Sierra Leone Public Holidays 2025
Sierra Leone has 13 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 |
| 18 Feb | Tue | Armed Forces Day | public |
| 8 Mar | Sat | International Women's Day | public |
| 30 Mar | Sun | Korité | public |
| 31 Mar | Mon | Korité (substitute day) | public |
| 18 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | public |
| 21 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | public |
| 27 Apr | Sun | Independence Day | public |
| 28 Apr | Mon | Independence Day (substitute day) | public |
| 6 Jun | Fri | Tabaski | public |
| 4 Sep | Thu | Mawlid | public |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
| 26 Dec | Fri | Boxing Day | public |
About Sierra Leone's Holidays
Sierra Leone marks its biggest national moments with public holidays that blend history, politics and culture. Independence Day and other state observances honor the country and its leaders. Many holidays also mark seasons and traditional community life.
Religious festivals shape the yearly rhythm. Christian holidays like Christmas and Easter and Muslim feasts such as Eid attract family gatherings, prayers and public celebrations. Work stops for parades, markets and visiting relatives, so holidays are times for unity, traditions and rest across the country.
Holiday Traditions
In Sierra Leone (sl) holidays bring color and noise. People wear bright clothes and visit family. Children play in the streets. Elders greet each other with respect and share stories about their history and faith.
Food is very important. Families cook jollof rice, cassava, fish, and special stews. Neighbors share plates and sweet treats. Cooking together is a way to show love and keep recipes alive.
Public celebrations include music, dancing, and parades. Drumming and singing happen in towns and villages. Markets bustled with shoppers buying new clothes. The whole community joins in to celebrate faith, freedom, and family.
Travel Tips
Sierra Leone gets very busy in the holiday season. Many people travel to visit family and friends. Expect crowded roads, packed buses, and busy airports, especially late December and early January.
Banks, government offices, and some shops close for public holidays. Smaller shops and markets often stay open but may close earlier. Plan for limited services on those days.
Book flights, ferries, and long distance buses well ahead. Taxis may charge more and wait times can grow. Allow extra time for travel and check transport schedules before leaving.
Carry enough cash and photocopies of ID. Buy a local SIM for maps and calls. Be patient and flexible. Enjoy the visit.