Public Holidays in Chad 2024

Chad, located in north-central Africa, celebrates various public holidays throughout the year. These holidays are an integral part of Chad’s cultural, religious, and historical identity, providing opportunities for the people to come together, reflect, and commemorate significant events. In this guide, we will explore the public holidays in Chad for the year 2024, providing detailed descriptions of each holiday along with information on the groups entitled to days off.

New Year’s Day – January 1, 2024

New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year and is celebrated with enthusiasm and joy in Chad. It is a time for gatherings with family and friends, festive meals, and reflection on the year ahead. Many Chadians participate in New Year’s Eve parties and countdowns to midnight, followed by New Year’s Day festivities.

Days off: New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Chad, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.

Labour Day – May 1, 2024

Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, is celebrated worldwide on May 1st to honor the contributions of workers to society and advocate for labor rights and improved working conditions. In Chad, it is a day of rallies, marches, and speeches organized by trade unions and labor organizations. Workers from various sectors come together to demand better wages, working conditions, and social benefits.

Days off: Labour Day is a public holiday in Chad, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.

Independence Day – August 11, 2024

Independence Day in Chad commemorates the country’s independence from France on August 11, 1960. It is a day of national pride and patriotism, marked by flag-raising ceremonies, parades, cultural performances, and speeches by government officials. Independence Day is an opportunity for Chadians to celebrate their sovereignty and reflect on their nation’s history.

Days off: Independence Day is a public holiday in Chad, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.

Assumption Day – August 15, 2024

Assumption Day is a Christian holiday that commemorates the belief in the bodily assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven. In Chad, it is observed with religious services, processions, and prayers. Many Catholics attend Mass and participate in special devotions to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary on this day.

Days off: Assumption Day is a public holiday in Chad, primarily observed by members of the Christian community, but it is also recognized by the wider population, with many businesses and schools closing for the occasion.

National Liberation Day – November 1, 2024

National Liberation Day in Chad commemorates the victory of the Chadian forces over the French colonial army at the Battle of Kousseïrma on November 1, 1959. It is a day to celebrate Chad’s struggle for independence and honor the sacrifices made by its people. National Liberation Day is marked by official ceremonies, patriotic events, and cultural activities.

Days off: National Liberation Day is a public holiday in Chad, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.

Christmas Day – December 25, 2024

Christmas Day is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed with religious services, festive meals, and the exchange of gifts. In Chad, Christmas is a time for family gatherings, church services, and traditional celebrations. Many people attend Mass and participate in special rituals to commemorate the birth of Christ.

Days off: Christmas Day is a public holiday in Chad, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.

Table: Summary of Public Holidays in Chad 2024

Holiday	Date	Description	Days Off for Groups
New Year’s Day	January 1	Beginning of the Gregorian calendar year	Nationwide
Labour Day	May 1	Celebration of workers’ contributions	Nationwide
Independence Day	August 11	Commemoration of Chad’s independence from France	Nationwide
Assumption Day	August 15	Commemoration of the assumption of the Virgin Mary	Nationwide
National Liberation Day	November 1	Commemoration of victory over French colonial forces	Nationwide
Christmas Day	December 25	Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ	Nationwide