Gabon is a country with many rich traditions and celebrations. The people will have 13 public holidays in Gabon in 2025. It allows people to honor the nation’s history, religious beliefs, and workers’ rights. From welcoming the New Year to remembering independence. These holidays bring people together.
Whether celebrating religious festivals like Easter and Eid al-Fitr or patriotic occasions like Women’s Day and Labour Day, Gabon’s public holidays allow its people to embrace its heritage. Let’s look at the importance and festivities of each of Gabon’s 2025 public holidays.
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Public Holidays In Gabon In 2025
In 2025, Gabon has 13 public holidays that everyone can take, and 4 of them are on weekends: Saturday or Sunday. Below are the public holidays in Gabon in 2025.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Eid al-Fitr | Mar 31, 2025 | Monday |
| Women’s Day | Apr 17, 2025 | Thursday |
| 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 |
| Assumption of Mary | Aug 15, 2025 | Friday |
| Independence Day | Aug 16, 2025 | Saturday |
| Independence Day | Aug 17, 2025 | Sunday |
| All Saints’ Day | Nov 01, 2025 | Saturday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2025 | Thursday |
New Year’s Day (January 1st)
New Year’s Day is a significant public holiday in Gabon. It marks the start of a new year on the Gregorian calendar. It is a time for celebration, reflection, and renewing hopes for the coming year. Families gather to enjoy traditional dishes and exchange gifts.
They also make resolutions for personal growth or positive changes. People attend religious ceremonies, praying for blessings and guidance in the upcoming year. Fireworks displays and parties are standard, creating a festive atmosphere across the country.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is a joyous Islamic celebration that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is a time for Gabonese Muslims to gather with family and friends. They exchange greetings and gifts and engage in acts of charity.
Mosques hold special prayers, and families prepare traditional dishes and sweets to share. Children often receive new clothes and small gifts, adding to the excitement of the day. It is a cherished occasion for spiritual renewal, gratitude, and strengthening community bonds.
Women’s Day (March 8th)
Women’s Day in Gabon is on April 17th. This particular day honors Rose Francine Rogombe, the first female politician in Gabon. She served as the acting President of Gabon from June to October 2009. Women’s Day celebrates the vital role women play in Gabonese society.
It recognizes women’s achievements in government, business, and community life. The holiday brings pride in how far women’s rights have come in Gabon. Families gather to appreciate the women who contribute so much to the nation.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is a public holiday in Gabon, celebrated the day after Easter Sunday. For Christians, it is a continuation of the Easter festivities. It marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Families and friends attend church services and gather for special meals.
It often features traditional dishes like chicken or lamb. Children take part in Easter egg hunts and receive small gifts or treats. It is a time for rest, relaxation, and spending quality time with loved ones. It reflects on the spiritual significance of the holiday.
Labour Day (May 1st)
Labour Day is a national holiday in Gabon on May 1. It recognizes and celebrates the hard work of workers in different jobs. The holiday started with the eight-hour day movement, which means eight hours for work, eight hours for fun or entertainment, and eight hours for rest.
It is a day to honor workers’ rights and successes. It also raises awareness of workplace safety, fair pay, and better working conditions. Unions and worker groups organize marches, parades, and speeches to mark the day. This shows the importance of labor and advocates for workers’ rights.
Ascension Day
Ascension Day is a Christian holiday celebrated in Gabon. According to the New Testament, the day marks the ascension of Jesus into heaven. It falls 40 days after Easter Sunday and is a significant event in the Christian calendar. On this day, many people in Gabon go to church to hear about Christ going up to heaven. They also have meals together and enjoy the day off with their families.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha is a big festival celebrated by Muslims in Gabon. It marks the end of the yearly Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. It remembers when the prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) was willing to sacrifice his son to obey God.
Families gather for special prayers, exchange greetings and gifts, and share traditional dishes. Kind acts, like giving meat to those in need, are encouraged. It is a time for spiritual thoughts, thankfulness, and strengthening family and community ties.
Whit Monday
Whit Monday, also called Pentecost Monday, is a public holiday in Gabon. It is celebrated the day after Pentecost Sunday. For Christians, it remembers when the Holy Spirit came to Jesus’ followers, as told in the New Testament.
Many Gabonese attend church services and participate in religious gatherings. Families use the holiday for picnics, outdoor fun, or short trips. They take advantage of the long weekend to relax and spend quality time together.
Assumption of Mary (August 15th)
The Assumption of Mary is an essential Catholic holiday celebrated in Gabon. It marks the belief that the Virgin Mary’s body went up to heaven. On this day, special church services and religious gatherings are held, and many Gabonese attend and take part.
Families may decorate their homes with flowers and pictures of the Virgin Mary and make traditional dishes to share. This is an important religious and cultural event that provides a chance for spiritual thoughts and community gatherings.
Independence Day (August 17th)
Independence Day is a national holiday in Gabon. It celebrates the country becoming free from French rule on August 17, 1960. It’s a day of great pride and love for the nation, with celebrations happening all over the country. Parades, cultural shows, and speeches by government leaders highlight Gabon’s journey to independence.
Families gather for festive meals, often with traditional dishes, and take part in community events and activities. It allows people to honor their nation’s history and renew their commitment to its continued growth and progress.
All Saints’ Day (November 1st)
All Saints’ Day is an essential Christian holiday in Gabon. People honor all saints, both known and unknown. On this day, many Gabonese go to special church services. They also visit graveyards to respect their loved ones who have died. Families clean and decorate the graves, leaving flowers, candles, and other gifts.
It is a time to think about the lives of those who have passed away. It is also a celebration of the spiritual connection between the living and the dead. It is an essential religious and cultural event. It brings communities together to honor their ancestors and keep traditions alive.
Christmas Day (December 25th)
Christmas Day is a big holiday in Gabon. Many people celebrate it. It marks the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time of happiness and family get-togethers. People have unique traditions. Homes are decorated with scenes of Jesus’ birth, Christmas trees, and lights. This makes a warm and happy feeling.
There are special church services. Families come together to eat traditional foods, give gifts, and do fun activities and events. It is a special day for Christian Gabonese people to celebrate their faith. They strengthen family bonds and spread kindness and joy in their community.