Benin holiday calendar
Public holidays in Benin 2026
Calendar compilation last reviewed
Plan the year with every Benin public holiday, regional date and major cultural observance in our calendar. Each entry links to a detailed guide covering its history, status, traditions and sources.
- Public holidays
- 14
- Regional dates
- 0
- Observances
- 0
- Substitute dates
- 0
How public holidays work in Benin
The calendar separates public holidays from regional dates and cultural observances. Public holidays are the broadest category in our Benin calendar. Regional holidays may apply only in a particular state, province, territory or community, while an observance does not automatically mean that workplaces, schools or public services close.
No separate substitute dates are currently listed for 2026. Weekend and time-off rules can still vary by employer, region and holiday, so consult the linked guide and primary source before making arrangements. May is the busiest month, with 4 listed dates.
Benin holiday dates in 2026
The table lists 14 calendar entries. Follow a holiday name for its full background, observance details and traditions.
| Date | Holiday | Type | Observed day |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s DayBenin’s statutory paid January 1 holiday, marked through greetings, family visits, worship and a quieter start to the year. | Public holiday | — | |
| Traditional Religions · Day 1The Thursday preceding Benin’s annual traditional-religions festival, the first of two statutory paid non-working days. | Public holiday | — | |
| Traditional Religions FestivalThe second-Friday national festival recognising Benin’s diverse traditional religions, including but not limited to Vodun. | Public holiday | — | |
| KoritéBenin’s paid Korité holiday ending Ramadan, centred on prayer, charity, greetings, family visits and festive meals. | Public holiday | — | |
| Easter MondayThe statutory Christian Monday after Easter Sunday, extending worship and family gatherings through the public break. | Public holiday | — | |
| Labour DayBenin’s statutory May 1 workers’ holiday and a public occasion for employment rights, conditions and social protection. | Public holiday | — | |
| Ascension DayThe statutory Christian Thursday 39 days after Easter, commemorating Jesus’s ascension in Christian teaching. | Public holiday | — | |
| Whit MondayBenin’s statutory Monday after Pentecost, marked through varied Christian worship, family visits and rest. | Public holiday | — | |
| TabaskiBenin’s paid Feast of Sacrifice holiday, centred on prayer, responsible sharing, charity and family solidarity. | Public holiday | — | |
| Independence DayThe August 1 national holiday commemorating the Republic of Dahomey’s 1960 independence and Benin’s continuing nationhood. | Public holiday | — | |
| AssumptionThe Catholic August 15 feast and nationwide legal holiday, observed through worship, family and parish community life. | Public holiday | — | |
| MaouloudBenin’s paid public holiday for the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, marked in diverse Muslim communities through teaching and devotion. | Public holiday | — | |
| All Saints’ DayThe November 1 Christian legal holiday connected with worship, the saints and remembrance of deceased relatives. | Public holiday | — | |
| Christmas DayBenin’s December 25 legal holiday, celebrated through diverse Christian worship, music, family meals, visits and giving. | Public holiday | — |
Sources for Benin holidays
Calendar dates and classifications are checked against the primary calendar sources below. Historical and cultural claims have additional citations on each individual holiday guide.
- travail.gouv.bjPrimary calendar source