> National Holidays > Cape Verde

Upcoming Holidays and Celebrations in Cape Verde

Cape Verde

Experience the vibrancy of Cape Verde's national holidays, a fusion of culture and celebration that reflects the nation's diverse heritage. From Independence Day to Carnival, these festive occasions unite us in commemorating Cape Verde's history and ident

Day Date Holiday Type
Sunday Jan 01,2023 New Year Public Holiday
Friday Jan 13,2023 Freedom and Democracy Day Public Holiday
Friday Jan 20,2023 National Heroes' Day Public Holiday
Wednesday Feb 22,2023 Ash Wednesday Observance
Thursday Apr 06,2023 Holy Thursday Observance
Friday Apr 07,2023 Good Friday Public Holiday
Sunday Apr 09,2023 Easter Sunday Observance
Monday May 01,2023 Labour Day Public Holiday
Sunday May 14,2023 Mother's Day Observance
Thursday Jun 01,2023 Children's Day Public Holiday
Sunday Jun 18,2023 Father's Day Observance
Wednesday Jul 05,2023 Independence Day Public Holiday
Tuesday Aug 15,2023 Assumption of Mary Public Holiday
Wednesday Nov 01,2023 All Saints' Day Public Holiday
Monday Dec 25,2023 Christmas Day Public Holiday
**Note: While we strive for accuracy in researching and updating holiday dates, some information in the table above might be preliminary. Should you come across any discrepancies, kindly inform us so we can ensure precise information. Thank you for your understanding!

New Year

New Year in Cape Verde is a festive occasion celebrated with great enthusiasm. It marks the beginning of a fresh year and is observed on January 1st. People gather to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one with parties, music, dancing, and fireworks. It's a time for reflection, hope, and setting new goals for the year ahead. It holds cultural importance as it symbolizes a fresh start and a sense of unity as the nation looks forward to the future together.

Freedom and Democracy Day

Freedom and Democracy Day is a significant holiday in Cape Verde, celebrated on January 13th. It commemorates the day when the country transitioned to a multi-party democracy in 1991. This holiday holds immense cultural importance as it symbolizes the nation's commitment to freedom and democracy. Citizens participate in parades, discussions, and events to honor this historic day.

National Heroes' Day

National Heroes' Day, observed on January 20th, pays tribute to Cape Verde's national heroes who played pivotal roles in the country's history. It is a day to remember and celebrate their contributions to the nation's development. Parades and ceremonies are held to commemorate these heroes and their enduring cultural impact.

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent in Cape Verde, a period of reflection and fasting leading up to Easter. On this day, Christians attend church services where they receive blessed ashes on their foreheads as a symbol of repentance and humility. It signifies the start of a spiritual journey during Lent.

Holy Thursday

Holy Thursday, celebrated during Holy Week, is a time for Cape Verdean Christians to remember the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples. It is observed with church services, processions, and the tradition of washing feet to symbolize humility and servitude. It holds cultural importance as a deeply religious and reflective occasion.

Good Friday

Good Friday is a solemn and religious holiday observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. Cape Verdeans participate in church services and processions to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a day of reflection, fasting, and prayer, highlighting the cultural significance of faith in the country.

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday is a joyous celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Cape Verdeans attend church services, share meals with loved ones, and engage in festive activities like egg hunts. This holiday underscores the cultural importance of Christianity and the renewal of faith.

Labour Day

Labour Day in Cape Verde, celebrated on May 1st, honors the contributions of workers and their rights. It is a day for labor unions, workers, and activists to come together in solidarity. The holiday emphasizes the cultural value of workers' rights and fair labor practices.

Mother's Day

Mother's Day, observed on the second Sunday of May, is a time for Cape Verdeans to express their love and appreciation for their mothers. Families come together, exchange gifts, and celebrate maternal bonds. It highlights the cultural significance of family and gratitude.

Children's Day

Children's Day, celebrated on June 1st, is dedicated to the well-being and rights of children in Cape Verde. Schools organize special activities, and communities come together to emphasize the importance of child welfare. This holiday underscores the cultural value of nurturing and protecting the younger generation.

Father's Day

Father's Day in Cape Verde, observed on the second Sunday of July, is a day to honor fathers and father figures. Families express their love and appreciation through gifts and gatherings. It highlights the cultural significance of paternal roles and bonds within families.

Independence Day

Independence Day on July 5th marks Cape Verde's liberation from Portuguese colonial rule in 1975. It's a day of national pride and patriotism, celebrated with parades, cultural performances, and flag-raising ceremonies. This holiday holds immense cultural importance as it signifies the nation's sovereignty and identity.

Assumption of Mary

Assumption of Mary on August 15th is a religious holiday celebrating the Virgin Mary's ascension into heaven. Cape Verdean Catholics attend church services, processions, and feasts to honor this event, highlighting the cultural significance of faith and spirituality.

All Saints' Day

All Saints' Day, observed on November 1st, is a time to commemorate all saints and martyrs in Cape Verdean Christianity. Families visit cemeteries to pay respects to their deceased loved ones. It underscores the cultural importance of remembering and honoring ancestors.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day is a festive holiday celebrated on December 25th in Cape Verde. It marks the birth of Jesus Christ, and Cape Verdeans celebrate with church services, feasts, music, and gift-giving. The holiday emphasizes the cultural significance of faith, family, and unity during the Christmas season.