Holiday calendar

Public holidays in Democratic Republic of the Congo

dates, names and what's closed

Reviewed & updated by יהב עטיה · About the team

It's worth planning around Democratic Republic of the Congo's holiday calendar: attractions, museums and banks close, public transport switches to a holiday timetable, and flight and hotel prices around long weekends jump. On the upside — festivals, parades and markets you won't see on an ordinary day.

Coming up

Upcoming public holidays in Democratic Republic of the Congo

Friday 25 DecemberChristmas Day · Noël
Friday 1 January 2027New Year's Day · Nouvel An
Monday 4 January 2027Day of the Martyrs · Martyrs de l'Indépendance
Saturday 16 January 2027Anniversary of President Laurent Kabila · Journée du Héro National Laurent Désiré Kabila
Sunday 17 January 2027Anniversary of Prime Minister Patrice Emery Lumumba · Journée du Héro National Patrice Emery Lumumba
Monday 18 January 2027Anniversary of Prime Minister Patrice Emery Lumumba (substitute day) · Journée du Héro National Patrice Emery Lumumba (jour substitut)
Saturday 1 May 2027Labour Day · Fête du travail
Monday 17 May 2027Liberation Day · Journée de la Révolution et des Forces Armées
Wednesday 30 June 2027Independence Day · Anniversaire de Indépendance
Sunday 1 August 2027Parents' Day · Fête des parents
Monday 2 August 2027Parents' Day (substitute day) · Fête des parents (jour substitut)

All 2026 holidays in Democratic Republic of the Congo

Thursday 1 JanuaryNew Year's Day · Nouvel An
Sunday 4 JanuaryDay of the Martyrs · Martyrs de l'Indépendance
Monday 5 JanuaryDay of the Martyrs (substitute day) · Martyrs de l'Indépendance (jour substitut)
Friday 16 JanuaryAnniversary of President Laurent Kabila · Journée du Héro National Laurent Désiré Kabila
Saturday 17 JanuaryAnniversary of Prime Minister Patrice Emery Lumumba · Journée du Héro National Patrice Emery Lumumba
Friday 1 MayLabour Day · Fête du travail
Sunday 17 MayLiberation Day · Journée de la Révolution et des Forces Armées
Monday 18 MayLiberation Day (substitute day) · Journée de la Révolution et des Forces Armées (jour substitut)
Tuesday 30 JuneIndependence Day · Anniversaire de Indépendance
Saturday 1 AugustParents' Day · Fête des parents
Friday 25 DecemberChristmas Day · Noël

If you're timing a trip to a holiday

Flights & hotels for Democratic Republic of the Congo

Long weekends around a holiday fill up early and prices climb. Check dates around Christmas Day (Friday 25 December) now.

Check flight prices to Democratic Republic of the Congo, every airline at once.

Rates in Democratic Republic of the Congo shift daily. See what your night costs now.

Q&A

Answers to your questions

What's the next public holiday in Democratic Republic of the Congo?

Christmas Day — Friday 25 December.

How many public holidays does Democratic Republic of the Congo have?

Democratic Republic of the Congo has 11 public holidays in 2026. Government offices and banks close, and some attractions and shops may be closed or on reduced hours.

What's closed on public holidays in Democratic Republic of the Congo?

Banks, government offices and post offices close. Many supermarkets and shops close or run reduced hours, especially in smaller towns. Public transport usually shifts to a weekend timetable, and museums and attractions vary — check ahead.

Is it worth visiting Democratic Republic of the Congo during a holiday?

It depends on the holiday. Ones with a public tradition — markets, parades, fireworks — are an experience in themselves. Ones where everything shuts and locals stay home are less convenient. The list above flags what to expect on each date.

Are shops open on Sundays in Democratic Republic of the Congo?

Some European countries restrict Sunday and holiday trading by law; others don't. In big cities and tourist areas something is always open, but don't count on a big shop run on a Sunday or holiday.

← Full Democratic Republic of the Congo guide Holidays worldwide

About this page

Written and checked by the Around the World team. We compare prices across the major providers, cross-check official sources, and update when something changes. We have no stake in any one provider — links are affiliate links, and the price is the same for you.

Sources: Dates: date-holidays

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