Public Holidays in Tanzania in 2025 offer a unique opportunity to explore the nation’s rich cultural and historical heritage. These holidays, observed across the country, provide moments of reflection, celebration, and unity. Public Holidays in Tanzania in 2025 include a mix of religious, national, and historical events, each with its significance for the people. From New Year’s Day to Christmas, these holidays allow Tanzanians to honor their traditions, celebrate important milestones, and spend time with loved ones. Understanding these holidays helps both locals and visitors appreciate the vibrant culture and history that shape Tanzania’s identity.
Public Holidays in Tanzania in 2025
The following is the list of Public Holidays in Tanzania in 2025
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Zanzibar Revolution Day | Jan 12, 2025 | Sunday |
| Eid al-Fitr | Mar 31, 2025 | Monday |
| Eid al-Fitr Holiday | Apr 01, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Karume Day | Apr 07, 2025 | Monday |
| Good Friday | Apr 18, 2025 | Friday |
| Easter Monday | Apr 21, 2025 | Monday |
| Tanzania Union Day | Apr 26, 2025 | Saturday |
| International Workers’ Day | May 01, 2025 | Thursday |
| Eid al-Adha | Jun 07, 2025 | Saturday |
| Saba Saba Day | Jul 07, 2025 | Monday |
| Nane Nane Day | Aug 08, 2025 | Friday |
| The Prophet’s Birthday | Sep 05, 2025 | Friday |
| Mwalimu Nyerere Day | Oct 14, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Independence Day | Dec 09, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2025 | Thursday |
| Boxing Day | Dec 26, 2025 | Friday |
| Also Read: Public Holidays in Tajikistan in 2025 |
New Year’s Day
Celebrated on January 1st, New Year’s Day in Tanzania is a day to welcome the beginning of a new year with joy and optimism. Family gatherings, celebrations, and community events mark it. Many people attend religious services, reflecting on the past year and setting goals for the future. It’s also a time for relaxation and enjoyment, with parties and festivities taking place across the country. As a public holiday, it gives employees a day off so they may spend time with loved ones and consider the year ahead.
Zanzibar Revolution Day
Observed on January 12th, Zanzibar Revolution Day commemorates the 1964 revolution that overthrew the Sultan of Zanzibar’s government. This event marked the end of Arab rule and the establishment of a new government led by African revolutionaries. The revolution is a significant part of Tanzania’s history as it paved the way for the eventual union of Zanzibar and Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanzania. Particularly in Zanzibar, the day is observed with parades, speeches, and cultural activities meant to remember the successes of the revolution and promote national unity.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr, an Islamic festival, commemorates the end of the holy month of fasting, Ramadan. In Tanzania, where a significant portion of the population is Muslim, this holiday is widely celebrated with prayer, feasting, and charity. Families come together for a special meal, exchange gifts, and offer Zakat al-Fitr (charity) to help those in need. The day begins with communal prayers at mosques, followed by festive activities. It’s a joyful occasion, celebrating the spiritual growth achieved during Ramadan and the importance of community and compassion.
Karume Day
Karume Day, observed on April 7th, honors the legacy of Abeid Amani Karume, the first President of Zanzibar and a key figure in the Zanzibar Revolution. He played a significant role in the union of Zanzibar and Tanganyika to form Tanzania. Karume Day commemorates his assassination in 1972 and his contributions to the nation’s political landscape. The day is marked by memorial services, political speeches, and events that highlight his influence on Tanzania’s development. It serves as a day of reflection on the country’s history and Karume’s role in shaping modern Tanzania.
Good Friday
Celebrated by Christians, Good Friday honors the death of Jesus Christ. In Tanzania, Christians observe this day through prayer, fasting, and attending church services. It is a solemn day of reflection, remembering the sacrifice of Jesus and its significance to humanity. Many churches hold processions and reenactments of the crucifixion to honor the day. As part of the Easter celebration, Good Friday marks the beginning of a weekend focused on redemption and renewal, and it is a public holiday that allows Christians to engage in religious devotion.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday, the day following Easter Sunday, is a public holiday in Tanzania. It continues the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and serves as a day of relaxation and family gatherings after the religious services of Easter. Many people attend church services, participate in community events, or spend time with loved ones. It’s also a time to reflect on the message of hope and renewal brought by Easter. The holiday provides an opportunity for rest and celebration, making it a joyful occasion for both religious and secular communities in Tanzania.
Tanzania Union Day
Tanzania Union Day celebrated on April 26th, marks the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar in 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanzania. This day is a symbol of national unity and pride, reflecting the historical partnership between the mainland and the islands. Union Day is marked across the nation with parades, speeches, and cultural activities. It is an important day for fostering national identity and unity among Tanzanians. The holiday reminds us of the country’s diverse history and the importance of working together for progress and harmony.
International Workers’ Day
Celebrated on May 1st in Tanzania, International Workers’ Day—also known as May Day—honors worker contributions and advances labor rights. Emphasizing the need for fair salaries, safe working conditions, and social justice, this is a day of solidarity with workers all around. Labor unions and workers’ groups plan community activities, including marches, lectures, and celebrations around the occasion. It reminds us of the hardships and successes of the labor movement as well as the need for ongoing worker rights advocacy in Tanzania.
Eid al-Adha
Observed in Tanzania, Eid al-Adha is a major Islamic feast often known as the Festival of Sacrifice. It honors Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) readiness to give his son his life in respect to God. Muslims in Tanzania get together for prayers and animal sacrifices—usually sheep or goats—and distribute the meat among the less fortunate, family, friends, and other Muslims. The day stresses ideas of kindness, thankfulness, and loyalty to God. One of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Adha celebrates community, introspection, and giving.
Saba Saba Day
Saba Saba Day, observed on July 7th, is an important day in Tanzania’s political and economic history. The day marks the founding of the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) in 1954, a key political party that led the country to independence. Today, Saba Saba Day is associated with the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair, which showcases Tanzania’s economic achievements and trade opportunities. The holiday is both a celebration of the country’s political heritage and a chance to promote economic growth and international cooperation through trade and business activities.
Nane Nane Day
Nane Nane Day celebrated on August 8th, is Tanzania’s Agricultural Day, honoring the contributions of farmers to the nation’s economy. The holiday is marked by agricultural exhibitions and fairs across the country, where farmers showcase their products, innovations, and techniques. Nane Nane, meaning “eight eight” in Swahili, signifies the date of the celebration. It is a day of learning, sharing, and recognizing the vital role of agriculture in Tanzania’s development. The holiday also highlights the importance of food security and rural development, key aspects of the nation’s progress.
The Prophet’s Birthday
Celebrated in Islam, the Prophet’s Birthday—known as Mawlid al-Nabi—honors the birth of Prophet Muhammad. In Tanzania, the day is marked by prayers, sermons, and communal gatherings in mosques and homes. Muslims reflect on the teachings and life of the Prophet, emphasizing his message of peace, compassion, and justice. The holiday is an opportunity to strengthen community bonds and promote understanding and unity among Muslims. While the celebration varies across different regions, it is generally a day of joy, remembrance, and religious devotion for Tanzanian Muslims.
Mwalimu Nyerere Day
Mwalimu Nyerere Day, observed on October 14th, honors Julius Nyerere, the first President of Tanzania and a key figure in the country’s fight for independence. Known as “Mwalimu” (teacher), Nyerere’s legacy includes his role in shaping Tanzania’s political, social, and economic landscape. He promoted African socialism and self-reliance through the Ujamaa policy. The day is marked by ceremonies, speeches, and discussions on his contributions to the nation. It serves as a reminder of Nyerere’s vision for a united and self-sufficient Tanzania and his impact on the country’s development.
Independence Day
Celebrated on December 9, Tanzania’s Independence Day honors its 1961 release from British colonial control. Celebrating the tough struggle for freedom, the day stands for national pride and unity. Parades, speeches, cultural activities, and patriotic gatherings throughout the nation reveal this. Tanzanians use Independence Day to consider their past, honor their successes, and anticipate a bright future. The festival reminds us of the value of sovereignty and the continuous trip nation-building takes.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25th, is an important Christian holiday that marks the birth of Jesus Christ. In Tanzania, it is observed with church services, family gatherings, and festive meals. Christians attend mass to celebrate the religious significance of the day, while others participate in the joyous atmosphere with decorations, music, and feasts. It is a time for love, giving, and community, with many people exchanging gifts and sharing with the less fortunate. Christmas is a public holiday, providing an opportunity for both religious and secular festivities.
Boxing Day
Boxing Day, observed on December 26th, is a public holiday in Tanzania, traditionally associated with charity and giving to those in need. The holiday has its roots in the British colonial era and is marked by family gatherings, relaxation, and community events. Some people use the day to visit friends, exchange gifts, or participate in sports activities. While it is not as widely celebrated as Christmas, Boxing Day remains a day of goodwill and reflection on the importance of generosity and helping others in the spirit of the holiday season.