Malawi holiday calendar
Public holidays in Malawi 2026
Calendar compilation last reviewed
Plan the year with every Malawi 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
- 13
- Regional dates
- 0
- Observances
- 1
- Substitute dates
- 0
How public holidays work in Malawi
The calendar separates public holidays from regional dates and cultural observances. Public holidays are the broadest category in our Malawi 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. April and May are the busiest months, with 3 listed dates.
Malawi 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 DayThe first statutory public holiday of the calendar year in Malawi. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of New Year's Day in Malawi. | Public holiday | — | |
| John Chilembwe DayA statutory memorial to the Baptist pastor who led the January 1915 anti-colonial rising. | Public holiday | — | |
| Martyrs' DayA statutory day remembering people killed in the anti-colonial struggle, especially in the 1959 emergency. | Public holiday | — | |
| Eid al-FitrThe statutory Muslim festival ending Ramadan, moon-sighting confirmed for March 21 in 2026. | Public holiday | — | |
| Good FridayThe statutory Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Good Friday in Malawi. | Public holiday | — | |
| Easter SaturdayThe Saturday after Good Friday, expressly protected as a separate statutory holiday. | Public holiday | — | |
| Easter MondayThe statutory public holiday following Easter Sunday. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Easter Monday in Malawi. | Public holiday | — | |
| Labour DayMalawi's statutory May Day holiday for workers and labour rights. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Labour Day in Malawi. | Public holiday | — | |
| Kamuzu DayA statutory day of reflection on founding president Hastings Kamuzu Banda and his contested legacy. | Public holiday | — | |
| Eid al-AdhaA major Muslim observance in Malawi that is not a scheduled nationwide public holiday. | Cultural observance | — | |
| Independence DayThe national holiday marking independence from Britain on July 6, 1964. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Independence Day in Malawi. | Public holiday | — | |
| Mother's DayA distinctive statutory holiday on October 15 honouring mothers and care work. | Public holiday | — | |
| Christmas DayThe statutory Christian festival of the Nativity on December 25. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Christmas Day in Malawi. | Public holiday | — | |
| Boxing DayThe December 26 administrative holiday used in Malawi's current year-end calendar. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Boxing Day in Malawi. | Public holiday | — |
Sources for Malawi 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.
- malawilii.orgPrimary calendar source
- mam.org.mwPrimary calendar source