Public Holidays in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) 2024
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), located in Central Africa, celebrates various public holidays throughout the year, reflecting its diverse cultural heritage, historical events, and religious observances. These holidays provide opportunities for celebration, reflection, and community gatherings. In this guide, we’ll explore the public holidays in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the year 2024, providing detailed descriptions of each holiday along with information on the groups entitled to days off.
National Holidays
New Year’s Day (Jour de l’An) – January 1, 2024
New Year’s Day in the Democratic Republic of the Congo marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. It is celebrated with parties, fireworks, and gatherings of family and friends. Many people make resolutions for the new year and spend time reflecting on the year gone by.
Days off: New Year’s Day is a public holiday in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Martyrs of Independence Day (Journée des Martyrs de l’Indépendance) – January 4, 2024
Martyrs of Independence Day commemorates the Congolese who lost their lives during the struggle for independence from colonial rule. It honors their sacrifices and contributions to the nation’s freedom and sovereignty.
Days off: Martyrs of Independence Day is a public holiday in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
International Women’s Day (Journée Internationale de la Femme) – March 8, 2024
International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it is a day to recognize and honor the contributions of Congolese women to society and advocate for gender equality and women’s rights.
Days off: International Women’s Day is not a public holiday in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Good Friday (Vendredi Saint) – April 19, 2024
Good Friday is observed by Christians as the day of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and death. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it is a solemn day marked by religious services and reflection.
Days off: Good Friday is not a public holiday in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but it is observed by the Christian community.
Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques) – April 22, 2024
Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday and is celebrated as a public holiday in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is a time for family gatherings, Easter egg hunts, and religious observances.
Days off: Easter Monday is a public holiday in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Labour Day (Fête du Travail) – May 1, 2024
Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, honors the contributions of workers to society. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it is a day for workers’ rights demonstrations, marches, and celebrations organized by trade unions and labor organizations.
Days off: Labour Day is a public holiday in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Ascension Day (Jour de l’Ascension) – May 30, 2024
Ascension Day commemorates the Christian belief in the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. It is celebrated 40 days after Easter Sunday and is a time for religious services and reflection.
Days off: Ascension Day is not a public holiday in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but it is observed by the Christian community.
Pentecost Monday (Lundi de Pentecôte) – June 10, 2024
Pentecost Monday is observed as the day after Pentecost Sunday, which commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it is a time for religious services, family gatherings, and community events.
Days off: Pentecost Monday is a public holiday in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Independence Day (Jour de l’Indépendance) – June 30, 2024
Independence Day in the Democratic Republic of the Congo commemorates the country’s independence from Belgian colonial rule in 1960. It is a national holiday marked by patriotic ceremonies, parades, and cultural events celebrating Congolese identity and sovereignty.
Days off: Independence Day is a public holiday in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Parents’ Day (Fête des Parents) – August 1, 2024
Parents’ Day is a day to honor and appreciate parents and parental figures for their love, support, and sacrifices. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it is a time for families to come together and celebrate the important role of parents in society.
Days off: Parents’ Day is not a public holiday in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Revolution Day (Journée de la Révolution) – November 24, 2024
Revolution Day commemorates the overthrow of the Mobutu regime in 1997, marking a significant moment in the country’s history. It celebrates the triumph of democracy and the aspirations of the Congolese people for political freedom and social justice.
Days off: Revolution Day is a public holiday in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Christmas Day (Noël) – December 25, 2024
Christmas Day in the Democratic Republic of the Congo celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed with religious services, family gatherings, and the exchange of gifts. Festive decorations adorn homes, churches, and public spaces, creating a joyful atmosphere.
Days off: Christmas Day is a public holiday in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Table: Summary of Public Holidays in the Democratic Republic of the Congo 2024
| Holiday | Date | Description | Days Off for Groups |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 1 | Beginning of the Gregorian calendar year | Nationwide |
| Martyrs of Independence Day | Jan 4 | Commemorates Congolese martyrs of independence | Nationwide |
| International Women’s Day | Mar 8 | Celebrates the achievements of women | Not a public holiday |
| Good Friday | Apr 19 | Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ | Christian community |
| Easter Monday | Apr 22 | Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ | Nationwide |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Honors the contributions of workers to society | Nationwide |
| Ascension Day | May 30 | Commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ | Christian community |
| Pentecost Monday | Jun 10 | Celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit | Nationwide |
| Independence Day | Jun 30 | Commemorates the independence from Belgian colonial rule | Nationwide |
| Parents’ Day | Aug 1 | Honors and appreciates parents | Not a public holiday |
| Revolution Day | Nov 24 | Commemorates the overthrow of the Mobutu regime | Nationwide |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25 | Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ | Nationwide |