Malawi Public Holidays
Malawi observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Overview
Malawi 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 Malawi by year below.
2026 holidays
A quick look at upcoming holidays in Malawi.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year |
| Jan 15 | Thursday | John Chilembwe Day |
| Feb 18 | Wednesday | Ramadan Start |
| Mar 3 | Tuesday | Martyrs' Day |
| Mar 20 | Friday | Eid al-Fitr |
| Mar 20 | Friday | March Equinox |
| Apr 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| Apr 4 | Saturday | Easter Saturday |
| Apr 6 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Friday | May Day |
| May 14 | Thursday | Kamuzu Day |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha |
| Jun 21 | Sunday | June Solstice |
| Jul 6 | Monday | Independence Day |
| Sep 23 | Wednesday | September Equinox |
Holiday calendar by year
Years are listed in ascending order.
About public holidays in Malawi
Malawi observes a variety of public holidays throughout the year, including national commemorations, religious festivals, and international observances. These holidays are a mix of fixed dates and those that shift annually based on religious calendars or astronomical events.
On this page, you'll find a comprehensive list of Malawi's public holidays for 2026. For a general understanding of what constitutes a public holiday, please see our definitions page. For a full, dated list of holidays in Malawi for the current year, visit our Malawi holidays 2026 page.
Major public holidays in 2026
In 2026, Malawi will observe several significant public holidays. These include days of national importance and major religious celebrations.
Other holidays observed in Malawi during 2026 include Ramadan Start, Eid al-Fitr, March Equinox, Easter Saturday, Easter Monday, May Day, Kamuzu Day, Eid al-Adha, June Solstice, September Equinox, Mother's Day, December Solstice, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. You can view the complete list of holidays for 2026 on our Malawi holidays 2026 page.
- New Year — 1 January 2026. Marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year.
- John Chilembwe Day — 15 January 2026. Commemorates the Malawian hero of the resistance against British rule.
- Martyrs' Day — 3 March 2026. Honors those who died for Malawi's independence.
- Good Friday — 3 April 2026. A Christian observance commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus.
- Independence Day — 6 July 2026. Celebrates Malawi's independence from British rule in 1964.
- Christmas Day — 25 December 2026. A Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus.
Planning around holidays
Malawi's public holidays are spread throughout the year, offering opportunities for rest and celebration. Some holidays fall on fixed dates, while others, particularly religious ones like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, change annually. Astronomical events like equinoxes and solstices also mark specific dates.
- Early Year: The year begins with New Year's Day and John Chilembwe Day, often providing a brief respite.
- Spring: March and April feature significant religious holidays such as Martyrs' Day, Good Friday, and the Easter observances, which may affect business operations.
- Mid-Year: Independence Day in July is a key national celebration.
- Late Year: The year concludes with Christmas and Boxing Day, often accompanied by an additional day off.
- Variable Dates: Be aware that holidays tied to lunar calendars or astronomical events will shift each year, so it's always best to check the specific dates for your chosen year.
Plan Your Year Around MW Holidays
View Malawi holidays in calendar mode
Explore public holidays in a visual calendar layout and plan ahead more easily.