Planning your year in Benin requires knowing the official nationwide public holidays when businesses, government offices, and schools close their doors. Understanding these dates is essential for scheduling work commitments, booking travel, and organizing important events throughout 2026. This comprehensive guide covers only confirmed national public holidays in Benin observed across the entire Republic of Benin, helping you make informed decisions about your calendar.
Official National Public Holidays in Benin 2026
The Republic of Benin recognizes 13 national public holidays throughout the year, as regulated by Ordinance 79-33 issued on July 2, 1979, and the Labour Code. However, it’s worth noting that Islamic holidays such as Korité, Tabaski, and Maouloud are based on lunar calendar sightings; therefore, their exact dates may vary by a day or two depending on moon observations.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| January 10 | Saturday | Vodoun Day |
| March 20 | Friday | Korité (Eid al-Fitr) * |
| April 6 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day |
| May 14 | Thursday | Ascension Day |
| May 25 | Monday | Whit Monday |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Tabaski (Eid al-Adha) * |
| August 1 | Saturday | Independence Day |
| August 15 | Saturday | Assumption Day |
| August 26 | Wednesday | Maouloud (Prophet’s Birthday) * |
| November 1 | Sunday | All Saints’ Day |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
* Dates marked with an asterisk are tentative and subject to change based on Islamic lunar calendar observations.
Key Holidays and Their Significance
New Year’s Day (January 1)
The year begins with a national holiday celebrating the start of 2026. Consequently, most businesses and government offices remain closed, allowing Beninese citizens to spend time with family and friends.
Vodoun Day (January 10)
This unique holiday celebrates traditional Vodoun religion, which holds deep cultural significance in Benin. The country is considered the birthplace of Vodun (also spelled Voodoo), and this day recognizes its importance in Beninese heritage.
Islamic Holidays
Benin observes three major Islamic holidays: Korité (Eid al-Fitr) marking the end of Ramadan, Tabaski (Eid al-Adha) commemorating Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice, and Maouloud celebrating the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday. Meanwhile, these dates follow the Islamic lunar calendar and may shift based on moon sightings.
Christian Holidays
Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, Assumption Day, All Saints’ Day, and Christmas Day reflect the nation’s significant Christian population. These holidays follow the Christian ecclesiastical calendar.
Independence Day (August 1)
This patriotic holiday commemorates Benin’s independence from France in 1960. On the other hand, celebrations include parades, cultural performances, and official ceremonies throughout the country.
Planning Tips for 2026
Several strategic opportunities exist for extending your time off in 2026. For instance, Independence Day and Assumption Day both fall on Saturdays, which naturally creates weekend breaks but doesn’t provide additional weekday rest. However, Christmas Day falls on Friday, offering a potential three-day weekend when combined with the regular Saturday-Sunday break.
Moreover, May presents particularly dense holiday scheduling with three public holidays: Labour Day (Friday), Ascension Day (Thursday), Whit Monday (Monday), and potentially Tabaski (Wednesday). This concentration creates multiple opportunities for strategic leave planning.
When booking flights or accommodations, remember that prices typically increase around major holidays, particularly Independence Day and Islamic festivals when many Beninese travel to their home villages. Therefore, advance booking becomes crucial during these peak periods.
For business travelers and expatriates, it’s essential to note that government offices, banks, and many private businesses close entirely on these national holidays. Nevertheless, essential services and some restaurants remain operational, especially in larger cities like Cotonou and Porto-Novo.
Need to coordinate meetings across time zones? Check the current local time around the world to ensure you’re scheduling at convenient hours for all participants. Additionally, when planning your daily schedule around holidays, using practical timer tools can help you stay organized and productive.
Understanding Benin’s Holiday System
The Beninese government occasionally declares additional one-time holidays for significant national events such as presidential inaugurations or important civic activities like voter registration. Nevertheless, these special holidays are announced publicly when they occur and apply only for that specific occasion.
Regional holidays exist in some areas of Benin but are not included in this list since this guide focuses exclusively on nationwide observances. Furthermore, private sector companies may observe additional holidays specific to their industry or organization, so always verify with your employer or local contacts.
For more detailed guidance on planning your schedule effectively, explore our comprehensive collection of time management and planning guides covering everything from productivity tips to international time coordination.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many public holidays does Benin have in 2026?
Benin observes 13 national public holidays in 2026. These include fixed-date holidays like New Year’s Day and Independence Day, as well as variable holidays based on religious calendars, such as Islamic and Christian observances.
Which holidays fall on weekends in 2026?
Several holidays fall on weekends in 2026: Vodoun Day (Saturday, January 10), Independence Day (Saturday, August 1), Assumption Day (Saturday, August 15), and All Saints’ Day (Sunday, November 1). When holidays fall on weekends, there is typically no substitute day off provided.
Are Islamic holiday dates confirmed for 2026?
The dates for Korité (March 20), Tabaski (May 27), and Maouloud (August 26) are tentative estimates based on lunar calculations. The exact dates depend on official moon sightings and may shift by one or two days. Authorities announce confirmed dates closer to each holiday.
Do businesses close on all public holidays?
Yes, government offices, banks, and most businesses close on national public holidays. However, essential services, hospitals, pharmacies, and some restaurants and hotels remain open, particularly in major urban centers.
Can the government declare additional holidays during 2026?
Yes, according to Benin’s regulations, the government has authority to declare special one-time holidays for significant national events. These are announced publicly when they occur but cannot be predicted in advance.
How do I stay updated on any changes to these holiday dates?
For Islamic holidays in particular, watch for official announcements from religious authorities and the government as the dates approach. Local news sources and official government channels provide timely updates regarding any changes or additional holidays declared throughout the year.