2024 Public Holidays in Ivory Coast

Public Holidays in Ivory Coast 2024

Ivory Coast, officially known as the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, observes a diverse range of public holidays throughout the year. These holidays reflect the country’s cultural, religious, and historical heritage, and are celebrated with various traditions and festivities. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the public holidays in Ivory Coast for the year 2024, providing detailed descriptions of each holiday along with information on the groups entitled to days off.

New Year’s Day – January 1, 2024

New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year and is celebrated with joy and festivity around the world, including Ivory Coast. It is a time for gatherings, parties, and fireworks displays as people bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one with hope and optimism.

Days off: New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Ivory Coast, observed by government offices, businesses, and educational institutions, providing a day off for employees and students.

International Women’s Day – March 8, 2024

International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women around the world. It is also a day to advocate for gender equality and women’s rights. In Ivory Coast, International Women’s Day is observed with events, marches, and initiatives aimed at empowering women and promoting gender equality.

Days off: International Women’s Day is not a public holiday in Ivory Coast. However, it is recognized by some businesses and organizations, with some granting leave or reduced hours for employees to participate in related activities.

Labor Day (International Workers’ Day) – May 1, 2024

Labor Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, honors the contributions of workers and the labor movement worldwide. In Ivory Coast, it is celebrated with rallies, marches, and events organized by trade unions and labor organizations. It is a day to advocate for workers’ rights, fair wages, and social justice.

Days off: Labor Day is a public holiday in Ivory Coast, observed by government offices, businesses, and educational institutions, providing a day off for employees and students.

Assumption of Mary – August 15, 2024

The Assumption of Mary is a Christian holiday that commemorates the Virgin Mary’s bodily assumption into heaven. It is celebrated by Catholics around the world with church services, processions, and prayers. In Ivory Coast, where Catholicism is one of the dominant religions, the Assumption of Mary is observed with religious observances and festivities.

Days off: The Assumption of Mary is not a public holiday in Ivory Coast. However, it is recognized by the Catholic community, with some businesses and institutions granting leave or reduced hours for employees to observe the day.

Independence Day – August 7, 2024

Independence Day commemorates Ivory Coast’s independence from France on August 7, 1960. It is a national holiday that celebrates the country’s sovereignty, freedom, and national identity. Independence Day is marked by ceremonies, parades, cultural events, and festivities across the country.

Days off: Independence Day is a public holiday in Ivory Coast, observed by government offices, businesses, and educational institutions, providing a day off for employees and students.

Eid al-Fitr – May 3, 2024

Eid al-Fitr, also known as the Festival of Breaking the Fast, is one of the most important Islamic holidays celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Eid al-Fitr is a time of joy, thanksgiving, and communal prayers. Families and friends come together to share meals, exchange gifts, and engage in acts of charity.

Days off: Eid al-Fitr is not an official public holiday in Ivory Coast. However, it is celebrated by the country’s Muslim community, with some businesses and institutions granting leave or reduced hours for employees to observe the day.

Tabaski (Eid al-Adha) – July 23, 2024

Tabaski, also known as Eid al-Adha or the Festival of Sacrifice, is another major Islamic holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Tabaski involves the sacrifice of an animal, typically a sheep, goat, or cow, and the distribution of meat to the less fortunate.

Days off: Tabaski is not an official public holiday in Ivory Coast. However, it is celebrated by the country’s Muslim community, with some businesses and institutions granting leave or reduced hours for employees to observe the day.

National Peace Day – November 15, 2024

National Peace Day, also known as National Reconciliation Day, is a public holiday that commemorates the signing of the Linas-Marcoussis Accord in 2003, which aimed to bring an end to the Ivorian Civil War. It is a day to reflect on the importance of peace, reconciliation, and national unity in Ivory Coast. National Peace Day is observed with ceremonies, events, and initiatives aimed at promoting peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts.

Days off: National Peace Day is a public holiday in Ivory Coast, observed by government offices, businesses, and educational institutions, providing a day off for employees and students.

Christmas Day – December 25, 2024

Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is one of the most important holidays in the Christian calendar. In Ivory Coast, where Christianity is widely practiced, Christmas is observed with religious services, festive meals, and the exchange of gifts. It is a time of joy, generosity, and goodwill, as families and communities come together to celebrate the holiday.

Days off: Christmas Day is a public holiday in Ivory Coast, observed by government offices, businesses, and educational institutions, providing a day off for employees and students.

Table: Summary of Public Holidays in Ivory Coast 2024