Guinea Public Holidays
Guinea Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Guinea? All public holidays in Guinea are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Guinea employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Guinea and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Guinea, a country located in West Africa, has a diverse cultural landscape and a rich history that influences the public holidays observed in the nation. The public holidays in Guinea are a mix of Islamic, Christian, and national observances that reflect the country’s religious demographics, historical events, and cultural heritage. Guinea is predominantly Muslim, with a significant Christian minority, and this religious diversity is reflected in the holidays celebrated. Additionally, the country commemorates its independence and honors national heroes who contributed to the nation’s development. Public holidays in Guinea are significant moments of reflection, celebration, and unity for the people.
National Holidays in Guinea
1. New Year’s Day (Jour de l’An) – January 1
Date: January 1
Description: New Year’s Day in Guinea marks the beginning of the new year. It is a day of celebration and family gatherings, often with festive meals and traditional activities. The holiday is observed with joy and reflection as people come together to usher in the new year. While many in Guinea observe the day with religious services, it is also a time for people to relax and spend time with their loved ones. Most businesses, schools, and government offices are closed on this day.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
2. Labour Day (Fête du Travail) – May 1
Date: May 1
Description: Labour Day is a global celebration of workers and their contributions to society. In Guinea, the day is observed with parades, speeches, and demonstrations by labor unions advocating for workers’ rights and social justice. Labour Day is a public holiday, and people celebrate it through various activities aimed at raising awareness about the importance of workers in building a prosperous nation. It is a day to reflect on labor conditions and to promote solidarity among workers.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
3. Independence Day (Fête de l’Indépendance) – October 2
Date: October 2
Description: Independence Day in Guinea is one of the most important holidays, as it marks the country’s independence from France in 1958. The day is celebrated with patriotic ceremonies, military parades, speeches by political leaders, and various cultural performances. It is a day for Guineans to reflect on their history and the sacrifices made to achieve independence. Independence Day is a symbol of national pride and unity.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
4. Republic Day (Fête de la République) – December 10
Date: December 10
Description: Republic Day in Guinea commemorates the establishment of the Republic of Guinea after gaining independence from France. This day highlights the transition from colonial rule to a republic. The holiday is observed with a national address by the president, military parades, and cultural events. Republic Day is an occasion to celebrate the country’s achievements and progress since independence.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
5. Christmas Day (Noël) – December 25
Date: December 25
Description: Christmas Day in Guinea is primarily celebrated by the Christian population. It marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is an occasion for family gatherings, church services, and festive meals. People attend Mass, exchange gifts, and enjoy special Christmas meals with family and friends. In some areas, there are also public celebrations, including music and cultural performances. It is a public holiday, and most businesses and schools are closed.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
Religious Holidays in Guinea
1. Eid al-Fitr (Aïd el-Fitr) – Varies (May/June)
Date: Varies (May/June)
Description: Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. It is one of the most significant religious holidays for Muslims in Guinea and around the world. The holiday is celebrated with prayers at mosques, family gatherings, and large feasts. Muslims exchange gifts and share meals with the less fortunate as a way of giving thanks for the strength to complete the fast. It is a public holiday, and most businesses, schools, and government offices are closed on this day.
Observance: Nationally, among the Muslim community
Days Off: 1
2. Eid al-Adha (Aïd el-Adha) – Varies (July/August)
Date: Varies (July/August)
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. The holiday is observed with prayers, sacrifices of sheep, goats, or cattle, and the distribution of meat to family, friends, and the poor. It is an important religious holiday for Muslims, and many in Guinea celebrate with community gatherings, feasts, and charitable activities.
Observance: Nationally, among the Muslim community
Days Off: 1
3. Islamic New Year (Ras as-Sanah al-Hijriyah) – Varies (July)
Date: Varies (July)
Description: The Islamic New Year is based on the lunar calendar and marks the beginning of the new Islamic year. It is a time of reflection, prayer, and fasting. Muslims in Guinea observe this day with special prayers and religious rituals. Though not widely celebrated as a secular holiday, it is still significant for the Muslim community in the country.
Observance: Nationally, among the Muslim community
Days Off: 1
4. Mawlid al-Nabi (Mouloud) – Varies (October/November)
Date: Varies (October/November)
Description: Mawlid al-Nabi marks the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad. This day is a celebration for Muslims around the world and is observed in Guinea with religious services, prayers, and community events. Muslims honor the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and reflect on his role in shaping Islam. In Guinea, Mawlid al-Nabi is a public holiday observed by the Muslim community with special activities and family gatherings.
Observance: Nationally, among the Muslim community
Days Off: 1
Traditional and Cultural Holidays in Guinea
1. Independence Heroes Day (Journée des Héros Nationaux) – August 31
Date: August 31
Description: Heroes Day is a national holiday that honors the Guinean men and women who contributed to the country’s independence and freedom. The day is marked by ceremonies, speeches, and cultural performances that highlight the contributions of these national heroes. People gather to reflect on their sacrifices and the importance of the country’s sovereignty. It is a time to pay tribute to the patriots who fought for Guinea’s independence.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
2. Martyrs’ Day (Journée des Martyrs) – January 17
Date: January 17
Description: Martyrs’ Day commemorates those who lost their lives in the struggle for Guinea’s independence and the national revolution. It is a solemn day dedicated to remembering those who gave their lives in the fight for freedom. The holiday is observed with speeches, prayers, and public ceremonies at memorials and cemeteries. It is a day of reflection and national pride.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
3. Kwanzaa (Kwanzaa) – December 26 – January 1
Date: December 26 – January 1
Description: Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration that honors African heritage, culture, and traditions. Though not a widely observed public holiday, Kwanzaa has gained popularity in some African nations, including Guinea. It focuses on seven core principles, such as unity, self-determination, and collective work. The celebration includes family gatherings, cultural performances, music, and feasts, as well as the lighting of candles.
Observance: Primarily among African cultural communities
Days Off: Not an official public holiday but observed by some cultural groups
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) | October 2 | 1 | Nationally |
| Republic Day (Fête de la République) | December 10 | 1 | Nationally |
| Christmas Day (Noël) | December 25 | 1 | Nationally |
| Good Friday (Vendredi Saint) | Varies (March/April) | 1 | Nationally, Christian communities |
| Easter Sunday (Domingo de Resurrección) | Varies (March/April) | 1 | Nationally, Christian communities |
| Eid al-Fitr (Aïd el-Fitr) | Varies (May/June) | 1 | Muslim community |
| Eid al-Adha (Aïd el-Adha) | Varies (July/August) | 1 | Muslim community |
| Islamic New Year (Ras as-Sanah al-Hijriyah) | Varies (July) | 1 | Muslim community |
| Mawlid al-Nabi (Mouloud) | Varies (October/November) | 1 | Muslim community |
| Independence Heroes Day (Journée des Héros Nationaux) | August 31 | 1 | Nationally |
| Martyrs’ Day (Journée des Martyrs) | January 17 | 1 | Nationally |
| Kwanzaa | December 26 – January 1 | Not official, widely celebrated | Cultural communities |
