Planning your year effectively requires knowing the official national public holidays in Guinea-Bissau for 2026. Whether you’re scheduling business operations, booking travel arrangements, or organizing personal events, having this comprehensive list ensures you won’t miss important dates. This guide covers all confirmed nationwide holidays recognized by the government of Guinea-Bissau, providing you with reliable information for your planning needs.
Official National Public Holidays in Guinea-Bissau 2026
According to sections 68-71 of Guinea-Bissau’s Labour Code, the Republic of Guinea-Bissau recognizes 10 official national public holidays. These are non-working days for all employees throughout the country. However, it’s important to note that the government reserves the right to declare additional one-time national holidays for special events.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| January 20 | Tuesday | National Heroes Day |
| March 8 | Sunday | International Women’s Day |
| March 20 | Friday | Korité (End of Ramadan) |
| April 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| May 1 | Friday | International Workers’ Day |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Tabaski (Feast of Sacrifice) |
| September 24 | Thursday | National Independence Day |
| November 2 | Monday | All Souls’ Day |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
Key Planning Tips for 2026
Several holidays in 2026 fall on Fridays, creating excellent opportunities for long weekends. Specifically, March 20 (Korité), April 3 (Good Friday), May 1 (International Workers’ Day), and December 25 (Christmas Day) all occur on Fridays. Consequently, these dates offer perfect chances to extend your weekend getaways or family gatherings.
Meanwhile, some holidays fall on weekends, which may affect their observance. International Women’s Day falls on Sunday, March 8, 2026. In such cases, government offices and businesses typically observe the holiday on the actual date; however, some sectors may provide a compensatory day off on the following Monday.
For travelers and business professionals, it’s particularly important to note the Islamic holidays. Both Korité (March 20) and Tabaski (May 27) are significant religious observances that can affect business operations, banking services, and transportation schedules throughout the country. Therefore, planning around these dates requires extra consideration.
If you’re coordinating international meetings or events, checking the current local time in Guinea-Bissau can help you schedule effectively across different time zones. Additionally, using timer tools can assist in managing countdowns to important holiday deadlines or event preparations.
Understanding Guinea-Bissau’s Holiday Calendar
Guinea-Bissau’s public holiday calendar reflects the nation’s diverse cultural heritage, combining Christian, Islamic, and national commemorative dates. The country celebrates both Western Christian holidays like Christmas and Good Friday, alongside Islamic observances such as Korité and Tabaski, which follow the lunar calendar and vary each year.
National Independence Day on September 24 stands as the most significant patriotic celebration. On this day in 1973, the former Portuguese Guinea declared its independence, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. Subsequently, the country adopted the name Guinea-Bissau to distinguish itself from neighboring Guinea.
For more detailed information about planning around public holidays and managing your schedule effectively, visit our comprehensive guides section, where you’ll find resources on time management, international scheduling, and holiday planning strategies.
Important Considerations
While this list includes all confirmed nationwide public holidays for 2026, regional or local observances are not included. Furthermore, dates for Islamic holidays (Korité and Tabaski) are based on lunar calendar calculations and may be adjusted by one or two days depending on moon sightings. Therefore, it’s advisable to confirm these dates closer to the actual observance.
Government offices, banks, and most businesses close on these public holidays. On the other hand, essential services like hospitals and emergency services remain operational. Additionally, some private sector businesses may choose to remain open during certain holidays, particularly in tourist areas or for essential retail operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized nationwide in Guinea-Bissau 2026?
Guinea-Bissau recognizes 10 official nationwide public holidays in 2026: New Year’s Day (January 1), National Heroes Day (January 20), International Women’s Day (March 8), Korité (March 20), Good Friday (April 3), International Workers’ Day (May 1), Tabaski (May 27), National Independence Day (September 24), All Souls’ Day (November 2), and Christmas Day (December 25). These dates are regulated under the national Labour Code and apply to all employees throughout the country.
Which holidays create long weekends in Guinea-Bissau 2026?
Four holidays fall on Fridays in 2026, creating natural long weekend opportunities: Korité (March 20), Good Friday (April 3), International Workers’ Day (May 1), and Christmas Day (December 25). These Friday holidays allow for extended three-day weekends, making them ideal for travel or extended family gatherings. Additionally, All Souls’ Day falls on Monday, November 2, providing another long weekend opportunity.
Are any Guinea-Bissau holidays subject to change in 2026?
Yes, the Islamic holidays—Korité (End of Ramadan) and Tabaski (Feast of Sacrifice)—may shift by one or two days based on actual moon sightings. While the dates listed (March 20 and May 27) are based on astronomical calculations, official announcements from religious authorities may adjust these dates. Furthermore, the government reserves the right to declare additional one-time public holidays for special national events or occasions.
Do businesses close on all public holidays in Guinea-Bissau?
Most government offices, banks, and businesses close on official public holidays in Guinea-Bissau. However, essential services including hospitals, emergency services, and some pharmacies remain open. In tourist areas, certain restaurants, hotels, and shops may also operate during holidays to serve visitors. It’s always advisable to check specific business hours in advance when planning activities around public holidays.
How does Guinea-Bissau observe International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day (March 8) is recognized as an official public holiday in Guinea-Bissau, particularly for government employees. In 2026, this holiday falls on Sunday, which may affect how it’s observed across different sectors. Government offices and some businesses may provide a compensatory day off on the following Monday, though practices can vary by employer and industry.
Conclusion
Understanding the public holidays in Guinea-Bissau for 2026 empowers you to plan more effectively throughout the year. Whether you’re coordinating business operations, scheduling travel, or organizing personal events, this comprehensive holiday calendar serves as your reliable reference guide. Remember to bookmark this page and check back for any updates or changes to the holiday schedule.
For more information about time management and international scheduling, explore our resources on current local times around the world. Stay organized and make the most of your year by planning around these important national observances.