Ivory Coast Public Holidays
Ivory Coast Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Cote D’Ivoire? All public holidays in Cote D’Ivoire are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Cote D’Ivoire employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Ivory Coast and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire), located in West Africa, is a country rich in cultural diversity, religious practices, and historical significance. The public holidays in the country reflect this diversity, celebrating national achievements, religious traditions, and significant cultural events. These holidays provide the people of Ivory Coast with a chance to reflect on their history, celebrate their heritage, and unite as a nation. Below is a detailed description of the public holidays in Ivory Coast, categorized by type and observance.
1. New Year’s Day (Jour de l’An) – January 1
Description
New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the year and is a widely celebrated public holiday in Ivory Coast. It is a day for people to reflect on the year gone by and set intentions for the year ahead. Traditionally, people celebrate with family gatherings, parties, and festive meals. In major cities like Abidjan, there are often large events, and the celebrations can last well into the night.
Observance
New Year’s Day is observed nationwide. It is a public holiday, so businesses, government offices, and schools are generally closed. The day is celebrated with family meals, parties, and sometimes fireworks. Many Ivorians take the day to spend with family and friends, while others attend religious services to start the new year with prayers and blessings.
2. Good Friday (Vendredi Saint) – Date Varies
Description
Good Friday is a Christian holiday observed during the Holy Week. It commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a key event in Christian belief. Many Ivorians, particularly those from Christian communities, observe the day with reflection, prayer, and church services. The holiday serves as a reminder of the sacrifice of Christ and is a solemn occasion.
Observance
Good Friday is a public holiday, particularly for Christians in Ivory Coast. Most businesses and government offices close, and people attend church services to mark the occasion. It is a day for prayer and reflection, and many Christians in Ivory Coast spend the day fasting or participating in religious rituals. Schools are typically closed, and the day is observed quietly with religious significance.
3. Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques) – Date Varies
Description
Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The holiday is an extension of Easter and is observed with more relaxed celebrations, including family gatherings, outdoor activities, and meals. In Ivory Coast, it is a continuation of the Easter celebrations, offering people a chance to spend time with loved ones.
Observance
Easter Monday is a public holiday in Ivory Coast, and many Ivorians spend the day with family and friends. Churches hold additional services, and many people visit the countryside for relaxation. Like Good Friday, most businesses, government offices, and schools are closed, and public transportation operates on a reduced schedule.
4. Labour Day (Fête du Travail) – May 1
Description
Labour Day, or “Fête du Travail,” is celebrated to honor the contributions of workers and labor movements. It is an international holiday, and in Ivory Coast, it is marked by parades, speeches, and public demonstrations advocating for workers’ rights, better wages, and improved working conditions. The day is also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of labor in the nation’s development.
Observance
Labour Day is widely observed across Ivory Coast. It is a public holiday, and most businesses and government offices are closed. Various labor unions and workers’ groups organize marches and rallies, particularly in major cities like Abidjan. The day is celebrated by workers, but it also involves political activities and speeches from union leaders and government officials. Schools and businesses are closed, and many people take part in public events.
5. Ascension Day (Ascension) – Date Varies
Description
Ascension Day is a Christian holiday that celebrates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven, 40 days after Easter. It is an important day in the Christian liturgical calendar and is marked by church services and prayer. While not as widely celebrated as other holidays, Ascension Day holds spiritual significance for Christians in Ivory Coast.
Observance
Ascension Day is a public holiday, particularly for Christians in Ivory Coast. It is marked by religious observances, including church services and prayers. Most businesses, government offices, and schools close for the day, allowing people to attend services and spend time in reflection. It is a quiet holiday focused on spiritual reflection rather than secular celebrations.
6. Independence Day (Fête de l’Indépendance) – August 7
Description
Independence Day is a national holiday in Ivory Coast that commemorates the country’s independence from France, which was achieved on August 7, 1960. The day is a major national celebration, marking the birth of the Ivorian Republic. The celebrations include patriotic parades, military displays, cultural performances, and speeches from political leaders.
Observance
Independence Day is a significant public holiday, observed with grand celebrations across the country. In Abidjan, the capital, the day includes military parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural festivals. Schools and government offices are closed, and businesses may operate on reduced hours. It is a day of national pride, with Ivorians of all backgrounds participating in events to honor the country’s history and independence.
7. Assumption Day (Assomption) – August 15
Description
Assumption Day is a Christian holiday that celebrates the assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven. It is an important day for Catholics, as it honors the mother of Jesus Christ. In Ivory Coast, the day is celebrated with church services, processions, and religious gatherings.
Observance
Assumption Day is a public holiday in Ivory Coast, and it is widely observed by the Catholic community. Churches hold special Masses, and some communities organize religious processions. Most businesses and government offices are closed, and the day is marked by religious observances. Many Ivorians attend church services, and it is a day of reflection and devotion for the Christian community.
8. All Saints’ Day (Toussaint) – November 1
Description
All Saints’ Day, or “Toussaint,” is a Christian holiday observed to honor all saints of the Catholic Church. It is a day for Christians to reflect on the lives of saints and martyrs who have lived exemplary lives of faith. In Ivory Coast, All Saints’ Day is marked by church services, visits to cemeteries, and prayers for the dead.
Observance
All Saints’ Day is a public holiday in Ivory Coast, particularly for the Christian community. Many Ivorians attend church services to mark the occasion, and some people visit the graves of their loved ones. The day is solemn, focusing on reflection and remembrance. Most businesses, schools, and government offices are closed, and many people take the day to pray and honor the saints.
9. Christmas Day (Noël) – December 25
Description
Christmas Day is a major Christian holiday celebrated to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. In Ivory Coast, Christmas is a time for family gatherings, church services, and festive meals. The holiday is celebrated with a blend of religious observances and local traditions, including the exchange of gifts and the preparation of traditional Ivorian dishes.
Observance
Christmas Day is a public holiday in Ivory Coast, and it is widely observed by both Christians and those who follow local traditions. Churches hold special services, and families gather to share festive meals. Most businesses and government offices are closed, and public transportation operates on a reduced schedule. It is a day of rest, reflection, and celebration for Ivorians.
10. Boxing Day (Lendemain de Noël) – December 26
Description
Boxing Day is the day after Christmas, traditionally a time to give to the less fortunate and to spend time with friends and family. In Ivory Coast, Boxing Day is not as widely celebrated as Christmas Day, but it is still observed in some regions with family gatherings and community events.
Observance
Boxing Day is a public holiday in Ivory Coast, though it is not as widely observed as Christmas. Many people continue their Christmas celebrations, visiting family and friends. Some participate in charitable activities, giving gifts or donations to those in need. Most businesses and government offices are closed, and it is a day of relaxation and community for many Ivorians.
Table: Public Holidays in Ivory Coast and Observance
| Holiday | Date | Observed By | Public Sector | Private Sector | Schools |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Good Friday | Date Varies | Christian Community | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Easter Monday | Date Varies | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Ascension Day | Date Varies | Christian Community | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Independence Day | August 7 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Assumption Day | August 15 | Christian Community | Closed | Open | Closed |
| All Saints’ Day | November 1 | Christian Community | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Boxing Day | December 26 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |