| Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-01 | New Year's Day | National |
| 2026-02-18 | Independence Day | National |
| 2026-03-16 | Laylat al-Qadr (estimated) | National |
| 2026-03-20 | Eid al-Fitr (estimated) | National |
| 2026-03-21 | Eid al-Fitr (estimated) | National |
| 2026-03-23 | Eid al-Fitr (observed, estimated) | Substitute |
| 2026-04-03 | Good Friday | National |
| 2026-04-06 | Easter Monday | National |
| 2026-05-01 | Labor Day | National |
| 2026-05-25 | Africa Liberation Day | National |
| 2026-05-27 | Eid al-Adha (estimated) | National |
| 2026-05-28 | Eid al-Adha (estimated) | National |
| 2026-06-25 | Ashura (estimated) | National |
| 2026-07-22 | July 22 Revolution Day | National |
| 2026-08-15 | Assumption Day | National |
| 2026-08-17 | Assumption Day (observed) | Substitute |
| 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 |
How many public holidays does Gambia have in 2026?
Gambia has 20 public holidays in 2026: 17 national holidays, 3 substitute days. The dates run from 1 January 2026 to 28 December 2026, and no public holiday falls in September, October, November. Observances and regional holidays are listed separately and are not counted.
Wondering how that stacks up globally? See how Gambia's public holiday count compares.
Long weekends in Gambia 2026
Gambia's public holidays create 7 long weekends in 2026 - runs of three or more consecutive days off, each built around a holiday that touches a weekend.
- Sat 14 - Mon 16 March: Laylat al-Qadr (estimated) (3-day weekend, Saturday 14 March to Monday 16 March).
- Fri 20 - Mon 23 March: Eid al-Fitr (estimated) (4-day weekend, Friday 20 March to Monday 23 March).
- Fri 3 - Mon 6 April: Good Friday (4-day weekend, Friday 3 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: Africa Liberation Day (3-day weekend, Saturday 23 May to Monday 25 May).
- Sat 15 - Mon 17 August: Assumption Day (3-day weekend, Saturday 15 August to Monday 17 August).
- Fri 25 - Mon 28 December: Christmas Day (4-day weekend, Friday 25 December to Monday 28 December).
Observed and substitute holidays in Gambia 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.
- 23 March 2026 (Monday) - given as the day off for Eid al-Fitr (observed, estimated), which falls on a weekend.
- 17 August 2026 (Monday) - given as the day off for Assumption Day (observed), which falls on a weekend.
- 28 December 2026 (Monday) - given as the day off for Boxing Day (observed), which falls on a weekend.
Regional variations are common; see public holidays across Africa for the wider picture.
Public holidays in Gambia: is your date a holiday in 2026?
Every date in the table above is a public holiday in Gambia 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 Gambia.
More to explore: browse public holidays by country.
About these holidays in Gambia (2026)
Our Gambia 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.
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.
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.
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.