2024 Public Holidays in Burkina Faso

Public Holidays in Burkina Faso 2024

Burkina Faso, a landlocked country in West Africa, celebrates various public holidays throughout the year, each with its own cultural, historical, and religious significance. These holidays are important occasions for the Burkinabe people to come together, celebrate their heritage, and commemorate significant events in their history. In this guide, we will explore the public holidays in Burkina Faso 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 is celebrated worldwide on January 1st, marking the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. In Burkina Faso, it is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and reflection. Many Burkinabe people attend church services and participate in traditional rituals to welcome the new year with hope and optimism.

Days off: New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Burkina Faso, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.

Labour Day – May 1, 2024

Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, is observed worldwide to honor the contributions of workers to society and advocate for labor rights and improved working conditions. In Burkina Faso, it is a day of rallies, marches, and speeches organized by trade unions and labor organizations. Workers from various sectors come together to demand better wages, working conditions, and social benefits.

Days off: Labour Day is a public holiday in Burkina Faso, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.

Ascension Day – May 30, 2024

Ascension Day, also known as the Feast of the Ascension, commemorates the Christian belief in the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. In Burkina Faso, it is observed with religious services, processions, and prayers. Many Christians attend church on this day to reflect on the significance of Christ’s ascension and its relevance to their faith.

Days off: Ascension Day is a public holiday in Burkina Faso, primarily observed by members of the Christian community, but it is also recognized by the wider population, with many businesses and schools closing for the occasion.

Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) – May 14, 2024 (subject to change based on moon sighting)

Eid al-Fitr, also known as the Festival of Breaking the Fast, marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. In Burkina Faso, it is a joyous occasion celebrated with prayers, feasting, and the exchange of gifts. Muslims gather in mosques and open spaces to perform special prayers and listen to sermons. They also participate in acts of charity to help those in need celebrate the festival.

Days off: Eid al-Fitr is a public holiday in Burkina Faso, primarily observed by members of the Muslim community, but it is also recognized by the wider population, with many businesses and schools closing for the occasion.

Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) – July 3, 2024 (subject to change based on moon sighting)

Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. In Burkina Faso, it is celebrated with prayers, the sacrifice of animals, and the sharing of meat with family, friends, and the less fortunate. Muslims also engage in acts of charity and goodwill during this time.

Days off: Eid al-Adha is a public holiday in Burkina Faso, primarily observed by members of the Muslim community, but it is also recognized by the wider population, with many businesses and schools closing for the occasion.

Independence Day – August 5, 2024

Independence Day in Burkina Faso commemorates the country’s independence from French colonial rule on August 5, 1960. It is a day of national pride and patriotism, marked by flag-raising ceremonies, parades, cultural performances, and speeches by government officials. Independence Day is an opportunity for Burkinabe people to celebrate their sovereignty and reflect on their nation’s history.

Days off: Independence Day is a public holiday in Burkina Faso, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.

Assumption of Mary – August 15, 2024

The Assumption of Mary is a Christian feast day that commemorates the belief in the bodily assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven. In Burkina Faso, it is observed with religious services, processions, and prayers. Many Catholics attend Mass and participate in special devotions to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary on this day.

Days off: Assumption of Mary is a public holiday in Burkina Faso, primarily observed by members of the Christian community, but it is also recognized by the wider population, with many businesses and schools closing for the occasion.

All Saints’ Day – November 1, 2024

All Saints’ Day is a Christian holiday dedicated to honoring all the saints, known and unknown. In Burkina Faso, it is observed with religious services, visits to cemeteries to honor deceased loved ones, and the lighting of candles. Many Christians also engage in acts of charity and prayers for the souls of the departed.

Days off: All Saints’ Day is a public holiday in Burkina Faso, primarily observed by members of the Christian community, but it is also recognized by the wider population, with many businesses and schools closing for the occasion.

Christmas Day – December 25, 2024

Christmas Day is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed with religious services, festive meals, and the exchange of gifts. In Burkina Faso, Christmas is a time for family gatherings, church services, and traditional celebrations. Many people attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and enjoy special meals with loved ones on Christmas Day.

Days off: Christmas Day is a public holiday in Burkina Faso, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.

Table: Summary of Public Holidays in Burkina Faso 2024