | Fast & Prayer Day | Religious / civic observance |
| May 14 | Wednesday | National Unification Day | Promotes unity among communities |
| July 26 | Saturday | Independence Day | Celebrates independence from colonization in 1847 |
| July 30 | Wednesday | National Prayer Day | Public holiday for prayer and reflection |
| August 24 | Sunday | Flag Day | National Flag Day |
| August 25 | Monday | Flag Day (in lieu) | Compensatory holiday |
| November 6 | Thursday | Thanksgiving Day | National Thanksgiving observance |
| November 29 | Saturday | William V. S. Tubman’s Birthday | Birthday of President Tubman |
| December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day | Christian holiday |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Liberia have in 2026?
Liberia observes around 14–15 public holidays in 2026, depending on in-lieu declarations.
What is Decoration Day in Liberia?
Decoration Day is observed on the second Wednesday of March and involves cleaning and decorating graves in remembrance of the deceased.
Why does Liberia observe in-lieu holidays?
If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, Liberia may declare the following Monday as a compensatory day off.
Who are J. J. Roberts and William Tubman?
J. J. Roberts was Liberia’s first president, while William V. S. Tubman was one of the country’s longest-serving presidents and a key national figure.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Liberia reflect national history, civic identity, and religious values. From Decoration Day and Independence Day to leader commemorations and prayer observances, these holidays structure Liberia’s public and cultural life throughout the year.
Also explore: Public Holidays in Lesotho
