There are 13 public holidays in Benin in 2023, two of which fall on weekends.
New Year's Day
New Year Holiday, celebrated on January 1, 2023, is the first day of the year on the modern Gregorian calendar, and it is one of the most popular holidays in the world.
Vodoun Festival
Vodoun Festival is celebrated throughout the country, especially in Ouidah, its birthplace. Vodoun Festival began with sacrificing a goat in honor of the spirits, which traditionally served as a way to receive the blessings of the ancestors. In 2023, it is observed on January 10.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. The holiday is observed on Apr 10, 2023 in Western churches and April 17, 2023 in Eastern churches.
Eid al-Fitr
Muslims worldwide celebrate this religious holiday, celebrating the end of a month of fasting. The holiday falls on the first day of Syawal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. The holiday falls on April 22, 2023.
Labour Day
Labour Day is observed on May 1, 2023, and it celebrates the achievements of workers. The holiday originates in the eight-hour day movement, which is eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.
Ascension Day
Also known as the Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ, Ascension Day commemorates the Christian belief in the bodily Ascension of Jesus into heaven. In 2023, it falls on May 18.
Whit Monday
Whit Monday, or Pentecost Monday, is a religious festival Christians celebrate. It falls on the day after Pentecost, the 50th day after Easter Sunday. In 2023, the holiday falls on May 29.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha, also known as the festival of sacrifice, is an important Muslim festival. The holiday is observed on June 29, 2023, and it honors the willingness of the prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God's command.
Independence Day
Independence Day is a public holiday in Benin, observed on August 1, 2023. The holiday commemorates when Benin gained independence from France in 1960.
Assumption Day
Assumption Day commemorates the day that the bodily taking up of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, into Heaven. The holiday is observed on August 15, 2023.
The Prophet's Birthday
The holiday, observed on September 27, 2023, commemorates the birthday of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, an Arab religious and political leader and the founder of Islam. Muhammad was born around 570 AD in Mecca and was a deeply spiritual man who meditated.
All Saints' Day
All Saints' Day is observed on November 1, 2023, and commemorates all the saints from Christian history, including those known and unknown.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25, 2023, and commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Christmas Day is a holiday of sharing. People exchange Christmas gifts and cards with families and friends.
The following is the list of public holidays in Benin 2023.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Jan 01, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Vodoun Festival | Jan 10, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
| Easter Monday | Apr 10, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Eid al-Fitr | Apr 22, 2023 | Saturday | Public Holiday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Ascension Day | May 18, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| Whit Monday | May 29, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Eid al-Adha | Jun 29, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| Independence Day | Aug 01, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
| Assumption Day | Aug 15, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
| The Prophet's Birthday | Sep 27, 2023 | Wednesday | Public Holiday |
| All Saints' Day | Nov 01, 2023 | Wednesday | Public Holiday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
Please also check the working days in Benin in 2023.