Chad Public Holidays
Chad Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Chad? All public holidays in Chad are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Chad employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Chad and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Public holidays in Chad are a combination of both secular and religious events, as well as national celebrations. These holidays are important times for reflection, celebration, and community gatherings in the country. While the Chadian government has designated several public holidays, some celebrations are influenced by the local customs, ethnic groups, and religious practices across the country.
National Holidays in Chad
1. New Year’s Day (Jour de l’An) – January 1
Date: January 1
Description: New Year’s Day is a national holiday celebrated across Chad. It marks the beginning of the new year in the Gregorian calendar. People celebrate this day with family gatherings, feasts, and festivities. It is a secular holiday, where most businesses and government offices remain closed for the day.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
2. Labour Day (Fête du Travail) – May 1
Date: May 1
Description: Labour Day is celebrated as an international recognition of the working class. In Chad, this day is marked by various events and ceremonies, especially in the capital, N’Djamena. Workers from different sectors gather to demand workers’ rights, celebrate achievements, and show solidarity. The day is often marked by parades and speeches led by trade union leaders and government officials.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
3. Independence Day (Fête de l’Indépendance) – August 11
Date: August 11
Description: Independence Day is one of the most significant national holidays in Chad. It commemorates the country’s independence from France, which was granted on August 11, 1960. The day is marked with celebrations, including military parades, concerts, and official speeches by the President. The holiday serves as a reminder of the country’s struggle for independence and sovereignty.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
4. Republic Day (Fête de la République) – December 1
Date: December 1
Description: Republic Day marks the establishment of the Republic of Chad after the country gained independence. It highlights the transition from colonial rule to an independent republic. Parades and ceremonies are held in various cities across the country to commemorate this event.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
Religious Holidays in Chad
1. Eid al-Fitr (Aïd el-Fitr)
Date: Varies (based on Islamic lunar calendar)
Description: Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the month-long fasting period observed by Muslims around the world. In Chad, which has a significant Muslim population, this day is celebrated with prayers, feasts, and the giving of alms to the poor. People dress in new clothes and visit family and friends. It is a public holiday, and government offices and businesses close to mark the occasion.
Observance: Nationally, but especially in Muslim-majority regions
Days Off: 1 (varies depending on moon sighting)
2. Eid al-Adha (Aïd el-Adha)
Date: Varies (based on Islamic lunar calendar)
Description: Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is observed by Muslims worldwide to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. In Chad, families sacrifice livestock and share the meat with the less fortunate. Like Eid al-Fitr, this day is marked by prayers, family gatherings, and charity.
Observance: Nationally, particularly in Muslim-majority regions
Days Off: 1 (varies depending on moon sighting)
3. Islamic New Year (Ras as-Sanah al-Hijriyah)
Date: Varies (based on Islamic lunar calendar)
Description: The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of the new year in the Islamic lunar calendar. It is a more solemn holiday compared to other celebrations and is observed with prayers and reflections. While it is not widely celebrated as an extravagant event, it holds spiritual significance for the Muslim community in Chad.
Observance: Nationally, particularly in Muslim-majority regions
Days Off: 1 (varies depending on moon sighting)
4. Mawlid al-Nabi (Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday)
Date: Varies (based on Islamic lunar calendar)
Description: Mawlid al-Nabi is the celebration of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. In Chad, Muslims gather to read from the Quran, listen to sermons, and attend prayers in mosques. It is also a time for communal celebrations, with families and friends coming together.
Observance: Nationally, particularly in Muslim-majority regions
Days Off: 1 (varies depending on moon sighting)
Traditional and Cultural Holidays
1. Yam Festival (Fête de Yam)
Date: Varies by region
Description: The Yam Festival is a traditional holiday celebrated by various ethnic groups in Chad, especially among the Sara people in the southern regions. The festival marks the beginning of the yam harvest, which is an essential food crop for many Chadians. The celebrations include traditional music, dances, and feasts.
Observance: Primarily in southern regions
Days Off: 1
2. Tabaski (Eid al-Adha) – for the Zaghawa People
Date: Varies (based on Islamic lunar calendar)
Description: Tabaski is a celebration observed by the Zaghawa people, who are a part of the larger Muslim community in Chad. It is a variation of Eid al-Adha, where the sacrifice of animals and the sharing of meat is a central part of the holiday. The Zaghawa people also hold traditional dances and prayers during this time.
Observance: Zaghawa ethnic group
Days Off: 1 (varies depending on moon sighting)
Public Holidays Observance and Work Schedule
The following table shows the public holidays, the number of days off, and which groups of people observe the holidays.
| Holiday | Date | Days Off | Groups Observing |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day (Jour de l’An) | January 1 | 1 | Nationally |
| Labour Day (Fête du Travail) | May 1 | 1 | Nationally |
| Independence Day (Fête de l’Indépendance) | August 11 | 1 | Nationally |
| Republic Day (Fête de la République) | December 1 | 1 | Nationally |
| Eid al-Fitr (Aïd el-Fitr) | Varies (Islamic Calendar) | 1 | Muslim-majority regions |
| Eid al-Adha (Aïd el-Adha) | Varies (Islamic Calendar) | 1 | Muslim-majority regions |
| Islamic New Year (Ras as-Sanah al-Hijriyah) | Varies (Islamic Calendar) | 1 | Muslim-majority regions |
| Mawlid al-Nabi (Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday) | Varies (Islamic Calendar) | 1 | Muslim-majority regions |
| Yam Festival (Fête de Yam) | Varies by region | 1 | Southern regions (Sara people) |
| Tabaski (Eid al-Adha) | Varies (Islamic Calendar) | 1 | Zaghawa people |
Special Considerations for Certain Groups
1. Government and Public Sector Employees
Government and public sector employees in Chad generally have the day off for most of the national and religious holidays. These holidays are often accompanied by official ceremonies and speeches, particularly for significant national events such as Independence Day and Republic Day. Religious holidays such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Islamic New Year are also observed by the public sector, especially in regions with a higher concentration of Muslim employees.
2. Private Sector and Businesses
For private businesses, the observance of public holidays can vary. Many private businesses close for major holidays like New Year’s Day, Labour Day, and Independence Day. However, some private enterprises may operate on these holidays depending on their industry and the region in which they are located. Religious holidays like Eid and Islamic New Year might see partial closures, particularly in areas with large Muslim populations.
3. Ethnic Communities
Certain ethnic communities, particularly in the southern and eastern parts of Chad, observe traditional holidays like the Yam Festival. These holidays may not be recognized as official public holidays but are significant to those groups. In addition, holidays like Tabaski hold particular importance for the Zaghawa and other Muslim-majority groups.
Impact of Public Holidays on Daily Life in Chad
Public holidays in Chad impact various aspects of daily life. During holidays such as Eid al-Fitr or Independence Day, people gather in large groups for religious or cultural celebrations. These holidays are times for family reunions, and many people travel from urban centers to rural areas to spend time with loved ones.
The work schedule is significantly altered during these holidays, with many businesses closed and employees on break. Schools, universities, and most government offices are also closed, with the exception of essential services.
