Public Holiday Calendar Guide for Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso’s holiday framework separates paid non-working days from commemorative and remembrance days that remain working days. The distinction affects how residents and visitors plan appointments, travel, and business activity.[1][2][3]
How the Public-Holiday System Works
The law lists 11 paid non-working observances: New Year’s Day, International Women’s Day, Labour Day, the Day of Customs and Traditions, National Day, Christmas, Ascension, Assumption, Ramadan, Tabaski, and Mouloud.[1][3]
Six other dates are designated for commemoration and remembrance: 3 January, 4 August, 5 August, 15 October, 31 October, and 1 November. The Assembly’s summary describes these commemorations as taking place without interruption to work.[1][2]
A Calendar Shaped by Several Traditions
The calendar includes civic and labour observances, the Day of Customs and Traditions, Christian observances such as Christmas, Ascension, and Assumption, and Muslim observances including Ramadan, Tabaski, and Mouloud.[1]
The official list places the Day of Customs and Traditions among paid non-working days, while the proclamation of independence on 5 August is listed as a commemoration and remembrance day. The National Day on 11 December is a separate paid non-working observance.[1]
Sunday Holidays and Substitute Days
A paid holiday that falls on a Sunday no longer automatically makes the following day a paid non-working day. This replaced the former rule that provided a day off on the following day.[1][2]
Islamic Holidays and Annual Planning
Ramadan, Tabaski, and Mouloud are included among Burkina Faso’s paid non-working observances. Check the applicable official calendar for their dates when planning, as the law names these observances rather than assigning them fixed Gregorian dates.[1][3]
Practical Advice for Businesses and Travelers
Use the distinction between paid non-working holidays and working commemorations when planning appointments or operations. A commemorative day is not automatically a day off, while a paid non-working observance may affect access to services and businesses.[1][2]
For travel bookings, administrative appointments, or business deadlines, check the relevant office or service’s published schedule, especially around religious observances and commemorative dates.[1][3]
Frequently Asked Questions about Holidays in Burkina Faso
Are all official commemorations in Burkina Faso days off work?
Is the day after a public holiday automatically a day off when the holiday falls on Sunday?
Are Muslim festivals included in Burkina Faso’s official holiday calendar?
Is the proclamation of independence a paid non-working day?
No. The 5 August proclamation of independence is listed as a commemoration and remembrance day; National Day on 11 December is a separate paid non-working observance.[1]
Sources
- Nouvelle loi sur les jours fériés : ce qui va changer- Assemblée législative de transition du Burkina Faso
- Extrait du compte rendu du Conseil des ministres du jeudi 11 septembre 2025- Ministère de la Fonction publique, du Travail et de la Protection sociale du Burkina Faso
- CONSEIL DES MINISTRES N°22 DU 02 JUILLET 2026- Service d'information du Gouvernement du Burkina Faso