Planning your year in Burkina Faso requires knowing the official national public holidays in advance. Whether you’re scheduling business meetings, booking travel, or organizing personal events, understanding when government offices and businesses close is essential for smooth operations. This comprehensive guide lists all confirmed nationwide public holidays in Burkina Faso for 2026, helping you plan effectively and avoid scheduling conflicts. Note that this calendar includes only national holidays recognized throughout the country, excluding regional or local observances.
Official Public Holidays in Burkina Faso 2026
Burkina Faso observes 15 official national public holidays annually, regulated under Law 019-2000/AN as part of the Labor Code. The country’s holiday calendar reflects its diverse cultural heritage, combining Christian, Islamic, and national commemorative dates. Consequently, some holidays follow the lunar calendar and may vary slightly each year.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| January 3 | Saturday | Popular Uprising Day |
| March 8 | Sunday | International Women’s Day |
| March 9 | Monday | Day off for International Women’s Day |
| March 20 | Friday | Eid al-Fitr |
| April 6 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day |
| May 14 | Thursday | Ascension Day |
| May 15 | Friday | Day of Customs and Traditions |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha (Tabaski) |
| August 5 | Wednesday | National Day |
| August 15 | Saturday | Assumption of Mary |
| August 26 | Wednesday | The Prophet’s Birthday (Mawlid) |
| October 31 | Saturday | Martyrs’ Day |
| November 1 | Sunday | All Saints’ Day |
| November 2 | Monday | Day off for All Saints’ Day |
| December 11 | Friday | Proclamation of Independence Day |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
Planning Around Public Holidays in 2026
Several holidays in 2026 create advantageous long weekends for residents and visitors. Notably, when International Women’s Day falls on Sunday, March 8, the following Monday becomes an official day off, creating a three-day weekend. Similarly, All Saints’ Day on Sunday, November 1, extends into Monday, November 2. Moreover, the combination of May 14 (Ascension Day) and May 15 (Day of Customs and Traditions) provides a four-day weekend when factoring in the weekend before.
Islamic holidays including Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and The Prophet’s Birthday follow the lunar calendar; therefore, their exact dates may shift by a day or two pending official moon sighting announcements. For time-sensitive planning, it’s advisable to check current local times and confirm dates closer to the celebration period.
Business travelers should note that May presents the highest concentration of holidays with four public holidays occurring within 27 days. On the other hand, planning meetings or events during this period requires careful consideration. Additionally, using timer tools can help you track deadlines effectively when working around multiple holidays.
Understanding Burkina Faso’s Holiday Traditions
Burkina Faso’s public holidays reflect the nation’s rich cultural tapestry and historical milestones. Popular Uprising Day (January 3) commemorates the 1966 coup d’état that shaped the country’s political landscape. Meanwhile, National Day on August 5 celebrates the anniversary of independence from French colonial rule, originally achieved on August 5, 1960. Independence Day on December 11 marks the proclamation establishing the Republic of Upper Volta as an independent nation within the French Community.
Religious diversity is evident through both Christian observances like Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Assumption of Mary, and Christmas, alongside Islamic celebrations including Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Mawlid. Furthermore, the Day of Customs and Traditions (May 15) honors Burkina Faso’s indigenous cultural heritage and traditional practices.
When planning your schedule, remember that government offices, banks, and most businesses remain closed on these national holidays. However, essential services and some tourist facilities may operate with reduced hours. For comprehensive planning resources and scheduling guidance, explore our detailed planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized nationwide in Burkina Faso?
All 18 holidays listed in this guide are officially recognized nationwide public holidays in Burkina Faso for 2026. These include secular holidays like New Year’s Day, Popular Uprising Day, Labour Day, National Day, and Independence Day, as well as religious observances from both Christian and Islamic traditions. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday typically becomes a compensatory day off.
Which holidays create long weekends in 2026?
Several holidays create extended weekends in 2026. International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 8, extends into Monday, March 9, creating a three-day weekend. The combination of Ascension Day (Thursday, May 14) and Day of Customs and Traditions (Friday, May 15) provides a four-day weekend. All Saints’ Day on Sunday, November 1, extends into Monday, November 2. Additionally, both Christmas Day and Independence Day fall on Fridays, naturally creating three-day weekends.
Are any holidays subject to change?
Islamic holidays including Eid al-Fitr (March 20), Eid al-Adha (May 27), and The Prophet’s Birthday (August 26) follow the lunar Islamic calendar and may shift by one or two days depending on moon sighting announcements. These dates represent the most likely observances based on astronomical calculations, but official confirmation typically comes from religious authorities closer to the actual date. Fixed-date holidays remain unchanged unless the government issues special announcements.
Do businesses close for all public holidays?
Yes, government offices, banks, and most private businesses close on all official public holidays in Burkina Faso. However, essential services, hospitals, pharmacies, hotels, and some restaurants may continue operating with reduced staff or modified hours. Tourist attractions might remain open but with adjusted schedules. It’s advisable to contact specific establishments in advance when planning visits on or around public holidays.
How does Burkina Faso handle holidays that fall on weekends?
When a public holiday falls on Sunday, Burkina Faso typically observes a compensatory day off on the following Monday. This is evident with International Women’s Day (March 8, Sunday) having a makeup holiday on March 9, and All Saints’ Day (November 1, Sunday) extending to November 2. This practice ensures workers receive their full entitlement of non-working public holidays regardless of how calendar dates align.
Return to our main public holidays calendar for planning tools and resources to help you schedule around these important dates throughout 2026.