Holiday Calendar

Benin Public Holidays 2026

Q: What is the next public holiday in Benin?

The next public holiday in Benin is Whit Monday on May 25, 2026.

Q: Is New Year's Day a national holiday in Benin?

Yes, New Year's Day is listed as an official public holiday in Benin in 2026.

Official national and public holidays for Benin in 2026.

Benin is a destination that rewards curious travelers with a rich tapestry of history, spirituality, and natural wonder that few West African nations can match. Nestled between Nigeria and Togo on the Gulf of Guinea, this small but vibrant country was once the heartland of the powerful Dahomey Kingdom, one of the most formidable empires in pre-colonial Africa. When you…

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Total Holidays

Next Holiday

Whit Monday

Days Until Next

Year

2026

Upcoming Holiday

Whit Monday

Monday, May 25, 2026

In 4 days

Date	Local Name	English Name	Type
Jan 1, 2026 Thursday	New Year's Day	New Year's Day	Public
Jan 10, 2026 Saturday	Traditional Day	Traditional Day	Public
Apr 5, 2026 Sunday	Easter Sunday	Easter Sunday	Public
Apr 6, 2026 Monday	Easter Monday	Easter Monday	Public
May 1, 2026 Friday	Labour Day	Labour Day	Public
May 14, 2026 Thursday	Ascension Day	Ascension Day	Public
May 25, 2026 Monday	Whit Monday	Whit Monday	Public
Aug 1, 2026 Saturday	Independence Day	Independence Day	Public
Aug 15, 2026 Saturday	Assumption Day	Assumption Day	Public
Oct 26, 2026 Monday	Armed Forces Day	Armed Forces Day	Public
Nov 1, 2026 Sunday	All Saints' Day	All Saints' Day	Public
Nov 30, 2026 Monday	National Day	National Day	Public
Dec 25, 2026 Friday	Christmas Day	Christmas Day	Public
Dec 26, 2026 Saturday	Boxing Day	St. Stephen's Day	Public

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many public holidays does Benin have in 2026?

Benin has 14 public holidays in 2026.

What is the next public holiday in Benin?

The next public holiday in Benin is Whit Monday on May 25, 2026.

Are banks closed on public holidays in Benin?

Yes, banks and government offices are typically closed on national public holidays in Benin. ATMs remain accessible.

Do shops open on public holidays in Benin?

This varies. In major cities, shops may remain open on some holidays, while smaller towns and rural areas often close on national public holidays in Benin.

Is New Year's Day a national holiday in Benin?

Yes, New Year's Day is listed as an official public holiday in Benin in 2026.

Are public holidays paid days off in Benin?

In Benin, national public holidays are generally considered paid days off for employees. Specific rules may vary by employment contract and sector.

Are there long weekends in Benin in 2026?

Long weekends occur when a public holiday falls on a Friday or Monday. Check the holiday calendar above to identify these dates in Benin for 2026.

Do public holidays in Benin affect travel and transport?

Yes. On major public holidays in Benin, public transport may run on reduced schedules and many businesses may be closed or operate reduced hours.