Planning ahead for Guinea’s official public holidays in 2026 helps residents and travelers organize their schedules efficiently. These nationwide holidays offer opportunities for rest, celebration, and cultural engagement; however, they also impact business operations and travel arrangements. This comprehensive guide presents all confirmed national public holidays in Guinea for 2026, ensuring you can coordinate work commitments and personal plans with confidence.
The Republic of Guinea observes 13 official national holidays annually, regulated by National Decree 495 issued on October 27, 1969. These holidays blend religious traditions from both Islamic and Christian faiths, alongside important civic commemorations. Employers throughout Guinea are legally required to provide paid time off for these holidays, consequently making them significant dates for workforce planning.
Official Guinea Public Holidays 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| March 16 | Monday | Lendemain de la nuit de Laylatoul Qadr |
| March 20 | Friday | Korité (End of Ramadan) |
| April 6 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day |
| May 25 | Monday | Africa Day (OAU Anniversary) |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Tabaski (Feast of Sacrifice) |
| May 28 | Thursday | Tabaski Holiday |
| August 15 | Saturday | Assumption Day |
| August 25 | Tuesday | Lendemain de la nuit du Maouloud |
| October 2 | Friday | Independence Day |
| November 1 | Sunday | All Saints’ Day |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
Key Planning Notes for 2026
Several holidays in 2026 create favorable conditions for extended breaks and travel planning. March 20 falls on Friday, offering a natural weekend extension after the Korité celebrations. Similarly, May 1 (Labour Day) and October 2 (Independence Day) both occur on Fridays, consequently providing opportunities for three-day weekends.
The consecutive Tabaski holidays on May 27-28 present a mid-week break, moreover creating potential for bridge days if combined with surrounding weekends. Meanwhile, the August 15 holiday falls on Saturday, which means workers won’t receive an additional day off unless their employment contract specifies otherwise. November 1 (All Saints’ Day) also lands on Sunday, therefore its observance may be transferred to Monday in some sectors.
Businesses and government offices typically close on these national holidays, furthermore affecting banking services and public transportation schedules. Travelers should verify operating hours for essential services during holiday periods. Additionally, international visitors need to check if their planned activities align with these official days, as many tourist attractions and restaurants adjust their schedules accordingly.
For precise time coordination when scheduling around these holidays, utilize the current local times tool to ensure accuracy across time zones. When planning countdown timers for upcoming holidays or events, the timer tools offer convenient 5, 10, and 15-minute options for various scheduling needs.
Understanding Guinea’s Holiday System
Guinea’s public holiday calendar reflects the nation’s diverse religious and cultural heritage. Islamic holidays, including Korité and Tabaski, follow the lunar calendar; therefore, their dates shift annually compared to the Gregorian calendar. Christian observances such as Easter Monday, Assumption Day, and Christmas maintain fixed or calculated positions on the standard calendar.
The Labour Code of Guinea mandates that employees receive compensatory time off if required to work on public holidays. Employment contracts may alternatively provide additional compensation instead of substitute days. The government reserves the right to declare special one-time holidays based on national events, occasionally with limited advance notice.
Regional holidays and local observances exist throughout Guinea’s prefectures; however, this guide exclusively covers nationwide public holidays recognized across the entire country. For comprehensive planning resources and additional scheduling information, explore the guides section for expert advice on time management and calendar coordination.
Conclusion
Marking these 13 official public holidays in Guinea for 2026 ensures effective planning for both professional obligations and personal celebrations. Whether you’re coordinating business operations, arranging travel itineraries, or simply organizing family gatherings, this verified holiday calendar serves as your authoritative reference throughout the year. Return to this resource whenever scheduling important events, and share it with colleagues and friends who need accurate holiday information for Guinea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized nationwide in Guinea?
Guinea officially recognizes 13 nationwide public holidays in 2026: New Year’s Day, Lendemain de la nuit de Laylatoul Qadr, Korité, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Africa Day, Tabaski (two days), Assumption Day, Lendemain de la nuit du Maouloud, Independence Day, All Saints’ Day, and Christmas Day. All these holidays are observed throughout the country and provide paid time off for employees under National Decree 495.
Which holidays create long weekends in 2026?
Several holidays in 2026 create extended weekend opportunities. March 20 (Korité), May 1 (Labour Day), and October 2 (Independence Day) all fall on Fridays, naturally extending into three-day weekends. December 25 (Christmas Day) also falls on Friday. The consecutive Tabaski holidays on May 27-28 offer a mid-week break that workers can potentially extend with strategic leave planning.
Are any holidays subject to change?
Islamic holidays such as Korité, Tabaski, and the observances related to Laylatoul Qadr and Maouloud depend on lunar calendar calculations and moon sightings, which may result in one-day variations from published dates. Additionally, the Guinean government reserves the right to declare special one-time public holidays with short notice based on significant national events. Fixed-date holidays like New Year’s Day, Labour Day, Independence Day, and Christmas Day remain constant.
Do businesses remain closed on all public holidays?
Most government offices, banks, and businesses close on official public holidays in Guinea. Essential services such as hospitals, emergency services, and some transportation options continue operating with modified schedules. Hotels, restaurants, and tourist facilities in major cities may remain open, particularly during holidays that attract significant travel. Employees working on public holidays are entitled to compensatory time off or additional pay as stipulated by Guinea’s Labour Code.