There are 14 public holidays in the Gambia in 2023, three 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.
Independence Day
Independence Day is a public holiday in the Gambia, observed on February 18, 2023. The holiday commemorates the anniversary of the Gambia's independence from the United Kingdom on February 18, 1965.
Good Friday
Good Friday is a Christian holiday celebrating the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary. It is observed on Friday immediately preceding Easter Sunday, April 7, 2023.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, and it is the Monday after Easter Sunday. It is observed on April 10, 2023.
Lailat al-Qadr
Lailat al-Qadr, also known as Laylatul Qadr, is the night the Quran was first sent down from Heaven to the world. It falls on April 18, 2023.
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 21, 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.
Africa Day
Africa Day, observed on May 25, 2023, commemorates the anniversary when the Organization of African Unity (OAU) was established on May 25, 1963. There were several aims for establishing the OAU, such as intensifying the cooperation of the African states, defending independence, and eradicating all forms of colonialism.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha, also known as the festival of sacrifice, is an important Muslim festival. The holiday falls on June 28, 2023, and it honors the willingness of the prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God's command.
Revolution Day
Revolution Day is a public holiday in the Gambia on July 22, 2023. The holiday commemorates the anniversary of the 1994 coup led by Yahya Jammeh on this day in 1994 against Sir Dawda Jawara's government.
Ashura
Ashura means "tenth" in Semitic languages, and it marks the day that Moses and the Israelites were saved from Pharaoh by God creating a path in the Sea. The holiday falls on July 28, 2023.
Assumption of Mary
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.
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 the Gambia 2023.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Jan 01, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Independence Day | Feb 18, 2023 | Saturday | Public Holiday |
| Good Friday | Apr 07, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Easter Monday | Apr 10, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Lailat al-Qadr | Apr 18, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
| Eid al-Fitr | Apr 21, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Africa Day | May 25, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| Eid al-Adha | Jun 28, 2023 | Wednesday | Public Holiday |
| Revolution Day | Jul 22, 2023 | Saturday | Public Holiday |
| Ashura | Jul 28, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Assumption of Mary | Aug 15, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
| The Prophet's Birthday | Sep 27, 2023 | Wednesday | Public Holiday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
Please also check the working days in the Gambia in 2023.
