Public Holidays in Cameroon

Workweek

Cameroon observes a five-day workweek, with Saturday and Sunday as public holidays.

National Public Holidays:

New Year's Day: January 1
New Year's Day is one of the most significant holidays in Cameroon, marked by celebrations across the country. People exchange greetings, gifts, and enjoy lavish feasts. The capital city, Yaoundé, hosts grand parades and fireworks displays.
Youth Day: February 11
Youth Day commemorates the contributions of Cameroonian youth in the struggle for independence and nation-building. Various youth activities, including sports competitions, cultural performances, and academic seminars, are organized nationwide.
 Good Friday: March 30
Good Friday is a solemn Christian holiday marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Christians attend church services, engage in prayer and reflection.
Easter: March 31
Easter is the most important Christian holiday, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Christians hold special services, processions, and decorate eggs.
 Labor Day: May 1
Labor Day is an international observance honoring workers' contributions to societal progress. Throughout Cameroon, parades, demonstrations, and cultural performances are held to celebrate the achievements of laborers.
National Day: May 20
National Day commemorates Cameroon's independence from France in 1960. Grand celebrations, including parades, cultural performances, and fireworks displays, take place across the country.
Assumption of Mary: August 15
The Assumption of Mary is a significant Catholic holiday marking the ascension of the Virgin Mary into heaven. Catholics attend church services, engage in prayers and praises.
 Christmas: December 25
Christmas is a major Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Christians hold church services, exchange gifts, and decorate Christmas trees.

1. Islamic New Year

Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year, is the first day of the Islamic calendar and one of the most important holidays for Muslims. It marks the beginning of a new year, and Muslims engage in a variety of religious activities, including:

Bathing and dressing in new clothes

Praying

Greeting each other and exchanging New Year wishes

Giving charity

Gathering and celebrating

The date of Islamic New Year is determined by the Islamic calendar and changes every year. In 2026, Islamic New Year falls on November 21st in the Gregorian calendar.

2. Prophet Muhammad's Birthday

Prophet Muhammad's Birthday, also known as Mawpd al-Nabi, is an important Islamic holiday commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam. On this day, Muslims engage in celebratory activities such as:

Attending religious gatherings

Praying

Reciting the Quran

Giving charity

Decorating mosques

The date of Prophet Muhammad's Birthday is determined by the Islamic calendar and changes every year. In 2026, Prophet Muhammad's Birthday falls on November 21st in the Gregorian calendar.

3. First Day of Ramadan

The First Day of Ramadan is the first day of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, marking the beginning of the month of Ramadan. During Ramadan, Muslims observe a fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food, drink, sexual relations, lying, and other sinful acts. Ramadan is a time for Muslims to reflect on themselves, strengthen their faith, and engage in good deeds.
The date of the First Day of Ramadan is determined by the Islamic calendar and changes every year. In 2026, the First Day of Ramadan falls on April 2nd in the Gregorian calendar.

4. Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr is a major Islamic holiday marking the end of Ramadan. On this day, Muslims engage in celebratory activities such as:

Consuming a pre-dawn meal after prayers

Exchanging visits

Giving charity

Gathering and celebrating

The date of Eid al-Fitr is determined by the Islamic calendar and changes every year. In 2026, Eid al-Fitr falls on May 1st in the Gregorian calendar.

5. Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha is a significant Islamic holiday commemorating the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) submitting to God's command to sacrifice his son as an act of faith. On this day, Muslims engage in celebratory activities such as:

Slaughtering animals

Distributing meat

Praying

Gathering and celebrating

The date of Eid al-Adha is determined by the Islamic calendar and changes every year. In 2026, Eid al-Adha falls on August 21st in the Gregorian calendar.