Labour Day in Equatorial Guinea

A public holiday on May 1

Equatorial Guinea’s Decree No. 9/2007 sets the country’s official public holidays. A later government decree, issued in 2020, explicitly states that suspending Labour Day events that year did not affect May 1’s status as a holiday under the 2007 decree.[1]

The 2020 decree concerned celebrations during the COVID-19 emergency. It suspended that year’s traditional activities and prohibited company events involving gatherings, while expressly preserving the holiday itself.[1] This is an example of a one-off change to public celebrations, rather than evidence that the holiday is normally cancelled.

How the day is marked

Official reporting from Malabo documents a commemoration attended by private, public and autonomous companies and government members. The programme included activities and a thanksgiving mass at Malabo Cathedral, led by the minister responsible for labour and employment.[2]

During the service, the homily presented Saint Joseph the Worker as an example for workers. Participants brought essential goods to the altar as offerings representing the fruits of their work. After the mass, attendees continued the celebration at a hotel, where certificates of recognition were presented to companies in the labour sector.[2]

The report describes one commemoration in Malabo. It does not establish that the same programme occurs every year or throughout the country.[2]

Planning around the holiday

Residents and visitors should check opening hours and transport schedules with the office or service they plan to use, especially if an appointment is needed.