Public Holidays in Benin in [2026]

Living in Benin or going on holiday there? Here’s a list of the public holidays in Benin you need to know in 2026, plus 2027 and 2028 tables to help you plan ahead.

Benin has 14 public holidays in 2026 on the currently published holiday calendar. Of those, 11 fall on weekdays, which makes the year especially useful for planning leave and long weekends.

Whether you live in Benin or are just visiting, it helps to note these dates early. On some of these days, offices, banks, schools, and smaller businesses may be closed or work reduced hours. Benin’s current public holiday calendar is not the same as older sample lists, because the annual Vodoun holiday was updated by law and the 2026 schedule also includes Muslim feast days.

Public holidays in Benin in 2026

This 2026 table follows the current public-holiday listings for Benin. It also reflects the official 2026 government communiqué declaring 8 and 9 January 2026 public holidays for the annual traditional religions festival.

How many public holidays are observed in Benin?

Benin’s currently published 2026 calendar shows 14 public holidays. These include fixed dates such as New Year’s Day, Labour Day, Independence Day, All Saints’ Day, and Christmas Day, along with movable Christian and Muslim holidays.

One important change from many older sample lists is the Vodoun holiday. In 2024, Benin adopted a law setting the annual traditional religions holiday, and the government later issued a specific 2026 notice making 8 and 9 January 2026 public holidays for that celebration.

The most popular holidays in Benin

A few holidays stand out more than others in everyday life. The Vodoun Festival in January is one of the most distinctive dates in Benin’s calendar, while Independence Day on 1 August remains one of the main national holidays.

The religious calendar is also important, with Korité, Tabaski, Maouloud, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, All Saints’ Day, and Christmas Day all appearing as public holidays in 2026.

What the public holidays and days off are in Benin

New Year’s Day

New Year’s Day falls on 1 January and opens the holiday year in Benin.

Day Off for Vodoun Festival

In 2026, the Benin government declared 8 January a public holiday linked to the annual traditional religions celebration.

Vodoun Festival

The Vodoun Festival itself falls on 9 January 2026 in the official government notice for that year.

Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr, listed locally as Korité, falls on 20 March 2026 in the current calendar.

Easter Monday

Easter Monday is a public holiday in Benin and falls on 6 April 2026.

Labour Day

Labour Day is observed on 1 May and is one of the country’s fixed public holidays.

Ascension Day

Ascension Day falls on 14 May 2026.

Whit Monday

Whit Monday, or Lundi de Pentecôte, falls on 25 May 2026.

Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha, listed locally as Tabaski, falls on 27 May 2026 in the current holiday calendar.

Independence Day

Independence Day is celebrated on 1 August and marks Benin’s independence from France in 1960.

Assumption Day

Assumption Day falls on 15 August and is a fixed public holiday.

Prophet’s Birthday

The Prophet’s Birthday, listed as Maouloud, falls on 26 August 2026 in the current calendar.

All Saints’ Day

All Saints’ Day is observed on 1 November in Benin.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day falls on 25 December and closes the holiday year.

Public holidays in Benin in 2027

The 2027 table below follows currently published holiday listings. The Muslim holiday dates shown there are marked as tentative by the source.

Public holidays in Benin in 2028

The 2028 table also follows currently published holiday listings. The Muslim holiday dates shown there are marked as tentative by the source.

Conclusion

Benin’s 2026 public holiday calendar is more current than many older sample lists, especially because it includes the updated Vodoun festival schedule and the Muslim public holidays. With the 2027 and 2028 tables included as well, it is easier to plan work, travel, and leave in advance.

Last Updated on 04/05/2026