São Tomé and Príncipe holiday calendar
Public holidays in São Tomé and Príncipe 2026
Calendar compilation last reviewed
Plan the year with every São Tomé and Príncipe 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
- 5
- Observances
- 2
- Substitute dates
- 0
How public holidays work in São Tomé and Príncipe
The calendar separates public holidays from regional dates and cultural observances. Public holidays are the broadest category in our São Tomé and Príncipe 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. January is the busiest month, with 5 listed dates.
São Tomé and Príncipe holiday dates in 2026
The table lists 22 calendar entries. Follow a holiday name for its full background, observance details and traditions.
| Date | Holiday | Type | Observed day |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s DayThe mandatory January 1 holiday opening São Tomé and Príncipe's Gregorian civil year. | Public holiday | — | |
| King Amador DayThe January 4 mandatory holiday honouring Amador, leader of São Tomé's 1595 enslaved revolt. | Public holiday | — | |
| King Amador Day · ObservedThe Monday substitute for King Amador Day in 2026. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of King Amador Day · Observed in São Tomé and Príncipe. | Public holiday | — | |
| Discovery of Príncipe · ObservedThe Friday working-day observance of Príncipe's Saturday anniversary in 2026. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Discovery of Príncipe · Observed in São Tomé and Príncipe. | Regional public holiday | — | |
| Discovery of PríncipePríncipe's January 17 anniversary of the Portuguese arrival traditionally dated to 1471. | Regional public holiday | — | |
| Martyrs of LibertyThe solemn February 3 holiday remembering victims of the 1953 Batepá violence. | Public holiday | — | |
| Carnival TuesdayThe facultative Labour Code holiday for Carnival Tuesday, falling on February 17 in 2026. | Cultural observance | — | |
| Ash WednesdayThe facultative Christian holiday beginning Lent, on February 18 in 2026. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Ash Wednesday in São Tomé and Príncipe. | Cultural observance | — | |
| Príncipe Autonomy DayPríncipe's April 29 regional holiday marking autonomous government established in 1995. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Príncipe Autonomy Day in São Tomé and Príncipe. | Regional public holiday | — | |
| Labour DayThe mandatory May 1 holiday recognising workers and labour rights. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Labour Day in São Tomé and Príncipe. | Public holiday | — | |
| Children’s DayThe June 1 annual holiday devoted to children's well-being, participation and rights. | Public holiday | — | |
| Independence DayThe July 12 mandatory national holiday marking independence from Portugal in 1975. | Public holiday | — | |
| Independence Day · ObservedThe Monday substitute for the Sunday Independence Day anniversary in 2026. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Independence Day · Observed in São Tomé and Príncipe. | Public holiday | — | |
| Saint Lawrence Feast · ObservedThe Friday working-day observance before Príncipe's Saturday feast in 2026. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Saint Lawrence Feast · Observed in São Tomé and Príncipe. | Regional public holiday | — | |
| Saint Lawrence FeastPríncipe's August 15 regional feast and principal Auto de Floripes performance period. | Regional public holiday | — | |
| Armed Forces DayThe September 6 mandatory holiday recognising the national armed forces and defence service. | Public holiday | — | |
| Armed Forces Day · ObservedThe Monday substitute for the Sunday Armed Forces Day anniversary in 2026. | Public holiday | — | |
| Nationalisation of the RoçasThe September 30 mandatory holiday recalling the 1975 nationalisation of plantation estates. | Public holiday | — | |
| All Souls’ DayThe November 2 annual holiday for remembrance of deceased relatives and the faithful departed. | Public holiday | — | |
| Algiers Agreement DayThe November 26 annual holiday recalling the 1974 decolonisation agreement with Portugal. | Public holiday | — | |
| São Tomé DayThe December 21 mandatory holiday joining São Tomé's island day with the 1974 transitional government. | Public holiday | — | |
| Christmas DayThe mandatory December 25 holiday for Christmas worship, family life and rest. | Public holiday | — |
Sources for São Tomé and Príncipe 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.
- turismo.gov.stPrimary calendar source
- buala.orgPrimary calendar source
- dgrn.gov.stPrimary calendar source
- turismo.gov.stPrimary calendar source
- persee.frPrimary calendar source
- periodicos.unb.brPrimary calendar source
- britannica.comPrimary calendar source
- www2.camara.leg.brPrimary calendar source
- britannica.comPrimary calendar source
- un.orgPrimary calendar source
- un.orgPrimary calendar source
- stp-press.stPrimary calendar source
- scielo.brPrimary calendar source
- cambridge.orgPrimary calendar source