Central African Republic Public Holidays 2025
Central African Republic has 14 public holidays and 0 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wed | New Year's Day | public |
| 29 Mar | Sat | Boganda Day | public |
| 30 Mar | Sun | End of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) | public |
| 21 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | public |
| 1 May | Thu | Labour Day | public |
| 29 May | Thu | Ascension Day | public |
| 6 Jun | Fri | Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) | public |
| 9 Jun | Mon | Whit Monday | public |
| 30 Jun | Mon | General Prayer Day | public |
| 13 Aug | Wed | Independence Day | public |
| 15 Aug | Fri | Assumption | public |
| 1 Nov | Sat | All Saints' Day | public |
| 1 Dec | Mon | Republic Day | public |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
About Central African Republic's Holidays
The Central African Republic marks a few big national moments most people celebrate. Independence and national unity are the main themes, with public ceremonies, flags, and speeches that bring towns and villages together to remember the country s history and hopes.
Religious holidays shape the calendar a lot. Christian feasts like Christmas and Easter are widely observed, and Muslim festivals such as Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha are also public occasions. Schools, shops, and offices often close so families can pray, visit and share meals.
Labor Day and other civic holidays give people time off for rest and local cultural events. Traditional music, dances and community gatherings are common, mixing modern national pride with long standing local customs.
Holiday Traditions
In the Central African Republic people celebrate with music, drumming and dancing. Many put on colorful traditional clothes and sing songs that tell stories. Religious services and prayers often start the day for families who are Christian or Muslim.
Food is important. Families share hearty meals with cassava, rice, millet, grilled fish or meat and sauces flavored with palm oil and local vegetables. Sweet fruits and special breads or cakes are served. Cooking is a group activity that brings elders and children together.
Public celebrations mix community events and official ceremonies. Towns host processions, dancing in the streets, market stalls selling crafts and food, and speeches by local leaders. The mood is joyful and people greet each other warmly.
Travel Tips
Around holiday season many government offices, banks and some shops close for public and religious holidays. Plan to handle money and paperwork before travel. Some markets still open but hours can change without much notice.
Public transport and long distance buses may run less often. Flights can be limited and schedule changes are possible. Expect fewer taxis in smaller towns. Allow extra time for connections and travel across regions.
City centers and markets get busier on the days before holidays. If you need supplies or services do them early. Bring enough cash because ATMs may be empty or offline for days.
Carry copies of documents and a phone with local SIM. Check embassy advice and local contacts. Be flexible and patient during your trip.