Djibouti Public Holidays
Djibouti Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Djibouti? All public holidays in Djibouti are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Djibouti employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Djibouti and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Djibouti, a small yet strategically significant country located at the Horn of Africa, celebrates a variety of public holidays that reflect its historical, religious, and cultural values. These holidays include national celebrations, religious observances, and historical commemorations that provide an insight into the country’s diverse society. Djibouti is a predominantly Muslim nation, and its public holidays are largely influenced by Islamic traditions and events, but it also celebrates key national milestones. Public holidays in Djibouti are significant moments for reflection, community gathering, and expressions of national pride. These occasions offer a time for rest, family reunions, and observances that honor both religious faith and national heritage.
National Holidays in Djibouti
1. New Year’s Day (Jour de l’An) – January 1
Date: January 1
Description: New Year’s Day in Djibouti is celebrated similarly to other nations around the world, marking the beginning of the new calendar year. It is a public holiday that provides an opportunity for reflection and celebration. People in Djibouti celebrate with family gatherings, traditional meals, and social activities. As with many other countries, government offices, businesses, and schools are generally closed for the day, allowing people time to relax and spend time with loved ones.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
2. Labour Day (Fête du Travail) – May 1
Date: May 1
Description: Labour Day in Djibouti is celebrated in solidarity with workers around the world. It is a day dedicated to recognizing the contributions of workers and promoting workers’ rights. Labour unions and workers’ groups often organize parades, speeches, and demonstrations to mark the importance of the labor force. While the day is marked by public celebrations and discussions about workers’ rights, it is also a time for people to rest and enjoy a day off.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
3. Independence Day (Fête de l’Indépendance) – June 27
Date: June 27
Description: Independence Day is one of the most important public holidays in Djibouti, as it commemorates the country’s independence from France, achieved on June 27, 1977. The holiday is celebrated with grand ceremonies, parades, and various cultural performances throughout the country. People gather to honor the sacrifices made during the struggle for independence and to reflect on the progress the nation has made since its sovereignty was attained. It is a day of national pride, with flags raised and speeches delivered to reinforce the values of freedom and unity.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
4. Republic Day (Fête de la République) – December 27
Date: December 27
Description: Republic Day marks the day in 1992 when Djibouti’s new constitution was adopted, officially transforming the country into a republic. It is a national holiday that celebrates the country’s transition to a republic and the establishment of a new government system. Republic Day is observed with government ceremonies, including speeches by political leaders, cultural events, and public celebrations. The day serves as a reminder of the country’s political milestones and its journey towards democracy.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
Religious Holidays in Djibouti
1. Islamic New Year (Ras as-Sanah al-Hijriyah) – Varies (Based on Islamic Lunar Calendar)
Date: Varies (Based on Islamic lunar calendar)
Description: The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of the new year in the Islamic calendar. In Djibouti, this holiday is celebrated by the Muslim population, as the majority of Djiboutians practice Islam. The Islamic New Year is a time of reflection, prayer, and spiritual growth. While not as widely celebrated with grand festivities as other holidays, it is a time for personal reflection and religious observance.
Observance: Nationally, particularly in Muslim communities
Days Off: 1 (Depending on moon sighting)
2. Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi) – Varies (Based on Islamic Lunar Calendar)
Date: Varies (Based on Islamic lunar calendar)
Description: Mawlid al-Nabi is a religious holiday that celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam. The holiday is marked by special prayers, sermons, and gatherings at mosques, where the Prophet’s life and teachings are discussed. In Djibouti, Mawlid al-Nabi is a time for Muslims to reflect on the life of Muhammad, his contributions to Islam, and the principles he established. While it is a time for religious observance, there are also cultural events and celebrations in the community.
Observance: Nationally, particularly in Muslim communities
Days Off: 1 (Depending on moon sighting)
3. Eid al-Fitr (Aïd el-Fitr) – Varies (Based on Islamic Lunar Calendar)
Date: Varies (Based on Islamic lunar calendar)
Description: Eid al-Fitr is one of the most important religious holidays in Djibouti, as it marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. It is a time of celebration, feasting, and giving thanks for the strength and patience observed during Ramadan. On this day, Muslims gather for communal prayers in mosques, followed by visits to family and friends, feasting, and giving gifts. The holiday also includes acts of charity, with many people donating food or money to the less fortunate.
Observance: Nationally, particularly in Muslim communities
Days Off: 1 (Depending on moon sighting)
4. Eid al-Adha (Aïd el-Adha) – Varies (Based on Islamic Lunar Calendar)
Date: Varies (Based on Islamic lunar calendar)
Description: Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. In Djibouti, Eid al-Adha is celebrated with special prayers, sacrifices of livestock (usually sheep, goats, or cattle), and family gatherings. The meat from the sacrifice is distributed among family, friends, and the less fortunate, in accordance with Islamic traditions. This holiday also serves as a time for reflection, prayers, and community building.
Observance: Nationally, particularly in Muslim communities
Days Off: 1 (Depending on moon sighting)
5. Islamic Day of Ashura (Arafat Day) – Varies (Based on Islamic Lunar Calendar)
Date: Varies (Based on Islamic lunar calendar)
Description: Ashura is observed on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. It is a day of fasting and prayer, marking several significant events in Islamic history, including the rescue of Prophet Musa (Moses) and the exodus of the Israelites. In Djibouti, Ashura is observed primarily by the Shia Muslim community, but Sunni Muslims also participate in the day’s prayers and fasting. This holiday serves as a time for reflection, repentance, and communal prayers.
Observance: Nationally, particularly in Shia Muslim communities
Days Off: 1 (Depending on moon sighting)
Traditional and Cultural Holidays in Djibouti
1. National Independence Day Celebrations – June 27
Date: June 27
Description: Independence Day marks Djibouti’s independence from France, achieved on June 27, 1977. This is the country’s most significant national holiday, observed with military parades, patriotic speeches, cultural performances, and public gatherings. The day is dedicated to celebrating the freedom and sovereignty that Djibouti gained after a long struggle for independence. The celebrations include flag-raising ceremonies, music, and dance that reflect the cultural diversity and pride of the Djiboutian people.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
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) | June 27 | 1 | Nationally |
| Republic Day (Fête de la République) | December 27 | 1 | Nationally |
| Islamic New Year (Ras as-Sanah al-Hijriyah) | Varies (Based on Islamic Calendar) | 1 | Muslim communities |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi) | Varies (Based on Islamic Calendar) | 1 | Muslim communities |
| Eid al-Fitr (Aïd el-Fitr) | Varies (Based on Islamic Calendar) | 1 | Muslim communities |
| Eid al-Adha (Aïd el-Adha) | Varies (Based on Islamic Calendar) | 1 | Muslim communities |
| Islamic Day of Ashura (Arafat Day) | Varies (Based on Islamic Calendar) | 1 | Shia Muslim communities |
