| Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-01-01 | New Year's Day | National |
| 2025-01-04 | Martyrs' Day | National |
| 2025-01-16 | National Hero Laurent Désiré Kabila Day | National |
| 2025-01-17 | National Hero Patrice Emery Lumumba Day | National |
| 2025-04-05 | Day of the Struggle of Simon Kimbangu and African Consciousness (observed) | Substitute |
| 2025-04-06 | Day of the Struggle of Simon Kimbangu and African Consciousness | National |
| 2025-05-01 | Labor Day | National |
| 2025-05-17 | Revolution and Armed Forces Day | National |
| 2025-06-30 | Independence Day | National |
| 2025-08-01 | Parents' Day | National |
| 2025-08-02 | Congolese Genocide Memorial Day | National |
| 2025-12-25 | Christmas Day | National |
How many public holidays does DR Congo have in 2025?
DR Congo has 12 public holidays in 2025: 11 national holidays, 1 substitute day. The dates run from 1 January 2025 to 25 December 2025, and no public holiday falls in February, March, July, September, October, November. Observances and regional holidays are listed separately and are not counted.
Wondering how that stacks up globally? See how DR Congo's public holiday count compares.
Long weekends in DR Congo 2025
DR Congo's public holidays create 3 long weekends in 2025 - runs of three or more consecutive days off, each built around a holiday that touches a weekend.
- Thu 16 - Sun 19 January: National Hero Laurent Désiré Kabila Day (4-day weekend, Thursday 16 January to Sunday 19 January).
- Sat 28 - Mon 30 June: Independence Day (3-day weekend, Saturday 28 June to Monday 30 June).
- Fri 1 - Sun 3 August: Parents' Day (3-day weekend, Friday 1 August to Sunday 3 August).
Observed and substitute holidays in DR Congo 2025
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.
- 5 April 2025 (Saturday) - given as the day off for Day of the Struggle of Simon Kimbangu and African Consciousness (observed), which falls on a weekend.
Regional variations are common; see public holidays across Africa for the wider picture.
Public holidays in DR Congo: is your date a holiday in 2025?
Every date in the table above is a public holiday in DR Congo in 2025. 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 2025 is New Year's Day, a public holiday in DR Congo.
More to explore: browse public holidays by country.
About these holidays in DR Congo (2025)
Our DR Congo 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.
Martyrs' Day
Martyrs' Day honours those who died for their country or for a political or religious cause. The date and the event commemorated vary by nation: in India it marks the death of Mahatma Gandhi on 30 January, in Panama the 1964 flag protests, and in several Arab countries it recalls those killed in the independence struggle. Observances typically include wreath laying, moments of silence and official ceremonies at memorials.
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.
Independence Day
Independence Day marks the anniversary of a nation's formal separation from another state, or of the founding moment of its sovereignty. Because it commemorates a specific historical event, the date differs from country to country and the name often includes the year. Typical observances include flag raising, military parades, speeches by heads of state, and public concerts. It is frequently the most prominent national holiday on the calendar.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day on 25 December is the Christian feast of the Nativity of Jesus and one of the most widely observed public holidays in the world. It is a legal holiday in most nations with Christian majorities or heritage, and a cultural holiday in many others. Customs include family gatherings, gift giving, special meals and decorated trees. Countries following the Julian or Oriental Orthodox calendars often celebrate on 7 January instead.