Public Holidays in Tanzania 2026 – National & Public Observances
Tanzania observes a blend of Christian, Muslim, and national public holidays reflecting its cultural diversity, religious harmony, and historical milestones. These holidays commemorate faith-based festivals, independence achievements, and national unity.
Explore more: Compare with Public Holidays in Tajikistan.
Overview of Public Holidays in Tanzania
Public holidays in Tanzania include fixed national observances and movable Islamic holidays that follow the Hijri lunar calendar. Christian holidays such as Good Friday, Easter, and Christmas are widely observed, alongside national days like Union Day, Nyerere Day, and Independence Day. Official confirmations are issued annually for lunar-based holidays.
List of Public Holidays in Tanzania (2026)
| Holiday | Date (2026) | Day | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday | Marks the beginning of the new year. |
| Zanzibar Revolution Day | January 12 | Monday | Commemorates the 1964 Zanzibar Revolution. |
| Eid al-Fitr* | March 20–21* | Friday–Saturday* | Islamic festival marking the end of Ramadan. |
| Good Friday | April 3 | Friday | Christian observance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. |
| Easter Monday | April 6 | Monday | Christian celebration following Easter Sunday. |
| Union Day | April 26 | Sunday | Marks the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Friday | International Workers’ Day. |
| Eid al-Adha* | May 27–28* | Wednesday–Thursday* | Islamic festival of sacrifice. |
| Nyerere Day | October 14 | Wednesday | Honors Julius Nyerere, founding father of Tanzania. |
| Independence Day / Republic Day | December 9 | Wednesday | Celebrates independence and the republic. |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday | Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. |
| Boxing Day | December 26 | Saturday | Second day of Christmas celebrations. |
*Islamic holiday dates are approximate and subject to confirmation based on moon sightings.
Extended holidays such as Eid and Christmas are popular travel periods. Many residents and visitors use these breaks to explore places to visit in Tanzania, including national parks, coastal areas, and cultural heritage sites.
List of Public Holidays in Tanzania (2025)
| Holiday | Date (2025) | Day | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Wednesday | Celebrates start of the new year. |
| Zanzibar Revolution Day | January 12 | Sunday | Commemorates the 1964 Zanzibar Revolution (observed Jan 13). |
| Eid al-Fitr | March 30 | Sunday | Marks the end of Ramadan. |
| Good Friday | April 18 | Friday | Christian observance of the crucifixion. |
| Easter Monday | April 21 | Monday | Christian celebration following Easter. |
| Union Day | April 26 | Saturday | Marks the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Thursday | Honors workers and labor rights. |
| Eid al-Adha | June 6 | Friday | Islamic festival of sacrifice. |
| Nyerere Day | October 14 | Tuesday | Honors Tanzania’s first President. |
| Independence Day / Republic Day | December 9 | Monday | Celebrates independence and republic status. |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Thursday | Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. |
| Boxing Day | December 26 | Friday | Second day of Christmas celebrations. |
Religious and Cultural Significance
Tanzania’s public holidays reflect religious coexistence and shared national values. Islamic festivals like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha emphasize prayer and charity, while Christian holidays such as Easter and Christmas are observed nationwide. National days like Union Day and Independence Day reinforce unity and historical identity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Tanzania have in 2026?
Tanzania observes around 11–13 public holidays each year, depending on the number of Islamic observances.
When is Zanzibar Revolution Day?
Zanzibar Revolution Day is observed on January 12, commemorating the 1964 revolution.
Do Islamic holiday dates change every year?
Yes. Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar and are confirmed annually based on moon sightings.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Tanzania for 2026 and 2025 reflect faith, history, and unity. From Eid and Easter to Union Day and Independence Day, these observances provide time for celebration, reflection, and national togetherness.
