Burkina Faso Public Holidays
Burkina Faso Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Burkina Faso? All public holidays in Burkina Faso are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Burkina Faso employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Burkina Faso and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Overview
New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1, marks the beginning of the year according to the Gregorian calendar and is a public holiday in Burkina Faso. It is a time for reflection, the setting of resolutions, and the celebration of new beginnings. As in many other countries, New Year’s Day in Burkina Faso is a time for family gatherings and social celebrations.
Celebrations
In Burkina Faso, New Year’s Day is generally marked by family-oriented events, with people gathering to enjoy meals together, exchange well-wishes, and reflect on the year ahead. While large public parties or fireworks are not common, many people in urban areas such as Ouagadougou engage in street celebrations, attending concerts or public gatherings in the evening before the day is spent relaxing with family and friends.
Days Off
New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Burkina Faso, and most citizens are given the day off to enjoy the festivities, rest, and spend time with family. Government offices, schools, and businesses are typically closed for the day.
Labour Day (May 1)
Overview
Labour Day, celebrated on May 1st, is an international holiday dedicated to honoring the contributions and rights of workers. In Burkina Faso, Labour Day is a significant public holiday, recognized as a day for workers’ solidarity and the celebration of labor rights.
Celebrations
Labour Day in Burkina Faso is marked by demonstrations, parades, and speeches organized by labor unions, political groups, and workers’ organizations. In Ouagadougou and other major cities, people participate in marches that emphasize the importance of workers’ rights, economic reforms, and social justice. The day is also an opportunity for discussions about the economic and social challenges facing the workforce in the country.
Days Off
Labour Day is a public holiday in Burkina Faso, and most workers are given the day off. Government offices, schools, and many businesses are closed, allowing people to attend public events or relax with family and friends.
Independence Day (August 5)
Overview
Independence Day, celebrated on August 5, marks the anniversary of Burkina Faso’s independence from France, which was achieved in 1960. This day is one of the most important public holidays in the country and is celebrated with national pride and reflection on the country’s journey toward self-governance.
Celebrations
Independence Day in Burkina Faso is marked by military parades, cultural performances, and ceremonies that celebrate the country’s independence. In Ouagadougou, the capital, the President of Burkina Faso gives a speech, and various government officials and citizens gather to celebrate the achievements of the country since independence. The day is filled with patriotic songs, dances, and exhibitions that reflect the nation’s diverse cultures and traditions.
Days Off
Independence Day is a public holiday in Burkina Faso, and most citizens have the day off to participate in celebrations, attend events, or reflect on the significance of the country’s independence. Government offices, schools, and businesses are closed for the day.
Labour Day of the African Union (May 25)
Overview
The Labour Day of the African Union, observed on May 25, celebrates the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which is now the African Union (AU). This holiday is of particular significance in Burkina Faso, as it reflects the country’s commitment to pan-African unity, peace, and development.
Celebrations
This day is marked with educational events, conferences, and discussions about African unity, economic cooperation, and development goals. In Ouagadougou, government offices may hold sessions reflecting on the progress of African cooperation, and the media often focus on themes of unity, solidarity, and self-reliance in Africa. While it is not as festive as Independence Day, it remains an important day to celebrate African identity and the collective efforts of African nations.
Days Off
Labour Day of the African Union is a public holiday, and most citizens are given the day off. Government offices, schools, and businesses are closed, allowing people to reflect on the importance of the African Union and its role in promoting peace and development across the continent.
National Day of the Revolution (October 15)
Overview
The National Day of the Revolution, observed on October 15, marks the anniversary of the 1987 coup that brought Thomas Sankara to power in Burkina Faso. Sankara, often referred to as the “African Che Guevara,” was instrumental in the country’s revolution, advocating for social justice, anti-corruption measures, and national self-reliance.
Celebrations
This holiday is marked by both official ceremonies and public gatherings. The government and military typically hold ceremonies to honor Sankara’s legacy, including speeches that reflect on his contributions to the country. In Ouagadougou and other cities, there are exhibitions, performances, and community events celebrating the ideals that Sankara promoted, such as unity, social equality, and independence.
Days Off
The National Day of the Revolution is a public holiday, and most citizens have the day off to participate in commemorations or reflect on the revolutionary ideals. Government offices, schools, and many businesses are closed.
All Saints’ Day (November 1)
Overview
All Saints’ Day, observed on November 1, is a Christian holiday that honors all saints, both known and unknown. While it is not a nationwide holiday, it is recognized by the Christian community in Burkina Faso, especially those who follow the Roman Catholic faith.
Celebrations
On All Saints’ Day, many Christians in Burkina Faso attend church services to honor the saints and pray for the deceased. In some areas, particularly in the south, people visit cemeteries to clean and decorate the graves of their loved ones. The day is marked by solemn reflection and prayer, and some communities also organize processions and religious events.
Days Off
All Saints’ Day is a public holiday for Christians in Burkina Faso. Government offices and businesses may close, particularly in areas with a large Christian population. People use the day to attend church services and visit family members, paying respects to deceased relatives.
Christmas Day (December 25)
Overview
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25, is one of the most significant religious holidays in Burkina Faso, especially for Christians. It marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is celebrated with both religious and family traditions. The holiday is observed by a large portion of the population, particularly in urban centers.
Celebrations
Christmas in Burkina Faso is marked by church services, where Christians celebrate the birth of Christ through prayers, hymns, and readings. Following the church services, families gather for festive meals, often featuring traditional foods. Gifts are exchanged, and many people take part in charitable activities, particularly in helping those less fortunate during the holiday season.
Days Off
Christmas Day is a public holiday for Christians in Burkina Faso, and most government offices, schools, and businesses are closed. Many people take the day off to attend church services, spend time with family, or engage in charitable work.
Tabaski (Eid al-Adha, Date varies)
Overview
Tabaski, or Eid al-Adha, is one of the most important Islamic holidays in Burkina Faso. The holiday commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismael in obedience to God. It is a day of reflection, sacrifice, and giving to others.
Celebrations
Tabaski is celebrated by Muslims with prayers at mosques, followed by the ritual sacrifice of animals such as sheep, cows, or goats. The meat is shared among family members, friends, and the less fortunate. Many people also visit family, exchange gifts, and enjoy special meals together. The holiday is an occasion for family gatherings, and communities often organize charity events to help the needy.
Days Off
Tabaski is a public holiday in Burkina Faso for Muslims. Government offices, schools, and many businesses close for the day, and people participate in prayers, sacrifices, and family gatherings.
Table: Public Holidays in Burkina Faso and Days Off
Holiday | Date | Days Off | Groups of People Recognized |
---|---|---|---|
New Year’s Day | January 1 | 1 day off | All citizens |
Labour Day | May 1 | 1 day off | All citizens |
Independence Day | August 5 | 1 day off | All citizens |
Labour Day of the African Union | May 25 | 1 day off | All citizens |
National Day of the Revolution | October 15 | 1 day off | All citizens |
All Saints’ Day | November 1 | 1 day off | Christians |
Christmas Day | December 25 | 1 day off | Christians |
Tabaski (Eid al-Adha) | Date varies | 1 day off | Muslims |