South Sudan Calendar with Holidays 2026 — In 2026, South Sudan will observe around 11 public holidays that reflect their nation-building travel and religious traditions. This year starts with New Year’s Day on January 1, followed by Shanti MoU on January 9, to sign the 2005 agreement, which paved the way for independence. International Women’s Day has been marked on March 8, which recognizes the contribution of women across the country. The end of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) is anticipated around March 20, which offers a day of celebrations and family ceremonies.
South Sudan Calendar with Holidays 2026
The Easter season brings several major holidays, with Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday, and Easter in early April collectively offering a reflective break. Labor Day on May 1 honors workers, followed by SPLA Day on May 16, which honors the founding days of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army.
Eid al-Adha is another major Islamic festival at the end of May. Independence Day on July 9 celebrates the emergence of the sovereign nation of South Sudan in 2011, and Martyr’s Day on July 30 honors people who sacrificed for freedom. Christmas Day ends on December 25, Republic Day on December 28, and New Year’s Eve on December 31. This holiday calendar offers South Sudanese citizens dedicated time for reflection, unity, and cultural celebrations during 2026.
South Sudan Holiday Calendar 2026
South Sudan Holidays 2026
| Date | Weekday | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| Jan 9 | Friday | Peace Agreement Day |
| Mar 20 | Friday | Eid al‑Fitr (tentative) |
| Apr 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| Apr 4 | Saturday | Holy Saturday |
| Apr 5 | Sunday | Easter Sunday |
| April 6 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day |
| May 16 | Saturday | SPLA Day |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Eid al‑Adha (tentative) |
| Jul 9 | Thursday | Independence Day |
| Jul 30 | Thursday | Martyrs’ Day |
| Dec 24 | Thursday | Christmas Eve |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
| Dec 26 | Saturday | Second Day of Christmas |
| Dec 28 | Monday | Republic Day |
| Dec 31 | Thursday | New Year’s Eve |
- New Year’s Day—JAN 1: Gregorian celebrates the beginning of the year.
- Peace MoUs—Jan 9: Signature of the 2005 Shanti Agreement to end decades of conflict.
- Eid al-Fitr—Mar 20: Muslim festival celebrates the end of Ramadan fasting.
- Good Friday—April 3: Christian observation of Jesus’ cross.
- Holy Saturday—April 4: Christian Image Day before Easter Sunday.
- Easter Sunday—April 5: Jesus celebrates the revival of Christ.
- Easter Monday—April 6: Extension of Easter function for family and comfort.
- Labor Day—May 1: Respects the contribution and rights of workers.
- Spla Day—May 16: Sudan recalls the establishment of the People’s Liberation Army.
- Eid al-Adha—May 27: The festival of sacrifice celebrated by Muslims.
- Independence Day—July 9: Celebrates freedom with Sudan.
- Martyr Day—Jul30: Honors fallen SPLA leader John Garang and other martyrs.
- Christmas Eve—Dec 24: In the evening, before Christmas, it was observed as a public holiday.
- Christmas Day—DEC25: Christian holiday celebrating Jesus’ birth.
- Second day of Christmas—Dec. 26: Additional celebration after Christmas.
- Republic Day—DEC28: South Sudan, in the form of a republic, marks the declaration.
- New Year’s Eve—Dec 31: The last day of the year is celebrated before midnight.