Public Holidays in Senegal in 2025 offer a fascinating glimpse into the nation’s rich cultural tapestry and diverse religious landscape. This West African country, known for its vibrant traditions and warm hospitality, observes a variety of holidays that reflect its Islamic, Christian, and indigenous heritage. From the joyous celebrations of Korité and Tabaski to the patriotic fervor of Independence Day, these occasions provide both locals and visitors with opportunities to experience Senegal’s unique blend of spirituality, history, and community spirit. Understanding these holidays not only enriches one’s travel experience but also offers insight into the values and customs that shape Senegalese society.
Public Holidays in Senegal in 2025
The following is the list of Public Holidays in Senegal in 2025
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Korité (Eid al-Fitr) | Mar 31, 2025 | Monday |
| Independence Day | Apr 04, 2025 | Friday |
| Easter Monday | Apr 21, 2025 | Monday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2025 | Thursday |
| Ascension Day | May 29, 2025 | Thursday |
| Tabaski (Eid al-Adha) | Jun 07, 2025 | Saturday |
| Whit Monday | Jun 09, 2025 | Monday |
| Tamkharit (Ashura) | Jul 05, 2025 | Saturday |
| Grand Magal de Touba | Aug 12, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Assumption of Mary | 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 |
| Know More: Public Holidays in Saudi Arabia in 2025 |
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1st, marks the beginning of the new year in Senegal, as in many countries worldwide. It’s a time for fresh starts, setting goals, and spending time with family and friends. Senegalese people often celebrate with parties, fireworks, and special meals. Many families gather for a festive lunch, usually featuring traditional dishes. In cities like Dakar, there might be public celebrations and concerts. Some people attend religious services to pray for blessings in the coming year. It’s a public holiday, so most businesses and government offices are closed, allowing people to relax and enjoy the day.
Korité (Eid al-Fitr)
Korité, also known as Eid al-Fitr, is an essential Islamic holiday celebrating the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. In Senegal, where Islam is the majority religion, this day is significant. Families and friends gather for prayers, feasts, and celebrations. People wear new clothes, exchange gifts, and visit relatives. Traditional Senegalese dishes are prepared, and there’s a spirit of generosity as people share food with neighbors and the less fortunate. The exact date varies each year as it depends on the Islamic lunar calendar. It’s a time of joy, forgiveness, and strengthening community bonds after a month of spiritual reflection.
Independence Day
Senegal’s Independence Day, celebrated on April 4th, commemorates the country’s independence from France in 1960. It’s a day of national pride and reflection on Senegal’s history and progress. Official ceremonies are held in Dakar, the capital, including military parades and speeches by government officials. Throughout the country, people celebrate with music, dance, and cultural events. Many wear traditional clothing or outfits in the national colors of green, yellow, and red. Streets are decorated with flags, and families often gather for special meals. It’s a time to honor those who fought for independence and to look forward to the nation’s future.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday, the day following Easter Sunday, is a public holiday in Senegal, which is indicative of the country’s substantial Christian minority. While not as widely celebrated as Easter Sunday, it’s a continuation of the Easter festivities. Many Christian families use this day for relaxation and gatherings after the more solemn observances of Holy Week. Some people attend church services or organize Easter egg hunts for children. It’s also common for families to have picnics or outings. In Senegal’s spirit of religious tolerance, even non-Christians often enjoy the day off work. The holiday provides a chance for rest and reflection after the Easter celebrations.
Labour Day
Labour Day, observed on May 1st, is an essential holiday in Senegal honoring workers’ rights and contributions to society. Trade unions and workers’ organizations often organize parades and rallies in major cities, particularly in Dakar. These events highlight labor issues and workers’ demands. Government officials may give speeches addressing employment policies and workers’ concerns. Many businesses and government offices are closed, giving workers a day of rest. Some people use this day for family gatherings or relaxation. It’s a time to recognize the importance of fair labor practices and to celebrate the achievements of the working class in Senegal’s development.
Ascension Day
Ascension Day, which is 40 days after Easter, is a Christian holiday that celebrates the rising of Jesus Christ into heaven. In Senegal, it’s a public holiday reflecting the country’s religious diversity. Christian communities attend special church services on this day. Some organize processions or outdoor gatherings. While it’s primarily a Christian observance, the holiday is respected by all Senegalese. Many people, regardless of their faith, enjoy the day off work for rest or family activities. It’s a reminder of Senegal’s commitment to religious tolerance and harmony. The exact date varies each year, falling in May or early June.
Tabaski (Eid al-Adha)
Tabaski, also known as Eid al-Adha, is one of the most important Islamic holidays in Senegal. It remembers how the prophet Ibrahim was ready to kill his son as an act of duty to Allah. Families typically sacrifice a sheep, goat, or cow, sharing the meat with family, friends, and those in need. People wear new clothes, attend prayers at mosques, and visit relatives. It’s a time of generosity, forgiveness, and strengthening community ties. The holiday lasts several days, with the first day being the main celebration. The exact date varies yearly based on the Islamic lunar calendar.
Whit Monday
A Christian holiday held 50 days after Easter is Whit Monday, which is also called Pentecost Monday. It’s a public holiday in Senegal, which shows how religiously diverse the country is. In Christian areas, special church services or get-togethers may be held. These people who followed Jesus were filled with the Holy Spirit on this day. While it’s primarily a Christian observance, all Senegalese can enjoy the day off work. Many people use this time for family gatherings, picnics, or relaxation. Like other religious holidays in Senegal, Whit Monday is respected by people of all faiths, showcasing the country’s spirit of religious tolerance.
Tamkharit (Ashura)
Tamkharit, known as Ashura in other parts of the Islamic world, is an essential day in the Islamic calendar. In Senegal, it’s marked by fasting, prayer, and reflection. Many Muslims prepare a special porridge called ‘Thiéré’ to share with family and neighbors. Some people give to charity or perform acts of kindness. For Shia Muslims, it’s a day of mourning for Imam Hussein, while Sunni Muslims may fast in commemoration of Moses’ exodus from Egypt. The exact date varies yearly based on the Islamic lunar calendar. It’s a time for spiritual reflection and community bonding in Senegal.
Grand Magal de Touba
The Grand Magal de Touba is a significant religious event for the Mouride Brotherhood, a Sufi order prominent in Senegal. It commemorates the exile of Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba, the founder of Mouridism. The holy city of Touba is visited by millions of people every year, making it one of the most important Islamic events in West Africa. The event features prayers, Quran recitations, and lectures on Bamba’s teachings. Pilgrims share food and participate in all-night vigils. While centered in Touba, celebrations occur throughout Senegal. The exact date varies yearly based on the Islamic calendar. It’s a powerful demonstration of faith and community.
Assumption of Mary
The Assumption of Mary celebrated on August 15th, is an essential Catholic holiday honoring the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken bodily into heaven at the end of her earthly life. In Senegal, where there’s a significant Catholic minority, it’s a public holiday. Catholic churches hold special masses and processions. Some communities organize festivals or cultural events. While it’s primarily a Catholic observance, the holiday is respected by all Senegalese, regardless of faith. Many people, including non-Catholics, enjoy the day off work for rest or family activities. It’s another example of Senegal’s religious diversity and tolerance.
The Prophet’s Birthday
The Prophet’s Birthday, known as Mawlid or Gamou in Senegal, celebrates the birth of Prophet Muhammad. It’s a significant event in the Islamic calendar and a public holiday in Senegal. Many Muslims attend special prayers at mosques, participate in processions, and gather for communal meals. Some towns organize cultural events or religious conferences. Homes and streets are often decorated with lights. It’s a time for spiritual reflection and expressing love for the Prophet. While celebrations vary among different Islamic groups, the day is generally marked by a festive atmosphere. The exact date changes yearly based on the Islamic lunar calendar.
All Saints’ Day
All Saints’ Day, observed on November 1st, is a Christian holiday honoring all saints, known and unknown. In Senegal, it’s a public holiday, reflecting the country’s religious diversity. Catholic and other Christian communities often attend special church services. Many people visit cemeteries to pay respects to deceased family members, clean graves and leave flowers. While primarily a Christian observance, the holiday is respected by all Senegalese. Non-Christians may use the day for family gatherings or relaxation. It’s a time for remembrance and reflection on the lives of those who have passed away, showcasing Senegal’s culture of respect for ancestors.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25th, is an essential holiday for Senegal’s Christian community and a national public holiday. Christians attend special church services and gather with family for festive meals. Many decorate Christmas trees and exchange gifts. In cities like Dakar, you might see Christmas lights and decorations. While primarily a Christian celebration, the holiday spirit is often shared by Senegalese of all faiths. Some Muslim families participate in the festivities as a gesture of interfaith harmony. It’s common to see people greeting each other with “Joyeux Noël” (Merry Christmas in French). The day symbolizes peace, joy, and community in Senegal.