| Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-01 | New Year's Day | National |
| 2026-02-18 | Armed Forces Day | National |
| 2026-03-08 | International Women's Day | National |
| 2026-03-09 | International Women's Day (observed) | Substitute |
| 2026-03-20 | Eid al-Fitr (estimated) | National |
| 2026-04-03 | Good Friday | National |
| 2026-04-06 | Easter Monday | National |
| 2026-04-27 | Independence Day | National |
| 2026-05-01 | International Worker's Day | National |
| 2026-05-27 | Eid al-Adha (estimated) | National |
| 2026-08-25 | Prophet's Birthday (estimated) | National |
| 2026-12-25 | Christmas Day | National |
| 2026-12-26 | Boxing Day | National |
| 2026-12-28 | Boxing Day (observed) | Substitute |
About these holidays in Sierra Leone (2026)
Our Sierra Leone 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.
Armed Forces Day
Armed Forces Day honours a nation's military services and the people who serve in them. The date and the name differ by country: the United Kingdom observes it in late June, Nigeria on 15 January, Pakistan on 6 September and Thailand on 18 January. Typical observances include military parades, air displays, open days at bases and ceremonies recognising veterans and serving personnel.
International Women's Day
International Women's Day on 8 March celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and calls attention to gender equality. It grew out of labour movement campaigns in the early twentieth century and was adopted by the United Nations in 1975. In a number of countries, especially in Eastern Europe, Central Asia and parts of Africa, it is an official public holiday, and flowers are traditionally given to women.
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.
Good Friday
Good Friday is the Friday before Easter and commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus. It is a public holiday in most countries with Christian traditions, and businesses, banks and schools often close. Observance is typically solemn, with church services, processions and in some places Passion plays. The date moves each year because Easter is calculated from the first full moon following the March equinox.