Planning your work schedule, travel itineraries, or business meetings in Comoros for 2026? Understanding the official nationwide public holidays is essential for coordinating activities, avoiding disruptions, and making the most of your time. This comprehensive guide covers all confirmed national public holidays in Comoros for 2026, helping you organize your year effectively. Please note that this list includes only nationwide holidays observed across the entire country; regional or local celebrations are excluded.
Official Public Holidays in Comoros 2026
Comoros observes a mix of secular and Islamic holidays throughout the year. Consequently, many religious observances are based on the lunar calendar, which means their dates shift annually. Below is the complete table of confirmed national public holidays for 2026:
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| January 16 | Friday | Isra and Mi’raj (Tentative Date) |
| March 18 | Wednesday | Cheikh Al Maarouf Day |
| March 18 | Wednesday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday (Tentative Date) |
| March 19 | Thursday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday (Tentative Date) |
| March 20 | Friday | Eid al-Fitr (Tentative Date) |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha (Tentative Date) |
| May 28 | Thursday | Eid al-Adha Holiday (Tentative Date) |
| June 17 | Wednesday | Muharram (Tentative Date) |
| July 6 | Monday | Independence Day (National Day) |
| August 26 | Wednesday | The Prophet’s Birthday (Tentative Date) |
| November 12 | Thursday | Maore Day |
Understanding Comoros Holidays
The Comorian calendar reflects the nation’s cultural heritage and Islamic faith. A significant majority of national holidays celebrate Islamic observances, and these dates are based on the Islamic lunar calendar. Therefore, they occur approximately 10-12 days earlier each year compared to the Gregorian calendar. The government typically announces the exact dates for Islamic holidays toward the end of each year after moon sightings are confirmed.
Secular holidays include New Year’s Day on January 1, Labour Day on May 1, Independence Day on July 6 (commemorating the country’s independence from France in 1975), and regional observances like Maore Day on November 12. Meanwhile, Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Muharram, and The Prophet’s Birthday are celebrated with great reverence across the archipelago. Businesses are legally obligated to honor these holidays, though essential services typically continue operating.
Key Holiday Planning Tips for 2026
Smart planning around Comoros’ public holidays can enhance your travel experiences and work productivity. Here are some practical insights to keep in mind:
Notable Long Weekends
Several holidays in 2026 create excellent opportunities for extended breaks. For instance, New Year’s Day falls on a Thursday, offering a four-day weekend if you take Friday off. Labour Day on May 1 falls on a Friday, automatically creating a three-day weekend. Moreover, Independence Day on July 6 is a Monday, providing another natural long weekend from Saturday through Monday.
The Eid al-Fitr celebration spans multiple days from March 18-20, creating an extended holiday period mid-week. Similarly, Eid al-Adha on May 27-28 falls midweek, and strategic leave on Friday, May 29, could extend your break. November’s Maore Day on Thursday, November 12, can also become a four-day weekend with one additional day off.
Travel and Business Considerations
When traveling to or within Comoros during 2026, keep these factors in mind. Government offices, banks, and many businesses close during national holidays, so plan transactions accordingly. However, hotels, restaurants, and tourist facilities generally remain open, though they may operate with reduced staff. Book accommodations and flights well in advance for peak holiday periods, especially around Eid celebrations when many Comorians travel.
International visitors should verify whether their planned activities will be affected by holiday closures. Furthermore, be aware that Islamic holiday dates marked as “tentative” may shift by one or two days based on official lunar sightings. Always confirm critical appointments closer to the date. For up-to-date scheduling assistance, you can check current local times around the world to coordinate meetings across time zones.
Cultural Sensitivity During Holidays
During Islamic holidays, particularly Ramadan and Eid celebrations, visitors should respect local customs and traditions. Many Comorians observe fasting during Ramadan (beginning around February 18, 2026), so eating in public during daylight hours may be considered disrespectful. On the other hand, Eid celebrations are joyous occasions where families gather, exchange gifts, and share festive meals. Respecting prayer times and dress codes, especially when visiting religious sites, demonstrates cultural awareness and appreciation.
Making the Most of Your Calendar
To maximize your planning efficiency, consider setting timers and countdowns for important holiday periods to ensure you don’t miss booking deadlines or travel arrangements. These digital tools can help you stay organized throughout the year. Additionally, maintaining awareness of holiday schedules helps you avoid scheduling conflicts and ensures smooth business operations.
For professionals working with international teams, understanding Comoros’ holiday calendar allows for better coordination of projects and deadlines. Students and educators can plan academic schedules around these dates, while families can organize vacations during extended holiday periods. Using the information in this guide strategically will help you make informed decisions about when to schedule important events, meetings, or travel.
Stay Updated Throughout 2026
While this guide provides comprehensive information based on official sources, remember that Islamic holiday dates marked as “tentative” are subject to final confirmation by religious authorities. The Comorian government announces official dates after moon sightings, typically at the end of the preceding year. Therefore, it’s wise to verify dates closer to each holiday, especially when making critical arrangements.
For additional planning resources and detailed scheduling guides, explore our collection of time management and calendar guides. These resources offer valuable insights for organizing your time effectively across different regions and cultures. Whether you’re a resident, business professional, or tourist, having access to accurate holiday information ensures you can navigate 2026 smoothly in Comoros.
Conclusion
Understanding the public holidays in Comoros for 2026 empowers you to plan effectively, whether you’re coordinating business operations, scheduling family events, or exploring this beautiful island nation. With 13 confirmed national holidays throughout the year, including both secular and Islamic observances, there are numerous opportunities to experience Comorian culture or enjoy well-deserved breaks.
Remember to bookmark this page as your go-to reference for Comoros’ 2026 holiday calendar. As dates are finalized, especially for lunar-based Islamic holidays, staying informed will help you avoid surprises and make the most of your year. Check back regularly for updates, and don’t hesitate to cross-reference with official government sources for the most current information. Happy planning, and here’s to a successful and culturally enriching 2026 in Comoros!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized nationwide in Comoros in 2026?
Comoros recognizes 13 nationwide public holidays in 2026, including New Year’s Day, Isra and Mi’raj, Cheikh Al Maarouf Day, Eid al-Fitr (multiple days), Labour Day, Eid al-Adha (multiple days), Muharram, Independence Day (National Day), The Prophet’s Birthday, and Maore Day. These holidays are observed across all three islands of the Comoros archipelago—Grande Comore, Anjouan, and Mohéli.
Which holidays create long weekends in 2026?
Several holidays offer excellent long weekend opportunities in 2026. New Year’s Day (January 1, Thursday) creates a four-day weekend if you take Friday off. Labour Day (May 1) falls on Friday, automatically providing a three-day weekend. Independence Day on July 6 is a Monday, creating another natural long weekend. Additionally, Maore Day on November 12 (Thursday) can become a four-day weekend with strategic leave planning.
Are any holidays subject to change in Comoros?
Yes, Islamic holidays marked as “tentative” are subject to change based on lunar calendar observations. These include Isra and Mi’raj, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Muharram, and The Prophet’s Birthday. The exact dates are confirmed by religious authorities after moon sightings, typically announced by the government at the end of the preceding year. It’s advisable to verify these dates closer to the holiday when making important arrangements.
How do Islamic holidays affect the Comoros calendar?
Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar, causing them to shift approximately 10-12 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. These holidays include major celebrations like Eid al-Fitr (marking the end of Ramadan), Eid al-Adha (the Festival of Sacrifice), and The Prophet’s Birthday. Because they’re based on moon sightings, exact dates are confirmed closer to the observance. This lunar basis means Islamic holidays will fall on different dates each year.
What should tourists know about visiting Comoros during holidays?
Tourists should be aware that government offices, banks, and many businesses close during national holidays. However, hotels, restaurants, and tourist facilities typically remain open with possible reduced services. During Ramadan, visitors should respect fasting hours by avoiding eating in public during daylight. Book accommodations early for major holidays like Eid celebrations when travel demand increases. Respecting local customs and prayer times, especially during religious holidays, enhances your cultural experience.
When is Independence Day celebrated in Comoros?
Independence Day in Comoros is celebrated annually on July 6, commemorating the country’s independence from France achieved on this day in 1975. In 2026, Independence Day falls on Monday, July 6, creating a natural long weekend. This is one of the most significant national holidays in Comoros, marked by patriotic celebrations, ceremonies, and cultural events across the islands.