Public Holidays in Mali 2026 – Islamic & National Holidays
Mali observes a variety of public holidays combining national commemorations, Christian observances, and Islamic festivals. Islamic holidays depend on the lunar calendar and may shift slightly depending on moon sighting.
Overview of Fixed & Movable Public Holidays in Mali
The public holiday calendar in Mali includes:
- Fixed-date national observances such as New Year’s Day, Armed Forces Day, Martyrs’ Day, Labour Day, Independence Day, Christmas
- Christian movables like Easter Monday
- Islamic festivals: Korité (Eid al-Fitr), Tabaski (Eid al-Adha), Leylatoul Qadr, Mawlid (Prophet’s Birthday), Baptism of the Prophet
List of Public Holidays in Mali (2026)
| Date | Weekday | Holiday | Notes / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | Fixed public holiday |
| January 20 | Tuesday | Armed Forces Day | Honors Mali’s military |
| March 26 | Thursday | Martyrs’ Day / Democracy Day | Commemorates 1991 uprising |
| March 18 | Wednesday | Leylatoul Qadr (approx.) | Night of Power during Ramadan |
| March 20 | Friday | Korité (Eid al-Fitr) (approx.) | End of Ramadan (lunar) |
| April 6 | Monday | Easter Monday | Christian movable holiday |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day / Workers’ Day | International Workers’ Day |
| May 25 | Monday | Africa Day | Pan-African commemoration |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Tabaski (Eid al-Adha) (approx.) | Feast of Sacrifice (lunar) |
| August 26 | Wednesday | Mawlid (Prophet’s Birthday) (approx.) | Islamic observance |
| September 1 | Tuesday | Baptism of the Prophet (approx.) | Official holiday in Mali |
| September 22 | Tuesday | Independence Day (National Day) | Independence from France (1960) |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Fixed Christian holiday |
List of Public Holidays in Mali (2025)
| Date | Weekday | Holiday | Notes / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day | Fixed public holiday |
| January 20 | Monday | Armed Forces Day | Honors Mali’s military |
| March 26 | Wednesday | Martyrs’ Day / Democracy Day | Commemorates protesters killed in 1991 uprising |
| March 27 | Thursday | Leylatoul Qadr | Night of Power in Ramadan (Islamic observance) |
| March 30 | Sunday | Korité (Eid al-Fitr) | Festival marking end of Ramadan (lunar) |
| April 21 | Monday | Easter Monday | Christian movable holiday |
| May 1 | Thursday | Labour Day / Workers’ Day | International Workers’ Day |
| May 25 | Sunday | Africa Day | Commemoration of African unity |
| June 7 | Saturday | Tabaski (Eid al-Adha) | Feast of Sacrifice (lunar observance) |
| September 5 | Friday | Mawlid (Prophet’s Birthday) | Islamic observance (lunar) |
| September 11 | Thursday | Baptism of the Prophet | Unique holiday officially listed in Mali |
| September 22 | Monday | Independence Day (National Day) | Marks independence from France (1960) |
| December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day | Christian holiday (fixed) |
Observations & Notes
- Islamic holidays (Korité, Tabaski, Leylatoul Qadr, Mawlid) follow the lunar calendar and may shift by one day.
- The Baptism of the Prophet is a rare but officially recognized holiday in Mali.
- When holidays fall on weekends, compensatory days are not guaranteed unless declared by authorities.
- For comparison with another West African–Islamic calendar, see Public Holidays in Maldives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Mali have in 2026?
Mali observes around 13 national public holidays each year, including national, Christian, and Islamic observances.
Do Islamic holiday dates change every year?
Yes. Islamic holidays are based on the lunar calendar and shift annually depending on moon sighting.
What is Martyrs’ Day in Mali?
Martyrs’ Day (March 26) commemorates those who died during the 1991 pro-democracy uprising.
What is the Baptism of the Prophet holiday?
This is an officially listed holiday in Mali, though it is uncommon in most other countries.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Mali reflect national history, Islamic tradition, and Christian observance. From Martyrs’ Day and Independence Day to Eid festivals and Christmas, these holidays shape Mali’s civic and religious calendar. Because several dates depend on lunar observation, official confirmation is advised closer to each holiday.
