Rwanda Public Holidays
Rwanda observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Overview
Rwanda 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 Rwanda by year below.
2026 holidays
A quick look at upcoming holidays in Rwanda.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year |
| Jan 2 | Friday | Day After New Year's Day |
| Feb 1 | Sunday | National Heroes' Day |
| Feb 2 | Monday | National Heroes' Day observed |
| Mar 20 | Friday | Eid al-Fitr |
| Mar 20 | Friday | March Equinox |
| Apr 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| Apr 6 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| Apr 7 | Tuesday | Genocide Against the Tutsi Memorial Day |
| May 1 | Friday | Labor Day |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha |
| Jun 21 | Sunday | June Solstice |
| Jul 1 | Wednesday | Independence Day |
| Jul 4 | Saturday | Liberation Day |
| Jul 6 | Monday | Liberation Day observed |
Holiday calendar by year
Years are listed in ascending order.
About public holidays in Rwanda
This guide provides an overview of public holidays in Rwanda. Holidays are observed on fixed dates or according to the lunar calendar. You can find definitions for public holidays on our global public holidays page. For a complete list of dated holidays in Rwanda for a specific year, please visit the Rwanda holidays 2026 page.
Major public holidays in 2026
In 2026, Rwanda observes a variety of public holidays, including significant national and religious observances. Many of these holidays are fixed, while others, like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, are determined by the lunar calendar.
Other notable holidays in 2026 include New Year, National Heroes' Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, and Christmas Day. For a comprehensive list and more details, please refer to the full Rwanda holiday calendar for 2026.
- New Year — 1 January 2026. Marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year.
- National Heroes' Day — 1 February 2026. A day to honor those who have contributed to Rwanda's liberation and development.
- Genocide Against the Tutsi Memorial Day — 7 April 2026. A solemn day of remembrance for the victims of the 1994 genocide.
- Independence Day — 1 July 2026. Commemorates Rwanda's independence from Belgian rule.
- Liberation Day — 4 July 2026. Celebrates the end of the 1994 genocide and the liberation of Rwanda.
- Christmas Day — 25 December 2026. A Christian observance celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Planning around holidays
Public holidays in Rwanda can affect business operations and public services. Many holidays are fixed, making them predictable for planning purposes. However, religious holidays, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, are based on lunar cycles, so their dates can vary annually.
- Fixed Dates: Holidays like New Year, Independence Day, and Christmas Day fall on the same date each year.
- Lunar Calendar: Religious holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha shift annually based on the Islamic lunar calendar.
- Observed Dates: Some holidays may have an 'observed' date if the actual holiday falls on a weekend, ensuring the public receives the benefit of the holiday.
- Seasonal Patterns: While not tied to specific seasons, the clustering of certain holidays, like those around Easter, may offer opportunities for extended breaks.
Plan Your Year Around RW Holidays
View Rwanda holidays in calendar mode
Explore public holidays in a visual calendar layout and plan ahead more easily.