Easter Monday in Benin
Easter Monday is a nationwide legal holiday in Benin, and the law classifies legal holidays as non-working and paid.[1] For Christians, it extends the Easter celebration of Jesus’ resurrection; its date changes with Easter Sunday.[3]
A legal holiday across Benin
Benin’s 1990 law lists Easter Monday among the legal holidays observed throughout the country. It says legal holidays are non-working and paid, establishing the day’s national status rather than limiting it to a particular region or community.[1]
The Ministry of Labour has also issued a nationwide notice declaring Easter Monday a paid, non-working holiday. The law does not set a substitute-day rule for Easter Monday.[1][2]
How it fits the Easter season
Easter Monday follows Easter Sunday, the Christian celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. In the Catholic liturgy, Easter Sunday begins an octave, or eight-day celebration, and Easter Monday continues that season.[3]
The holiday has a specific place in Benin’s legal calendar. A 1990 government explanation of the holidays law said Easter Monday had been among religious holidays omitted in an earlier 1988 measure, and proposed restoring it in response to the wishes of Christians and Muslims. The 1990 law then included it in the national list.[1][2]
Observance and practical plans
Worship and personal plans vary; check with a local church for service times rather than assuming a national schedule.[1][3]
The legal designation means the day is non-working and paid. Check directly with the office, bank, shop or transport provider you plan to use for its hours.[1]
Why the date changes
Easter Monday is the Monday immediately after Easter Sunday, so its calendar date changes from year to year. Benin’s law names the holiday without assigning it a fixed date; consult an official calendar for the applicable date.[1][3]
Easter Monday in Benin: common questions
Is Easter Monday a day off in Benin?
Yes. Benin’s law lists it as a legal holiday and says legal holidays are non-working and paid.[1]
Does Easter Monday have a fixed date?
Are offices, banks and shops open?
Government offices are closed because the law classifies the day as non-working and paid. Check opening hours with government offices and banks before you go.[1]
Is there a substitute day if Easter Monday falls on another holiday?
The 1990 law does not state a substitute-day rule for Easter Monday.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Easter Monday in Benin:
- Loi N° 90-019 du 27 juil. 1990 — Loi fixant les Fêtes Légales en République du Bénin- Secrétariat général du Gouvernement du Bénin
- Décret N° 90-58 du 24 avril 1990 transmettant au Haut Conseil de la République le projet de Loi fixant les fêtes légales en République du Bénin- Secrétariat général du Gouvernement du Bénin
- Regina Cæli, 12 April 2004, Easter Monday- The Holy See