Planning ahead for 2026 becomes significantly easier when you know the official public holidays in Tunisia. Understanding these nationwide holidays is essential for coordinating business operations, scheduling travel arrangements, and making the most of your time off. This comprehensive guide covers all confirmed national public holidays in Tunisia for 2026, excluding regional or local observances to provide you with accurate, actionable information for effective planning throughout the year.
Official Tunisia Public Holidays 2026
Tunisia celebrates a blend of secular national holidays and Islamic religious observances throughout the year. The following table presents all confirmed nationwide public holidays for 2026, providing clear dates and day designations to help you plan accordingly:
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| March 20 | Friday | Independence Day |
| March 21 | Saturday | Eid al-Fitr (Tentative) |
| March 22 | Sunday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday (Tentative) |
| April 9 | Thursday | Martyrs’ Day |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day |
| May 26 | Tuesday | Eid al-Adha (Tentative) |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha Holiday (Tentative) |
| June 15 | Monday | Muharram / Islamic New Year (Tentative) |
| July 25 | Saturday | Republic Day |
| August 13 | Thursday | Women’s Day |
| August 24 | Monday | The Prophet’s Birthday (Tentative) |
| October 15 | Thursday | Evacuation Day |
| December 17 | Thursday | Revolution and Youth Day |
Note: Islamic holidays are marked as “tentative” because they are based on the lunar calendar and depend on moon sighting. Final dates may be confirmed closer to the actual observance.
Understanding Tunisia’s Holiday Structure
The Republic of Tunisia observes approximately 14 nationwide public holidays annually, combining secular commemorations with Islamic religious celebrations. According to the Tunisia Labor Code, employers must provide time off for these official holidays. However, it’s important to note that not all holidays carry the same employment benefits. Nine holidays are designated as paid non-working days, while others may be recognized but not necessarily compensated depending on employment contracts.
Furthermore, some holiday celebrations extend over multiple days. Employers typically compensate employees only for the first day of multi-day celebrations unless specific employment agreements stipulate otherwise. This structure reflects Tunisia’s commitment to honoring both its national heritage and Islamic traditions while maintaining practical considerations for the workforce.
Secular National Holidays
Tunisia’s secular holidays commemorate pivotal moments in the nation’s history. Independence Day on March 20 marks Tunisia’s liberation from French colonial rule in 1956, celebrating sovereignty and self-determination. Meanwhile, Martyrs’ Day on April 9 honors those who sacrificed their lives for Tunisia’s independence. Republic Day on July 25 celebrates the abolition of the monarchy and establishment of the Tunisian Republic in 1957, representing the country’s transition to modern governance.
Additionally, Evacuation Day on October 15 commemorates the departure of French troops from Bizerte in 1963, completing Tunisia’s full independence. Revolution and Youth Day on December 17 marks the beginning of the 2010-2011 Tunisian Revolution, recognizing the youth’s role in democratic transformation. These holidays provide opportunities for national reflection and civic celebration across Tunisia.
Islamic Religious Holidays
Islamic holidays follow the lunar Hijri calendar, consequently causing their dates to shift approximately 10-11 days earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar. Eid al-Fitr celebrates the conclusion of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, typically observed over two days in Tunisia. Eid al-Adha, occurring approximately 70 days after Eid al-Fitr, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son and coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage period.
Moreover, Muharram marks the Islamic New Year and the beginning of the first month in the Islamic calendar. The Prophet’s Birthday (Mawlid) celebrates the birth of Prophet Muhammad and holds significant religious importance throughout the Muslim world. Because these dates depend on moon sighting by religious authorities, final confirmation typically occurs shortly before each observance, making it advisable to compare times across different timezones worldwide when coordinating international activities around these holidays.
Strategic Planning Tips for 2026
Understanding the holiday calendar enables smarter planning for both personal and professional activities. Several holidays in 2026 present excellent opportunities for extended breaks when strategically combined with weekends or personal leave days.
Long Weekend Opportunities
The March 20-22 weekend offers an exceptional opportunity, as Independence Day falls on Friday, followed immediately by the two-day Eid al-Fitr celebration. This creates a potential five-day break from Friday through Tuesday without requiring additional leave. Similarly, the May 1 Labour Day falling on Friday, combined with the May 26-27 Eid al-Adha celebration the following week, provides strategic planning opportunities for extended time off.
On the other hand, several holidays fall on Thursdays throughout 2026, including Martyrs’ Day, Women’s Day, Evacuation Day, and Revolution and Youth Day. By taking Friday off, you can create long four-day weekends. These strategic approaches help maximize your vacation time while respecting official observances. Setting up a timer for 5, 10, or 15 minutes can help manage your planning sessions efficiently.
Business and Travel Considerations
Business operations should account for reduced availability during public holidays, particularly around multi-day Islamic celebrations when many businesses close entirely. Government offices, banks, and public institutions typically remain closed on all official holidays. Consequently, scheduling important meetings, transactions, or official business around these dates requires careful attention to the calendar.
Travel planning likewise demands consideration of holiday periods, especially during Eid celebrations when domestic and international travel peaks significantly. Transportation capacity becomes strained, and accommodation prices often increase. Booking well in advance and avoiding travel on actual holiday dates can mitigate these challenges. For additional information on time management and planning strategies, explore our comprehensive guides section.
Workplace Coordination
Employers should communicate holiday schedules clearly to all employees well in advance, particularly regarding which holidays are paid versus unpaid. Companies with international operations must coordinate across different holiday calendars to maintain business continuity. Project deadlines and deliverable schedules should factor in these public holidays to set realistic expectations and avoid conflicts.
Important Considerations and Reminders
While this guide provides comprehensive information about nationwide holidays, several practical considerations deserve attention. First, Islamic holiday dates remain tentative until confirmed by religious authorities through moon sighting. This traditional practice means final dates may shift by one day, making it essential to verify closer to each celebration.
Second, Tunisia’s Labor Code grants the government authority to reschedule holidays that fall on regular rest days (typically Sundays) to the next working day. This ensures employees receive the full benefit of the holiday. However, such adjustments are announced through official government decrees, so staying informed through official channels is advisable.
Third, while this article focuses exclusively on nationwide holidays, Tunisia also observes various regional and local celebrations that may affect specific areas. These are not included here as they don’t apply across the entire country. Always consult local authorities or employers for region-specific observances that might impact your area.
Conclusion
Having a clear understanding of Tunisia’s public holidays for 2026 empowers better decision-making throughout the year. Whether you’re coordinating business operations, planning family vacations, or scheduling important events, this comprehensive calendar serves as your authoritative reference. Bookmark this page and check back periodically for any updates, particularly regarding Islamic holiday confirmations as the year progresses.
For more information about managing your time effectively and understanding global time differences, visit our main public holidays resource center. We provide comprehensive information about holidays, time zones, and planning tools to help you stay organized year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized nationwide in Tunisia?
Tunisia recognizes 14 nationwide public holidays in 2026, including both secular national commemorations and Islamic religious observances. The secular holidays include New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Martyrs’ Day, Labour Day, Republic Day, Women’s Day, Evacuation Day, and Revolution and Youth Day. Islamic holidays include Eid al-Fitr (two days), Eid al-Adha (two days), Muharram (Islamic New Year), and the Prophet’s Birthday. All of these holidays are observed throughout the country and are regulated under the Tunisia Labor Code.
Which holidays create long weekends in 2026?
Several excellent long weekend opportunities exist in 2026. The most notable is the March 20-22 period, where Independence Day on Friday combines with the weekend and Eid al-Fitr celebration to create a potential five-day break. Labour Day falls on Friday, May 1, offering a three-day weekend. Additionally, four holidays fall on Thursdays (Martyrs’ Day, Women’s Day, Evacuation Day, and Revolution and Youth Day), which can be extended to four-day weekends by taking Friday off. Strategic planning around these dates can significantly maximize your time off.
Are any holidays subject to change in 2026?
Yes, Islamic holidays are subject to change because they follow the lunar Hijri calendar and depend on actual moon sighting by religious authorities. Holidays marked as “tentative” in the calendar—including Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Muharram, and the Prophet’s Birthday—may shift by one day depending on when the new moon is officially sighted. Final confirmation typically occurs 1-2 days before each observance. It’s advisable to verify these dates closer to the actual holidays through official government announcements or local religious authorities.
Do all public holidays provide paid time off?
No, not all public holidays in Tunisia are paid holidays. According to the Tunisia Labor Code, only nine of the official holidays are designated as paid non-working days. For holidays that extend over multiple days, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, employers are generally required to provide paid leave only for the first day unless specific employment contracts stipulate additional compensation. The specific paid holiday provisions can vary by employer and employment agreement, so employees should consult their contracts or human resources departments for clarification.
What happens if a public holiday falls on a weekend?
Under the Tunisia Labor Code, if a public holiday falls on a regular rest day (typically Sunday), the government has the authority to move its observance to the next working day through official decree. This ensures that employees receive the full benefit of the holiday with a day off from work. However, not all holidays are automatically rescheduled—such adjustments are announced through official government channels. Employees should check with their employers or monitor official announcements to confirm whether a holiday will be observed on an alternative date when it coincides with a weekend.