Easter Monday in Senegal
Easter Monday is a legally recognized public holiday in Senegal, where the law lists it among the country’s legal holidays. The day follows Easter Sunday, the Christian celebration of the resurrection of Christ; Senegalese law also recognizes holidays from other religious traditions.[1][3]
Legal status and the working day
Senegal’s Law No. 74-52 of 4 November 1974 names Easter Monday as a legal holiday. It says legal holidays are nonworking days, while specifically reserving “nonworking and paid” status in the law for the national holiday and 1 May. Easter Monday is therefore a statutory day off, but the law does not classify it in that specially paid category.[1]
The labour regulations allow work on legal holidays in services and establishments whose activities require them to operate continuously. They also say monthly-paid workers’ salaries must not be reduced when a legal holiday is observed. The law provides a substitute Monday when Korité or Tabaski falls on a Sunday; it gives no equivalent substitute-day rule for Easter Monday.[1][2]
Some services and establishments whose activities require continuous work may operate on legal holidays. Check with an employer or service provider for its arrangements; businesses do not all follow the same schedule.[1][2]
Meaning and observance
A Senegalese priest interviewed by the national press described Lent as a period of preparation for Easter, which celebrates the resurrection of Christ.[3]
The law’s inclusion of Easter Monday alongside holidays such as Korité and Tabaski makes it one of the religious observances recognized as legal holidays in Senegal. In an official Easter message, the President addressed the Christian community and called for national prayers for peace and solidarity.[1][4]
The President asked the government to support Easter celebrations throughout the country.[4]
Easter Monday in Senegal: FAQs
Is Easter Monday a public holiday in Senegal?
Is it a paid day off?
Does Easter Monday have a substitute day if it falls on Sunday?
The law explicitly provides a following Monday when Korité or Tabaski falls on Sunday, but states no equivalent substitute-day rule for Easter Monday.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Easter Monday in Senegal:
- LOI n° 74-52 du 4 novembre 1974 relative à la fête nationale et aux fêtes légales- Vie-Publique.sn, Direction des relations avec les institutions
- Le manuel du travailleur- Direction générale du Travail et de la Sécurité sociale, Government of Senegal
- Le carême est une pratique parfaite de la vie chrétienne (abbé)- Agence de Presse Sénégalaise
- COMMUNIQUÉ DU CONSEIL DES MINISTRES DU MERCREDI 1er AVRIL 2026- Présidence de la République du Sénégal