Tanzania Public Holidays 2025
Tanzania has 15 public holidays and 1 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wed | New Year's Day | public |
| 2 Jan | Thu | Zanzibar Revolution Day | public |
| 30 Mar | Sun | End of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) | public |
| 7 Apr | Mon | Karume Day | public |
| 18 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | public |
| 20 Apr | Sun | Easter Sunday | observance |
| 21 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | public |
| 26 Apr | Sat | Union Day | public |
| 1 May | Thu | Labour Day | public |
| 6 Jun | Fri | Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) | public |
| 7 Jul | Mon | Saba Saba Day | public |
| 8 Aug | Fri | Nane Nane Day | public |
| 4 Sep | Thu | Maulid Day | public |
| 14 Oct | Tue | Nyerere Day | public |
| 9 Dec | Tue | Independence Day | public |
| 26 Dec | Fri | Christmas Day | public |
About Tanzania's Holidays
Tanzania celebrates a mix of national and cultural holidays that show its history and religious diversity. Key national days mark independence and the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. These days are bright with flags, speeches, and school and office closures.
Religious festivals are very important. Christian holidays like Christmas and Easter and Muslim holidays like Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha are public holidays. The exact dates for Muslim festivals change each year because they follow the moon.
Zanzibar has its own major day called Revolution Day on January 12. Other notable public holidays include Labour Day and a day to honor founding leaders, which help people remember history and celebrate together.
Holiday Traditions
In Tanzania people celebrate holidays with music, dance, and colorful clothes. Many communities hold traditional songs and dances that tell stories. Local instruments like drums and flutes are common, and everyone often wears bright kanga or kitenge fabric to show joy.
Food is important and shared with family and neighbors. Special dishes may include rice, stews, grilled meat, fish, and sweet cakes. Families cook together and invite guests, showing respect and hospitality. Sharing food helps people feel close and keeps traditions alive.
Public celebrations bring towns and cities together with parades, speeches, and fireworks. Markets and shops stay busy as people buy new clothes and gifts. People also visit graves, give thanks, and help those in need to show community spirit.
Travel Tips
Tanzania gets busier around major holidays. Shops, banks, and government offices often close or have shorter hours. Tourist sites usually stay open but schedules can change, so check ahead.
Public transport like buses and ferries can be crowded and sell out early. Flights may be pricier and fuller. Plan bookings well in advance and arrive early at stations and airports.
Hotels and lodges, especially near parks and beaches, fill up quickly. Book accommodation and safaris months ahead for the holiday season. Expect higher prices and limited availability.
Carry extra cash because some places close ATM services temporarily. Keep copies of bookings, have flexible plans, and allow extra travel time for delays and crowds.