Liberia Public Holidays
Liberia Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Liberia? All public holidays in Liberia are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Liberia employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Liberia and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Description
New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1st, marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. It is one of the most widely celebrated public holidays in Liberia. The day is filled with family gatherings, social events, and various festivities. People come together to reflect on the past year, set resolutions for the future, and celebrate the arrival of the new year.
In Liberia, New Year’s Day is a national holiday, and many citizens engage in outdoor activities, community events, and religious observances. The capital, Monrovia, witnesses public celebrations, and people typically spend the day with loved ones, enjoying festive meals and socializing.
Duration
New Year’s Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Liberia.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday in January)
Description
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated on the third Monday of January, in honor of the legacy and contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to the civil rights movement. This holiday is significant for promoting the values of equality, justice, and non-violence, which are vital to the ethos of Liberia, a country founded by freed African Americans.
While the holiday is more widely recognized in the United States, Liberia, with its historical ties to the American nation, celebrates it with national reflections on the importance of Dr. King’s message. On this day, there are typically events, speeches, and discussions focusing on human rights and social justice.
Duration
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Liberia.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Independence Day (July 26)
Description
Independence Day in Liberia is celebrated on July 26th, marking the day in 1847 when the country declared its independence from the American Colonization Society, which had settled free African Americans in Liberia. The holiday is of immense national significance and is celebrated with patriotic fervor.
The day is marked by grand ceremonies, including speeches by government officials, military parades, and cultural performances that highlight Liberia’s heritage and history. Independence Day is a time for national pride, with the people of Liberia coming together to celebrate their freedom, sovereignty, and progress.
Duration
Independence Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Liberia.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Labor Day (May 1)
Description
Labor Day, observed on May 1st, is an international holiday dedicated to the recognition of workers’ contributions to society. In Liberia, Labor Day is an important occasion to celebrate workers’ rights, honor labor unions, and highlight social justice issues in the workforce. The day is marked by parades, public demonstrations, speeches, and rallies.
Labor Day is a time for workers to unite, reflect on their rights, and demand improvements in working conditions, wages, and benefits. In Liberia, workers’ groups and trade unions often organize public marches and events, with the government acknowledging the importance of labor and working conditions.
Duration
Labor Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Liberia, especially workers and union members.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Christmas Day (December 25)
Description
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25th, is one of the most important religious and cultural holidays in Liberia. It marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is widely observed by Christians across the country. Christmas in Liberia is a time for family gatherings, religious services, and festive meals.
On Christmas Day, many Liberians attend church services to celebrate the birth of Christ. The holiday is also marked by the exchange of gifts, the sharing of festive meals, and community events. Traditional Liberian foods, such as rice dishes, chicken, and pork, are commonly served during Christmas meals. While Christmas is primarily a Christian holiday, it is widely celebrated by people of all backgrounds in Liberia.
Duration
Christmas Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Liberia, particularly Christians.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Boxing Day (December 26)
Description
Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26th, is observed in many Commonwealth countries, and it is also recognized in Liberia. The holiday is traditionally a time for giving to the less fortunate, with people often donating food, clothing, or money. While it is more commonly observed in countries like the United Kingdom, its celebration in Liberia is tied to the Christmas festivities and the spirit of goodwill.
Boxing Day in Liberia is often a day of rest and relaxation after the Christmas celebrations. People spend time with family, attend church services, and continue the festivities with traditional meals. It is also a time for community-based activities, including charity events and social gatherings.
Duration
Boxing Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Liberia.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Table: Overview of Public Holidays in Liberia
| Public Holiday | Date | Duration | Groups Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | 1 day | General Public, Government Employees |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Third Monday in January | 1 day | General Public |
| Independence Day | July 26 | 1 day | General Public |
| Labor Day | May 1 | 1 day | General Public, Workers |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | 1 day | General Public (Christians) |
| Boxing Day | December 26 | 1 day | General Public |
