Public holidays in Sierra Leone are normally declared by the President through his State House Press Secretary. Most holidays in Sierra Leone have fixed days like Christmas and Independence Day. However, some holidays are not static. For instance, the two Eids (pray-days) are movable –they are determined by the Islamic calendar which follows a lunar style with months as short as 29 and as long as 30 days reliant on moon sightings.

So let’s delve deeper into the list of public holidays Sierra Leoneans should expect in 2026.

New Year’s Day

Yes, you guessed it right. The first public holiday in 2026 will be the New Year’s Day celebration on January 1. This holiday is regarded as a special which marks the start of the first day in the Gregorian Calendar. Like Sierra Leone, most countries celebrate this day as a day to start new resolutions for a new year. Some Sierra Leoneans mark the first hours in Church and other places of worship while others spend it at entertainment hubs like beach bars, cafés or nightclubs.

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Armed Forces Day

February 18th of each year is regarded as Armed Forces Day in Sierra Leone. This is a day set aside to mourn the gallant Sierra Leonean soldiers that perished in both World Wars and the Sierra Leonean Civil War. Each year, the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) hold military parades in military barracks across the country and on some major streets in the capital, Freetown. The President, who is the Commander-in-Chief actively participates in the commemoration of the Armed Forces Day.

International Women’s Day

The world has general regarded March 8th as a day to celebrate the strength, sacrifices and perseverance of women. On this day, the social, cultural, economic and political achievements of women are celebrated worldwide. This day will fall on a Sunday and it is expected that the Monday, March 9th will be regarded as a holiday for most workers in Sierra Leone. Some Sierra Leonean men spend this day sending warm messages to their spouses, mothers and sisters –appreciating them for the role they play in their lives. This day is becoming increasingly popular among young Sierra Leoneans, especially those living in cities across the country.

Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)

March 20th is expected to be the day Muslims will observe the Eid al-Fitr celebration. This is the day Muslims mark the official end of the month of Ramadan fasting and they expected to feast on this day, dress neatly and pay visits to friends and families. Some affluent Muslims in Sierra Leone, visit expensive restaurants for lunch and or dinner. The day is regarded as one of the best days to merry according to the teachings of the Islamic religion and tradition. However, this date is tentative considering that the Islamic calendar follows a lunar style. It can only be confirmed after lunar sightings by renowned institutions.

Good Friday

Good Friday will fall on April 3rd in 2026. Christians in Sierra Leone and the world over commemorate this day with prayers and praises, while reflecting on the teachings of Jesus. The day is believed to the day Jesus Christ was crucified. Although this is a day of reflection, kids across the country celebrate this day with the flogging of a doll representing Judas Iscariot, the disciple believed to betray Jesus to the Romans.

Easter Monday

This is the day Christians believe that Jesus Christ resurrected following Easter Sunday. This day will be celebrated on April 6th in 2026. Christians believe that this day is a crucial symbol that brings hope, renewal and victory over death. Most locals spend this holiday at restaurants and beach cafés. Some visit families, while others celebrate it at home sending warm messages to family and friends online.

Independence Day

In April 27th 1961, Sierra Leone officially gained independence from Britain. Since then, this day marked a public holiday in which Sierra Leoneans celebrate the day their nation was born. This celebration is marked with ceremonies and patriotic reflection. Before now, locals used to hold lantern parades on the night before the Independence Day and masquerades parade the streets of major cities in the country. However, there is a ban on that now from the government. So, most people celebrate this day, reflecting quietly at home or spend time out with families and friends.

International Labour Day

May 1st of each year is regarded as International Labour Day. This day highlights and celebrates the contribution of workers, labour movements, workers’ welfare and good working conditions in Sierra Leone and across the world. This day is becoming increasingly important to Sierra Leoneans.

Eid al-Adha (Tabaski)

This day is the second day of feasting celebrated by Muslims in Sierra Leone and across the world. For 2026, it is expected to fall on May 27th. This day is regarded by Muslims as the festival commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. It emphasises faith, obedience and generosity. Some Muslims in Sierra Leone replicates Prophet Ibrahim’s tradition by sacrificing a sheep, goat or Cattle. Muslims spend this day offering prayers in the morning and feasting and visiting families later in the day.

Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday

Prophet Muhammad’s birthday or Maulid un-Nabi will be celebrated on either August 25/26th in 2026. The day celebrates the birth of Muhammad (SAW). It is normally observed with prayers, religious lectures and acts of charity. Some mosques celebrate this day with parades while chanting Islamic prayers and songs on the streets.

Christmas Day

Every year, on December 25th, Sierra Leoneans, especially the Christian community celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. This is regarded as a major holiday in Sierra Leone and is marked by church services, family gatherings and festivities. Some Sierra Leoneans spend this day visiting beach cafés and restaurants during the day and by night, some visit popular night clubs. Others in the urban areas travel to their ancestral homes and spend the Christmas there with families and friends.

Boxing Day

Boxing Day, which falls on December 26th each year, will mark the final holiday Sierra Leoneans will celebrate in 2026. This day is regarded by locals as a day of giving to the less fortunate, and spending time with family. For locals and sport lovers in Freetown, this days hosts the infamous Boxing Day sports in which local athletes showcase their talents.