Benin Calendar with Holidays 2026 — In 2026, Benin celebrates several significant choices of 13 public holidays, combining countrywide pride, spiritual observances, and cultural background. The year begins with New Year’s Day on January 1, accompanied by the Vodoun Festival on January 10—a vibrant celebration of the United States of America’s conventional Vodoun religion, mainly in Ouidah. Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, falls on March 20 and is observed by way of a public holiday in observance of Easter on April 6 (Easter Monday). Labor Day on May 1 acknowledges employees’ contributions, even as Ascension Day and Whit Monday are celebrated on May 14 and May 25, respectively.
Benin Calendar with Holidays 2026
On May 27, the Feast of Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) is celebrated according to the Islamic culture of the country. The country celebrates Independence Day on August 1, the day that it was liberated from French domination in 1960. Christian and Muslim events are commemorated by Assumption Day on the 15th of August and the Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad on the 26th of August, respectively. This non-secular and seasonal rhythm decelerates in autumn and on All Saints ‘ Day. Days like November 1 and Christmas Day on December 25 are in the vicinity of the 12 months with religiously reflected images and festivities.
Benin’s 2026 excursion calendar brings together faith, way of life, and records in a rhythm that supports communal relaxation, countrywide unity, and religious observance. This selection of vacations underscores the traditions, providing time for circles of relatives, faith, and cultural pride.
Benin Holiday Calendar 2026
Benin Holidays 2026
| Date | Weekday | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2025 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| Jan 10, 2025 | Saturday | Vodoun Festival |
| Jan 16 | Friday | Day of National Remembrance |
| February 28, 2025 | Saturday | People’s Sovereignty Day |
| March 20 | Friday | Eid al‑Fitr (Korité) |
| Apr 6, 2025 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| May 1, 2025 | Friday | Labour Day |
| May 14, 2025 | Thursday | Ascension Day |
| May 25, 2025 | Monday | Whit Monday |
| May 27, 2025 | Wednesday | Eid al‑Adha (Tabaski) |
| Aug 1, 2025 | Saturday | Independence Day |
| 15 Aug | Saturday | Assumption Day |
| 26 Aug | Wednesday | Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Maouloud) |
| 1 Nov | Sunday | All Saints’ Day |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
- New Year’s Day—JAN1: The Gregorian calendar celebrates the beginning of the year.
- Vodon Festival—JAN10: Benin’s traditional Vodan religion with ceremonies and music.
- National Reminds Day—Jan. 16: National heroes and important historical events are paid tribute to.
- People’s Sovereignty Day—Feb 28: Remember the establishment of Benin’s People’s Republic in 1975.
- Eid Al-Fitr (Korité)—Mar20: Marks the end of Ramadan with prayer and festive food.
- Easter Monday—April 6: After the Christian holiday, the community and Easter Sunday for comfort.
- Labor Day—May 1: Recognizes the contribution of workers with parades and community programs.
- Ascension Day—May 14: Christian observation celebrating Jesus’ climb into heaven.
- White Monday—May 25: Public holiday after celebrating the Holy Spirit as the Holy Spirit.
- Eid al-AHHA (Talski)—May 27: Islamic Festival of Sacrifice, respecting the devotion of Ibrahim.
- Independence Day—Aug 1: Celebrates Benin’s freedom from France in 1960.
- Estimate Day—Aug 15: Recalling Mary’s notion in Catholic holiday heaven.
- Prophet Muhammad’s birthday—Aug 26: Prophet marks the birth of Muhammad (temporary date).
- All Saints Day—Nov 1: Respect all saints and departed loved ones.
- Christmas Day—Dec 25: Christian festival of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Benin 2026 Calendar FAQs
1. How many public holidays will Benin see in 2026?
There are 13 National Public Holidays for 2026 in Benin.
2. What is the Vodoun Festival?
It is also known as traditional Dharma Day. The Vodoun Festival is seen on 10 January and respects Benin’s rich spiritual heritage.
3. Is there a substitute day when holidays fall on weekends?
No. Holidays such as the Vodoun Festival (Saturday, Jan 10) or Independence Day (Saturday, Aug 1) are seen only on their actual dates, which have no alternative functioning.
4. Does Benin celebrate Pentecost on Monday?
Yes. The day after Pentecost is celebrated as a public holiday on Whit Monday, May 25, 2026.
5. Is Independence Day celebrated in 2026?
Yes. Independence Day is on August 1 (Saturday), in 1960, in memory of Benin’s freedom from France.