Rwanda holiday calendar
Public holidays in Rwanda 2026
Calendar compilation last reviewed
Plan the year with every Rwanda 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
- 15
- Regional dates
- 0
- Observances
- 0
- Substitute dates
- 0
How public holidays work in Rwanda
The calendar separates public holidays from regional dates and cultural observances. Public holidays are the broadest category in our Rwanda 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 is the busiest month, with 3 listed dates.
Rwanda holiday dates in 2026
The table lists 15 calendar entries. Follow a holiday name for its full background, observance details and traditions.
| Date | Holiday | Type | Observed day |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's DayRwanda's nationwide public holiday on January 1. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of New Year's Day in Rwanda. | Public holiday | — | |
| New Year HolidayThe second New Year public holiday in Rwanda. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of New Year Holiday in Rwanda. | Public holiday | — | |
| National Heroes' DayA national day honouring officially designated examples of courage and service. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of National Heroes' Day in Rwanda. | Public holiday | — | |
| Eid al-FitrThe 2026 public holiday marking the end of Ramadan. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Eid al-Fitr in Rwanda. | Public holiday | — | |
| Good FridayA Christian public holiday before Easter Sunday. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Good Friday in Rwanda. | Public holiday | — | |
| Easter MondayA public holiday following Easter Sunday. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Easter Monday in Rwanda. | Public holiday | — | |
| Genocide Memorial DayThe solemn April 7 public holiday opening Rwanda's annual Kwibuka commemoration. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Genocide Memorial Day in Rwanda. | Public holiday | — | |
| Labour DayA nationwide public holiday recognising workers and labour rights. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Labour Day in Rwanda. | Public holiday | — | |
| Eid al-AdhaThe 2026 public holiday for the Islamic Feast of Sacrifice. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Eid al-Adha in Rwanda. | Public holiday | — | |
| Independence DayThe national holiday marking the end of Belgian trusteeship on July 1, 1962. | Public holiday | — | |
| Liberation DayThe July 4 holiday marking the RPF/RPA capture of Kigali and the stopping of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. | Public holiday | — | |
| Umuganura DayRwanda's national harvest festival on the first Friday of August. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Umuganura Day in Rwanda. | Public holiday | — | |
| Assumption DayThe August 15 Catholic feast protected as a nationwide public holiday. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Assumption Day in Rwanda. | Public holiday | — | |
| Christmas DayThe nationwide Christian public holiday on December 25. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Christmas Day in Rwanda. | Public holiday | — | |
| Boxing DayThe statutory December 26 holiday following Christmas. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Boxing Day in Rwanda. | Public holiday | — |
Sources for Rwanda 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.
- gov.rwPrimary calendar source