Public Holidays in South Sudan In 2025 offer a glimpse into the nation’s rich cultural and religious heritage. South Sudan’s public holidays in 2025 reflect the diversity of its people, encompassing Christian, Islamic, and national observances. These holidays provide opportunities for reflection, celebration, and unity across the country. From New Year’s Day to Christmas, each public holiday in South Sudan in 2025 carries a unique significance rooted in the nation’s history and traditions. Understanding these holidays not only highlights the cultural fabric of South Sudan but also underscores the importance of these occasions in fostering national pride and social cohesion.
Public Holidays in South Sudan in 2025
The following is the list of Public Holidays in South Sudan in 2025
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Eid al-Fitr | Mar 31, 2025 | Monday |
| Good Friday | Apr 18, 2025 | Friday |
| Holy Saturday | Apr 19, 2025 | Saturday |
| Easter Sunday | Apr 20, 2025 | Sunday |
| Easter Monday | Apr 21, 2025 | Monday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2025 | Thursday |
| SPLA Day | May 16, 2025 | Friday |
| Eid al-Adha | Jun 07, 2025 | Saturday |
| Independence Day | Jul 09, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Martyrs’ Day | Jul 30, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Christmas Holiday | Dec 24, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2025 | Thursday |
| Boxing Day | Dec 26, 2025 | Friday |
| Know More: Public Holidays in South Korea in 2025 |
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1st, marks the beginning of the calendar year in South Sudan. It is a time for people to reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the future. The day is often celebrated with family gatherings, communal meals, and religious services. In a country where community and tradition are deeply valued, New Year’s Day serves as a moment of unity and hope as South Sudanese people look forward to a year of peace, prosperity, and progress.
Eid al-Fitr
A major Islamic festival observed in South Sudan is Eid al-Fitr, sometimes referred to as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast.” It ends Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, prayer, and introspection. On this day, Muslims come together to celebrate with festive meals, prayers, and acts of charity. In South Sudan, where religious diversity is respected, Eid al-Fitr is a time of unity and celebration among the Muslim community. It also promotes harmony and understanding among different faith groups in the country, emphasizing the importance of compassion and generosity.
Good Friday
Observed by Christians in South Sudan, Good Friday honors the death of Jesus Christ and his sacrifice for the sins of humanity. It is a solemn day of reflection, prayer, and mourning within the Christian community. Many attend church services, where they participate in the Stations of the Cross, a reenactment of Jesus’ journey to Calvary. The day is marked by fasting and penance as believers meditate on the suffering and death of Christ. Observed by Christians in South Sudan, Good Friday honors the death of Jesus Christ and his sacrifice for the sins of humanity.
Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday, holds special significance for Christians in South Sudan. This is a day of introspection and expectation as Christians recall the moment when Jesus Christ lay in the tomb following his crucifixion. In many churches, the day is marked by prayers, Bible readings, and the lighting of the Paschal candle, symbolizing Christ’s resurrection. For South Sudanese Christians, Holy Saturday is a time of hope and preparation as they eagerly await the celebration of Christ’s victory over death on Easter Sunday.
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday is one of the most important Christian holidays in South Sudan, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is a day of joy and triumph, symbolizing the victory of life over death and good over evil. Churches across the country hold special services filled with hymns, prayers, and sermons that reflect on the significance of Christ’s resurrection. Families gather for festive meals, and many communities organize celebrations and social events. Easter Sunday represents renewal, hope, and the promise of eternal life for Christians in South Sudan.
Easter Monday
Celebrated by Christians as a day of joy and contemplation on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Easter Monday is the continuation of the Easter celebrations in South Sudan. It is a public holiday, allowing families and communities to come together for gatherings, feasts, and recreational activities. Many people take this day to visit friends and relatives or engage in charity work, extending the spirit of Easter beyond the church. In South Sudan, Easter Monday is a time for strengthening social bonds and reinforcing the values of love, forgiveness, and hope.
Labour Day
Celebrated on May 1st, Labour Day pays tribute to the efforts of South Sudanese workers.
It is a public holiday that recognizes the importance of labor in building the nation’s economy and improving the quality of life. The day is marked by speeches, parades, and events organized by trade unions and worker associations. In a country where many people work in agriculture and informal sectors, Labour Day highlights the need for fair working conditions, workers’ rights, and the role of labor in achieving sustainable development and national progress.
SPLA Day
SPLA Day, observed on May 16th, commemorates the founding of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) in 1983. This day honors the sacrifices made by the SPLA in the struggle for South Sudan’s independence. This is a time to celebrate the bravery and tenacity of those who battled for their independence and consider the continuous difficulties nation-building presents. Events honoring the soldiers and dead heroes of the liberation movement range from parades to ceremonies and speeches. A reminder of the cost of liberation and the need for unity in preserving peace is SPLA Day.
Eid al-Adha
Among the most significant Islamic festivals observed in South Sudan is Eid al-Adha, often called as the “Festival of Sacrifice.” It honors Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) readiness to offer his son in respect to God’s desire. Muslims all around South Sudan honor this day with prayers, feasts, and the custom sacrifice of an animal—usually a sheep or goat—symbolizing Ibrahim’s sacrifice. The meat is shared with family, friends, and those in need. Eid al-Adha is a time of generosity, charity, and reflection on faith, bringing the Muslim community together in a spirit of unity and compassion.
Independence Day
Independence Day, celebrated on July 9th, marks the anniversary of South Sudan’s independence from Sudan in 2011. It is a significant day in the nation’s history, symbolizing freedom, sovereignty, and the birth of the world’s newest country. Patriotic celebrations, including parades, speeches, and cultural events, mark the day. People consider the hardships and sacrifices paid for the protracted search for freedom as well as the continuous attempts to create a civilized and rich country. Independence Day is a time of national pride, unity, and hope for a brighter future in South Sudan.
Martyrs’ Day
Martyrs’ Day, observed on July 30th, is a solemn day of remembrance in South Sudan, honoring those who lost their lives during the struggle for independence. It commemorates the sacrifices of freedom fighters and civilians who died in the quest for liberation from Sudan. The day is marked by memorial services, speeches, and moments of silence to pay tribute to the martyrs. Martyrs’ Day serves as a reminder of the high cost of freedom and the ongoing responsibility to uphold the values of justice, peace, and unity in building the nation.
Christmas Holiday
The Christmas Holiday in South Sudan is a time of celebration, reflection, and community for Christians. It begins on December 24th and extends through the Christmas season, culminating in New Year’s celebrations. Church services, family gatherings, and festive meals mark this period. Many people travel to their home villages to celebrate with loved ones, making it a time of reunion and joy. Reflecting the love and generosity that defines the season, the Christmas Holiday also offers chances for acts of compassion and charity.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25th, is a significant religious holiday for Christians in South Sudan, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a day of joy, reflection, and worship, with church services featuring nativity plays, carols, and special prayers. Families come together for festive meals, exchanging gifts and celebrating the message of peace and goodwill. In South Sudan, where Christianity plays a central role in many communities, Christmas Day is not only a religious observance but also a time for fostering unity, compassion, and hope among the people.
Boxing Day
Boxing Day, observed on December 26th, is a continuation of the Christmas celebrations in South Sudan. Traditionally, it is a day for giving gifts to the less fortunate and for sharing the festive spirit with those in need. In many communities, it is also a time for social gatherings, sporting events, and relaxation after the Christmas Day festivities. Boxing Day reflects the values of generosity and kindness, encouraging people to extend their goodwill beyond their immediate family and friends. It is a public holiday that promotes social harmony and community spirit.