Public Holidays in Tunisia 2026 – Islamic & National Holidays
Tunisia observes a blend of national, Islamic, and commemorative public holidays. These days reflect its modern history, Islamic heritage, and national identity.
Compare with: Public Holidays in Trinidad and Tobago.
Overview of Public Holidays in Tunisia
Public holidays in Tunisia include fixed national observances and movable Islamic festival dates based on the lunar Hijri calendar. Dates may shift by one day depending on official moon sighting announcements.
List of Public Holidays in Tunisia (2026)
| Holiday | Date (2026) | Day | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday | Beginning of the Gregorian year. |
| Independence Day | March 20 | Friday | Marks independence from France (1956). |
| Eid al-Fitr | March 20 – March 21 | Friday – Saturday | Celebrates the end of Ramadan (subject to moon sighting). |
| Martyrs’ Day | April 9 | Thursday | Honors those who died for national freedom. |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Friday | International Workers’ Day. |
| Eid al-Adha | May 27 – May 28 | Wednesday – Thursday | Islamic festival commemorating sacrifice. |
| Islamic New Year | June 16 | Tuesday | First day of the Hijri calendar. |
| Republic Day | July 25 | Saturday | Founding of the Republic of Tunisia. |
| Women’s Day | August 13 | Thursday | Celebrates women’s rights and legal reforms. |
| Mawlid (Prophet’s Birthday) | August 25 | Tuesday | Commemoration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad. |
| Evacuation Day | October 15 | Thursday | Departure of French forces from Bizerte. |
| Revolution & Youth Day | December 17 | Thursday | Marks the start of the 2010–2011 revolution. |
Note: Islamic holiday dates such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Mawlid are based on lunar observations and may vary by one day.
List of Public Holidays in Tunisia (2025)
| Holiday | Date (2025) | Day | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Wednesday | Beginning of the Gregorian year. |
| Independence Day | March 20 | Thursday | Marks independence from France. |
| Eid al-Fitr | March 30 – April 1 | Sunday – Tuesday | End of Ramadan and fasting month. |
| Martyrs’ Day | April 9 | Wednesday | Honors lives lost in national struggle. |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Thursday | International Workers’ Day. |
| Eid al-Adha | June 6 – June 7 | Friday – Saturday | Islamic festival of sacrifice. |
| Islamic New Year | June 26 | Thursday | First day of the Hijri calendar. |
| Republic Day | July 25 | Friday | Founding of the Republic of Tunisia. |
| Women’s Day | August 13 | Wednesday | Celebrates women’s rights. |
| Mawlid (Prophet’s Birthday) | September 4 | Thursday | Birth of Prophet Muhammad. |
| Evacuation Day | October 15 | Wednesday | French forces’ departure from Bizerte. |
| Revolution & Youth Day | December 17 | Wednesday | Beginning of the Tunisian revolution. |
Religious and Cultural Significance
Tunisia’s public holidays revolve around Islamic faith and national sovereignty. Islamic celebrations such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha emphasize worship, charity, and family gatherings, while national days like Independence Day, Republic Day, and Revolution & Youth Day highlight political milestones and social transformation.
Public Observances and Closures
Government offices, banks, and schools close nationwide on public holidays. Multi-day Islamic festivals may result in extended closures, and official dates are sometimes confirmed shortly before observance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Tunisia have in 2026?
Tunisia is expected to observe around 12 official public holidays in 2026, with some Islamic festivals spanning multiple days.
Why do Tunisian public holidays change dates each year?
Islamic holidays follow the lunar Hijri calendar, which is approximately 10–11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, causing dates to shift earlier each year.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Tunisia reflect spiritual devotion, national resilience, and historical progress. From the joy of Eid celebrations to the remembrance of revolutionary milestones, each holiday reinforces the country’s cultural identity and shared heritage.
