Western Sahara Public Holidays 2025
Western Sahara has 9 public holidays and 0 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 Feb | Thu | Independence Day | public |
| 8 Mar | Sat | First Martyr | public |
| 30 Mar | Sun | End of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) | public |
| 10 May | Sat | May 20 Revolution | public |
| 6 Jun | Fri | Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) | public |
| 9 Jun | Mon | Day of the Martyrs | public |
| 17 Jun | Tue | Day of National Unity | public |
| 26 Jun | Thu | Islamic New Year | public |
| 4 Sep | Thu | Birthday of Muhammad (Mawlid) | public |
About Western Sahara's Holidays
Western Sahara marks holidays that reflect its national struggle and Sahrawi identity. The most important national days celebrate the declaration of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic and key events tied to the independence movement and resistance.
Religious holidays are central. Islamic observances like Ramadan, Eid al Fitr, and Eid al Adha bring families together for prayer, fasting, feasting, and charity. These move each year with the lunar calendar and shape daily life during those periods.
Public and cultural holidays include International Workers Day and remembrance days for martyrs and refugees. Local festivals showcase Sahrawi music, poetry, dress, and cuisine. Together these national, religious, and cultural days keep community bonds strong.
Holiday Traditions
In Western Sahara people celebrate with family and music. Homes fill with singing, clapping, and the long Sahrawi songs called haul. Women wear colorful melhfas and men wear loose robes. Communities gather in tents for shared joy and storytelling.
Food is central. Families serve couscous, stews with lamb or camel, sweet dates, and strong mint tea poured three times. Meals are eaten together from large plates so everyone shares. Guests are welcomed warmly and treated with respect and generosity.
Public celebrations include processions, dances, and poetry recitals. Children play and elders lead prayers and blessings. Flags and simple decorations mark special days. The focus is on unity, hospitality, cultural pride, and keeping old traditions alive.
Travel Tips
During the holiday season many shops, banks and government offices in Western Sahara may be closed or have shorter hours. Tourist facilities are limited outside main towns, so plan essentials like cash, water and fuel ahead of time.
Public transport and flights are sparse. Road travel is the usual way to move around, but expect checkpoints, slower border crossings and fewer taxis on holiday days. Book any private transfers or guides in advance and allow extra travel time for delays.
Holidays can make some towns quieter and others busier if local events draw people. Check current travel advice, carry ID and copies, and confirm accommodation and transport bookings before you go.