Djibouti Public Holidays 2025
Djibouti has 10 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 |
| 27 Jan | Mon | Laylat al-Mi'raj | public |
| 30 Mar | Sun | End of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) | public |
| 1 May | Thu | Labour Day | public |
| 5 Jun | Thu | Arafat Day | public |
| 6 Jun | Fri | Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) | public |
| 26 Jun | Thu | Islamic New Year | public |
| 27 Jun | Fri | Independence Day | public |
| 4 Sep | Thu | Birthday of Muhammad (Mawlid) | public |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
About Djibouti's Holidays
Djibouti’s holiday calendar mixes national pride, religion, and work pauses. The biggest national holiday is Independence Day on June 27. Public life and government offices often close for this and for major Islamic festivals.
Islamic holidays shape the year. Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha are widely observed. The dates change each year because they follow the lunar calendar. Families gather, eat special food, give gifts, and attend prayers.
Labor Day on May 1 is a public holiday for workers. Other public observances include events that honor national history and leaders. Across these holidays, community, faith, and national identity are the main themes.
Holiday Traditions
Holidays in Djibouti bring families together to pray, eat, and visit relatives. People dress in colorful traditional clothes. Children often receive small gifts. Respect for elders is shown by visiting them and sharing food at home with warm conversation and laughter.
Food is central. Families cook spicy stews, rice dishes, fresh seafood, and fried sambusas. Strong sweet tea or coffee is served to guests. Meals are shared from large plates so everyone can eat together and feel part of the celebration.
In public, towns fill with music, dancing, and markets. There are parades, flags, and sometimes fireworks. Community meals and charity for the needy are common. The mood is joyful and welcoming, linking modern life with deep local traditions.
Travel Tips
Visiting Djibouti (dj) during the holiday season means some government offices, banks, and shops close for public and religious holidays. Tourist sites usually stay open, but smaller businesses may have reduced hours. Plan errands for nonholiday days.
Transport like taxis and minibuses run, but schedules can be less regular. Flight seats fill early and prices rise around major holidays. Roads near markets and mosques get busy during festival times. Allow extra travel time and book transfers in advance.
Carry local cash as ATMs can be limited when banks close. Respect local customs and dress codes. Confirm opening hours with hotels and tour operators before you go to avoid surprises.