What are the main African holidays?
The main African holidays include Independence Days, Liberation Days, religious celebrations like Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Christmas, and cultural observances such as Africa Day (May 25) and Youth Day (varies by country).
Each African nation has unique national holidays reflecting its history, culture, and religion.
Quick Highlights:
- Pan-African Holiday: Africa Day – May 25
- Religious Holidays: Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Christmas, Easter
- National Holidays: Each country celebrates its Independence Day on a different date.
- Cultural Holidays: Heroes’ Day, Youth Day, Revolution Day, etc.
When are the main public holidays in Africa?
While holidays differ by country, most African nations observe:
- New Year’s Day (Jan 1)
- Africa Day (May 25)
- Independence Day (varies per nation)
- Eid al-Fitr (date varies, Islamic calendar)
- Eid al-Adha (date varies, Islamic calendar)
- Christmas (Dec 25)
- Boxing Day (Dec 26 in some countries)
Table: Major African Holidays by Month
| Month | Holiday Example (Country) | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | New Year’s Day (All) | Public | Celebrated on Jan 1 across Africa |
| February | Independence Day (Gambia – Feb 18) | National | Marks freedom from colonial rule |
| March | Independence Day (Namibia – Mar 21) | National | Key liberation holiday |
| April | Easter (All Christian nations) | Religious | Date varies by church calendar |
| May | Africa Day (All) | Continental | May 25 – Pan-African holiday |
| June | Youth Day (South Africa – June 16) | Cultural | Commemorates Soweto Uprising |
| July | Independence Day (Algeria – July 5) | National | Marks end of French rule |
| August | Heroes’ Day (Zimbabwe – Aug 12) | Cultural | Honors fallen liberation heroes |
| September | Independence Day (Guinea-Bissau – Sept 24) | National | Liberation from Portugal |
| October | Independence Day (Nigeria – Oct 1) | National | One of Africa’s biggest celebrations |
| November | Independence Day (Angola – Nov 11) | National | End of Portuguese rule |
| December | Christmas (All Christian nations) | Religious | Widely observed holiday |
Also see: List of Asian Holidays | List of Holidays in Europe