There are eight public holidays in Sao Tome and Principe 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.
Martyrs' Day
Martyrs' Day is a public holiday in São Tomé and Príncipe, observed on February 3, 2023. The holiday commemorates those who died in the years struggling for the nation's independence. The celebration day is February 3 in memory of the Batepá massacre in 1953.
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.
Independence Day
Independence Day is a public holiday in São Tomé and Príncipe observed on July 12, 2023. The holiday commemorates when São Tomé and Príncipe achieved independence from Portugal in 1975.
Armed Forces Day
Armed Forces Day is a public holiday in São Tomé and Príncipe observed on September 6, 2023. The Armed Forces of São Tomé and Príncipe remain a small military force consisting of four branches with about 300 soldiers: Army, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Presidential Guard.
Agricultural Reform Day
Agricultural Reform Day is a public holiday in São Tomé and Príncipe observed on September 30, 2023. The holiday commemorates the agricultural reforms when the plantations were nationalized in 1975.
São Tomé Day
São Tomé Day is a public holiday in São Tomé and Príncipe, and it is observed on December 21, 2023. The holiday commemorates the anniversary of when the Portuguese navigators first arrived on the island of São Tomé.
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 Sao Tome and Principe 2023.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Jan 01, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Martyrs' Day | Feb 03, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Independence Day | Jul 12, 2023 | Wednesday | Public Holiday |
| Armed Forces Day | Sep 06, 2023 | Wednesday | Public Holiday |
| Agricultural Reform Day | Sep 30, 2023 | Saturday | Public Holiday |
| São Tomé Day | Dec 21, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
Please also check the working days in Sao Tome and Principe in 2023.
