Gambia Public Holidays
Gambia observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Overview
Gambia observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Some holidays are observed nationwide, while others may apply only to specific regions or communities.
Explore the holiday calendar for Gambia by year below.
2026 holidays
A quick look at upcoming holidays in Gambia.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year's Day |
| Feb 18 | Wednesday | Independence Day |
| Apr 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| Apr 6 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day |
| May 25 | Monday | Africa Day |
| Jul 22 | Wednesday | Revolution Day |
| Aug 15 | Saturday | Assumption Day |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
Holiday calendar by year
Years are listed in ascending order.
About public holidays in Gambia
This guide provides an overview of public holidays in The Gambia. Holidays are observed on fixed dates or according to religious calendars. For a comprehensive list of holidays and their observance, please refer to our public holidays definition page.
You can find a detailed, dated list of all holidays for The Gambia in 2026.
Major public holidays in 2026
In 2026, The Gambia observes several significant public holidays. These include national celebrations, religious observances, and international days.
Other holidays observed in 2026 include Assumption Day on August 15 and Christmas Day on December 25. For a complete listing, please visit the Gambia 2026 holidays page.
- New Year's Day — 1 January 2026. Marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year.
- Independence Day — 18 February 2026. Commemorates The Gambia's independence from the United Kingdom in 1965.
- Good Friday — 3 April 2026. A Christian observance commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
- Easter Monday — 6 April 2026. The day after Easter Sunday, also observed as a public holiday.
- Labour Day — 1 May 2026. Celebrates the achievements of workers.
- Africa Day — 25 May 2026. Celebrates African unity and achievement.
- Revolution Day — 22 July 2026. Commemorates the coup d'état that brought Yahya Jammeh to power in 1994.
Planning around holidays
Public holidays in The Gambia can affect business operations and travel. Many holidays are tied to the Gregorian calendar, while others follow Islamic or Christian lunar calendars, meaning their dates can shift annually.
- Fixed Dates: Holidays like Independence Day and Christmas Day fall on the same date each year.
- Lunar Calendars: Religious holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha (not listed for 2026 but observed) and Christian holidays like Good Friday and Easter Monday vary each year based on lunar cycles.
- Observance: When a public holiday falls on a weekend, it may be observed on the following Monday, though this can vary.
- Business Impact: Expect reduced services and potential closures on major national and religious holidays. It's advisable to confirm operating hours with businesses in advance.
Plan Your Year Around GM Holidays
View Gambia holidays in calendar mode
Explore public holidays in a visual calendar layout and plan ahead more easily.