Angola

Angola : Public Holidays and Bank Holidays 2025 2026 2027

Public Holidays in Angola

Angola observes a variety of public holidays that reflect its rich history, cultural diversity, and significant historical events. These holidays are occasions for Angolans to celebrate national pride, remember their struggles for independence, honor heroes, and enjoy time with family.

• New Year's Day

  • Date: January 1
  • Origin & Significance: Marks the beginning of the new year in the Gregorian calendar. A universal celebration in Angola.
  • Traditions: People often celebrate with gatherings, fireworks, and religious services. It is a public holiday with most offices and businesses closed.

• Day off for Liberation Movement Day

  • Date: Observed the day before Liberation Movement Day
  • Origin & Significance: A day off granted to allow extended celebrations of Liberation Movement Day.
  • Traditions: People prepare for Liberation Movement Day festivities.

• Liberation Movement Day

  • Date: March 4
  • Origin & Significance: Commemorates the start of the armed struggle for Angola's independence from Portuguese colonial rule in 1961.
  • Traditions: National ceremonies, speeches, and patriotic events take place to honor freedom fighters and the independence movement.

• Day off for Carnival Day

  • Date: The day before Carnival Day
  • Origin & Significance: A public holiday given to allow participation in Carnival Day festivities.
  • Traditions: Preparation for Carnival celebrations, often a festive and cultural event.

• Carnival Day

  • Date: Date varies (typically in February or March)
  • Origin & Significance: A day of grand festivities influenced by Portuguese and African cultural traditions.
  • Traditions: Colorful parades, music, dancing, and community festivities across the country.

• International Women's Day

  • Date: March 8
  • Origin & Significance: Celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
  • Traditions: Events and activities promote gender equality and women's rights.

• Southern Africa Liberation Day

  • Date: March 23
  • Origin & Significance: Marks the struggle against colonial and apartheid rule in Southern Africa.
  • Traditions: Commemorative ceremonies and awareness events on freedom and solidarity.

• Peace and National Reconciliation Day

  • Date: April 4
  • Origin & Significance: Celebrates the peace agreement that ended Angola's civil war in 2002, promoting reconciliation and unity.
  • Traditions: National reflections, cultural celebrations, and community gatherings.

• Good Friday

  • Date: Varies (Friday before Easter Sunday)
  • Origin & Significance: A Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
  • Traditions: Religious observances including church services, fasting, and family time.

• International Worker's Day

  • Date: May 1
  • Origin & Significance: Honors the labor movement and workers' rights worldwide.
  • Traditions: Parades, speeches, and events promoting labor rights.

• Day off for International Worker's Day

  • Date: Sometimes observed for extended celebration around May 1.
  • Traditions: Additional rest day for workers.

• National Heroes Day

  • Date: September 17
  • Origin & Significance: Honors those who sacrificed their lives and contributed to Angola's freedom and progress.
  • Traditions: Memorial ceremonies and public tributes.

• All Souls' Day

  • Date: November 2
  • Origin & Significance: Christian holiday to remember and pray for the souls of deceased loved ones.
  • Traditions: Visits to cemeteries, lighting candles, and family gatherings.

• Day off for National Independence Day

  • Date: Observed the day before National Independence Day
  • Traditions: Preparations for independence celebrations.

• National Independence Day

  • Date: November 11
  • Origin & Significance: Celebrates Angola's independence from Portuguese colonial rule in 1975.
  • Traditions: Parades, cultural events, political speeches, and public celebrations.

• Christmas and Family Day

  • Date: December 25
  • Origin & Significance: A Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, with emphasis on family reunions and gift-giving.
  • Traditions: Church services, festive meals, and family gatherings.

• Day off for Christmas and Family Day

  • Date: December 26
  • Traditions: Additional rest day following Christmas celebrations.

• Day off for National Heroes' Day

  • Date: Sometimes observed as a rest day to honor National Heroes Day.

• Day off for All Souls' Day

  • Date: Occasionally given as a public holiday to extend All Souls' Day observances.

• Day off for Southern Africa Liberation Day

  • Date: Sometimes observed as a rest day around March 23 to honor Southern African liberation.

Site officiel de référence

• Government of Angola Official Portal