| Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-01 | New Year's Day | National |
| 2026-03-20 | Eid al-Fitr (estimated) | National |
| 2026-03-29 | Barthélemy Boganda Day | National |
| 2026-04-06 | Easter Monday | National |
| 2026-05-01 | Labor Day | National |
| 2026-05-14 | Ascension Day | National |
| 2026-05-25 | Pentecost Monday | National |
| 2026-05-27 | Eid al-Adha (estimated) | National |
| 2026-06-30 | General Prayer Day | National |
| 2026-08-13 | Independence Day | National |
| 2026-08-15 | Assumption Day | National |
| 2026-11-01 | All Saints' Day | National |
| 2026-12-01 | National Day | National |
| 2026-12-25 | Christmas Day | National |
How many public holidays does Central African Republic have in 2026?
Central African Republic has 14 public holidays in 2026: 14 national holidays. The dates run from 1 January 2026 to 25 December 2026, and no public holiday falls in February, July, September, October. Observances and regional holidays are listed separately and are not counted.
Wondering how that stacks up globally? See how Central African Republic's public holiday count compares.
Long weekends in Central African Republic 2026
Central African Republic's public holidays create 5 long weekends in 2026 - runs of three or more consecutive days off, each built around a holiday that touches a weekend.
- Fri 20 - Sun 22 March: Eid al-Fitr (estimated) (3-day weekend, Friday 20 March to Sunday 22 March).
- Sat 4 - Mon 6 April: Easter Monday (3-day weekend, Saturday 4 April to Monday 6 April).
- Fri 1 - Sun 3 May: Labor Day (3-day weekend, Friday 1 May to Sunday 3 May).
- Sat 23 - Mon 25 May: Pentecost Monday (3-day weekend, Saturday 23 May to Monday 25 May).
- Fri 25 - Sun 27 December: Christmas Day (3-day weekend, Friday 25 December to Sunday 27 December).
Observed and substitute holidays in Central African Republic 2026
A substitute holiday is a day off moved to a nearby working weekday when a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday. The legal date never changes - only the day most people actually get off.
In 2026 no public holiday in Central African Republic is moved to a nearby weekday, so every holiday in the table above is observed on the date shown.
Regional variations are common; see public holidays across Africa for the wider picture.
Public holidays in Central African Republic: is your date a holiday in 2026?
Every date in the table above is a public holiday in Central African Republic in 2026. If the date you are checking appears there, it is a day off; if it does not, it is not a public holiday - however widely it may be marked.
For example, 1 January 2026 is New Year's Day, a public holiday in Central African Republic.
More to explore: browse public holidays by country.
About these holidays in Central African Republic (2026)
Our Central African Republic public holidays guide explains the background of each holiday and how the dates are set.
New Year's Day
New Year's Day falls on 1 January and opens the Gregorian calendar year. Most countries mark it with a public holiday, and celebrations usually begin the night before with countdowns, fireworks and gatherings. The date was fixed in its current position by Julius Caesar's calendar reform, and later preserved by the Gregorian reform of 1582. traditions vary widely, from first-footing in Scotland to writing resolutions for the months ahead.
Eid al-Fitr (estimated)
Eid al-Fitr is the festival that ends Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, and begins on the first day of Shawwal. It is a two or three day public holiday across much of the Muslim world. The date depends on the sighting of the new moon, so published calendars mark it as estimated until it is confirmed. Families gather for prayer, shared meals and charitable giving before the fast was broken each evening of Ramadan.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday and forms the final day of the Easter octave in Western Christianity. It is a public holiday in many European, Commonwealth and Latin American countries, effectively extending the Easter weekend. Because it is tied to the movable date of Easter, it falls between late March and late April. Traditional customs include egg rolling, picnics and family outings.
Labor Day
Labor Day honours the achievements of workers and the labour movement. Most countries observe it on 1 May, known internationally as May Day or International Workers' Day, which grew out of the campaign for an eight hour working day. Others, including the United States and Canada, hold it on the first Monday of September. Typical events include trade union marches, rallies and public speeches on working conditions.
Ascension Day
Ascension Day commemorates the ascension of Jesus into heaven, held on the fortieth day of Easter, always a Thursday. It is a public holiday in many European countries including Germany, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland. Because it is tied to Easter, the date falls between 30 April and 3 June. In several countries it also serves as a traditional day for outdoor excursions.