Senegal Public Holidays 2025
Senegal 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 |
31 Mar | Mon | End of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) | public |
4 Apr | Fri | National Holiday | 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 |
5 Jul | Sat | Day of Ashura | public |
12 Aug | Tue | Magal de Touba | public |
15 Aug | Fri | Assumption | public |
4 Sep | Thu | Birthday of Muhammad (Mawlid) | public |
1 Nov | Sat | All Saints' Day | public |
25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
About Senegal's Holidays
Senegal mixes national, public, and cultural holidays that reflect its history and faiths. The state marks the country name, workers, and independence with public celebrations and ceremonies that bring people together in towns and cities.
Religious holidays are very important. Islamic festivals set by the lunar calendar shape the year. Large pilgrimages and saint celebrations, especially the Magal of Touba, draw millions and blend prayer with music and charity.
Christian holidays are observed by the Christian community and included in the public calendar. Overall, holidays in Senegal are times for family, worship, music, food, and community help, showing the country s diverse traditions and strong social bonds.
Holiday Traditions
Holidays in Senegal bring bright sounds and colors. People celebrate with music, dancing and storytelling. Many events mix religious and local customs. Community life is at the center of each celebration.
Families gather across generations. Elders are honored and children receive small gifts. People wear new clothes and visit friends. Prayers and blessings often begin the day.
Food is very important. Big shared meals feature rice dishes, marinated meats, fish and sweet treats. Neighbors bring plates to share. Eating together shows care and belonging.
Public celebrations include drumming, parades and traditional wrestling. Markets fill with crafts and decorations. Overall holidays strengthen community bonds and keep cultural traditions alive.
Travel Tips
Visiting Senegal (sn) during the holiday season means many government offices and banks close for days. Some small shops and markets shut or open shorter hours, while tourist spots and restaurants often stay open with special hours.
Transportation gets busy. Flights and buses fill up early, so book ahead. Taxis and shared vans can be harder to find at night. Ferries and rural transport may run on limited schedules during holidays and festivals.
Expect crowded markets and lively streets. Major cities like Dakar see heavy traffic during evenings and holiday events. Allow more travel time and avoid rush hours when possible to prevent delays and stress.
Bring extra cash since some ATMs run out. Carry ID and plan bookings early. Be respectful of local customs and festival spaces. Keep travel and safety info up to date.