Benin is a West African country with a rich cultural heritage. In 2025, the nation will celebrate many public holidays. These special days give people a chance to enjoy festivals and traditions.
Some holidays mark important events from history. Others have ties to religion or local cultures. No matter the reason, holidays in Benin offer a window into the country’s vibrant way of life.
If you plan to visit Benin next year or want to learn more, this blog will guide you through the holidays in Benin in 2025. You will find dates, background stories, and details on local celebrations.
Public Holidays In Benin In 2025
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1st, marks the beginning of a new year in the Gregorian calendar. It is a time for people to come together with family and friends, exchange greetings and well wishes, and celebrate the new year’s fresh start.
Many individuals go to special church services or engage in cultural traditions to welcome the new year with optimism and hope.
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Vodoun Festival
This festival, also known as Vodoun Day, is celebrated on January 10th and is a significant event for those who practice the Vodoun religion in Benin. It is a day to honor the Vodoun deities, or Loa, and pay respect to the ancestral spirits.
Festivities often include traditional dances, music, and offerings to the spirits, as well as feasts and gatherings among the Vodoun communities.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is a joyous occasion celebrated by the Muslim community in Benin with special prayers, gatherings, feasting, and gift exchange.
Families and friends come together to celebrate the completion of the month-long fast and express gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon them.
Easter Monday
Following the Christian celebration of Easter Sunday, Easter Monday is a public holiday in Benin. It is a day for families to gather and enjoy special meals and activities together.
Many people attend church services or participate in cultural traditions, such as egg decorating or outdoor picnics, to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Labour Day
Observed on May 1st, Labour Day celebrates workers’ rights and contributions to society. In Benin, it honors the country’s workforce and the labor movement.
Parades, rallies, and speeches are often held to highlight workers’ importance and advocate for their rights and better working conditions.
Ascension Day
Ascension Day is a Christian holiday celebrating Jesus Christ’s ascension into heaven, as the Bible describes. It is celebrated 40 days after Easter Sunday.
In Benin, Christians attend special church services and engage in various cultural traditions, such as processions or feasting, to mark this significant event in the Christian faith.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Feast of Sacrifice,” is an important Islamic holiday celebrated by the Muslim community in Benin.
It marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. It celebrates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.
Families gather for special prayers, feasting, and the exchange of gifts, often involving sacrificing livestock.
Whit Monday
Whit Monday, also known as Pentecost Monday, is a Christian holiday celebrated the day after Pentecost Sunday. In Benin, it marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, as described in the Bible.
Christians attend special church services and engage in cultural traditions, such as wearing white clothing or decorating with greenery, to celebrate this significant event in the Christian faith. It is a day of reflection and celebration for the Christian community.
Independence Day
Independence Day, celebrated on August 1st, marks the day Benin gained its independence from France in 1960. It is a day of great national pride and patriotism, with colorful parades, cultural performances, and speeches throughout the country.
Families and communities unite to honor the sacrifices for Benin’s independence and celebrate the country’s rich history and cultural heritage.
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Assumption Day
Assumption Day, observed on August 15th, is a significant Christian holiday celebrating the Virgin Mary’s bodily assumption into heaven. This day is celebrated in Benin with special church services, processions, and cultural traditions.
Many Christians attend mass, decorate their homes with flowers, and gather with family and friends to honor the Virgin Mary’s role in the Christian faith.
The Prophet’s Birthday
The Prophet’s Birthday, also known as Mawlid, is an important Islamic holiday that celebrates the birthday of Prophet Muhammad.
In Benin, the Muslim community marks this occasion with special prayers, recitation of the Quran, and gatherings to honor the Prophet’s life and teachings. Homes are often decorated, and traditional sweets and dishes are prepared to share with family and friends.
All Saints’ Day
All Saints’ Day, celebrated on November 1st, is a Christian holiday that honors all the saints, known and unknown, in the Christian faith. In Benin, Christians go to special church services, visit cemeteries to honor deceased loved ones and engage in cultural traditions such as lighting candles or preparing special meals. It is a day of remembrance, reflection, and celebration of the lives of those who have gone before.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day, observed on December 25th, is a significant Christian holiday celebrating Jesus Christ’s birth. In Benin, it is a joyous occasion marked by special church services, family gatherings, and the exchange of gifts.
Many homes are decorated with Christmas trees, lights, and other festive decorations, and traditional meals are prepared and shared among loved ones. For the Christian community, Christmas is a time of joy, love, and togetherness.
Please check below the complete list of the public holidays in Benin in 2025.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Vodoun Festival | Jan 10, 2025 | Friday |
| Eid al-Fitr | Mar 31, 2025 | Monday |
| Easter Monday | Apr 21, 2025 | Monday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2025 | Thursday |
| Ascension Day | May 29, 2025 | Thursday |
| Eid al-Adha | Jun 07, 2025 | Saturday |
| Whit Monday | Jun 09, 2025 | Monday |
| Independence Day | Aug 01, 2025 | Friday |
| Assumption Day | Aug 15, 2025 | Friday |
| The Prophet’s Birthday | Sep 05, 2025 | Friday |
| All Saints’ Day | Nov 01, 2025 | Saturday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2025 | Thursday |