2031 Holidays - Benin
| Name | Weekday | Date | Type | Subdivisions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Wednesday | Jan. 1, 2031 | National | All |
| Traditional Day | Friday | Jan. 10, 2031 | National | All |
| Korité * | Saturday | Jan. 25, 2031 | National | All |
| Tabaski * | Thursday | April 3, 2031 | National | All |
| Easter Monday | Monday | April 14, 2031 | National | All |
| Labour Day | Thursday | May 1, 2031 | National | All |
| Ascension Day | Thursday | May 22, 2031 | National | All |
| Whit Monday | Monday | June 2, 2031 | National | All |
| Prophet's Birthday * | Wednesday | July 2, 2031 | National | All |
| Independence Day | Friday | Aug. 1, 2031 | National | All |
| Assumption Day | Friday | Aug. 15, 2031 | National | All |
| All Saints' Day | Saturday | Nov. 1, 2031 | National | All |
| Christmas Day | Thursday | Dec. 25, 2031 | National | All |
* Estimated holiday dates
We continuously monitor and update holiday information, but there may be occasional inaccuracies.
Benin workweek and weekend
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Workday | Workday | Workday | Workday | Workday | Weekend | Weekend |
Benin Public Holiday Observance Rules
1. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Weekend
- On a Sunday: If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, it is typically observed on that day, with no automatic substitution to the following Monday. However, certain holidays, especially religious ones, may have specific observance rules.
- On a Saturday: Similarly, if a public holiday falls on a Saturday, it remains observed on that day with no provision for an alternative day off.
2. Bridge Holidays (Long Weekends)
- Benin does not have a formal system of bridge holidays.
- However, employers may, at their discretion, offer additional days off to create long weekends, especially if a public holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday.
- Such arrangements are typically made internally within organizations and are not mandated by national law.
3. Special Cases for Public Holidays
- Religious Holidays: Benin observes a mix of Christian, Muslim, and traditional religious holidays. The dates for some of these holidays, especially Islamic ones like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, vary each year based on the lunar calendar.
- Traditional Religions Day (Vaudoun Day): Celebrated on January 10th, this day honors the traditional religions of Benin and is a significant cultural event.
- Independence Day: Observed on August 1st, marking Benin's independence from France in 1960.
4. Additional Notes
- Public Holiday Calendar: The government of Benin typically releases an official list of public holidays each year, specifying the exact dates, especially for movable feasts.
- Employer Policies: While national laws provide the framework for public holidays, individual employers may have specific policies regarding holiday observance, especially concerning compensation for work performed on public holidays.
- Cultural Observance: Given Benin's rich cultural diversity, public holidays play a crucial role in the nation's social and cultural life, with many citizens participating in various traditional ceremonies and festivities.