| Day | Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Jan 01,2023 | New Year | Public Holiday |
| Monday | Jan 02,2023 | Day off for New Year | Public Holiday |
| Saturday | Feb 18,2023 | Independence Day | Public Holiday |
| Monday | Feb 20,2023 | Day off for Independence Day | Public Holiday |
| Thursday | Mar 23,2023 | Ramadan Start | Observance |
| Friday | Apr 07,2023 | Good Friday | Public Holiday |
| Monday | Apr 10,2023 | Easter Monday | Public Holiday |
| Monday | Apr 17,2023 | Lailat al-Qadr | Public Holiday |
| Friday | Apr 21,2023 | Eid al-Fitr | Public Holiday |
| Saturday | Apr 22,2023 | Eid al-Fitr Holiday | Public Holiday |
| Monday | May 01,2023 | Labour Day | Public Holiday |
| Saturday | May 20,2023 | Election Day Holiday | Public Holiday |
| Thursday | May 25,2023 | Africa Day | Public Holiday |
| Wednesday | Jun 28,2023 | Eid al-Adha | Public Holiday |
| Saturday | Jul 22,2023 | Revolution Day | Public Holiday |
| Friday | Jul 28,2023 | Ashura | Public Holiday |
| Tuesday | Aug 15,2023 | Assumption of Mary | Public Holiday |
| Wednesday | Sep 27,2023 | The Prophet's Birthday (Tentative Date) | Public Holiday |
| Monday | Dec 25,2023 | Christmas Day | Public Holiday |
New Year in The Gambia is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm on January 1st. It marks the beginning of a fresh year and is known locally as "Tahawal." Gambians welcome the new year with gatherings, parties, and fireworks. It's a time for reflection and setting new goals. The cultural significance lies in the hope and optimism it brings, fostering a sense of renewal and unity among the people. It's a moment to strengthen bonds with family and friends and celebrate the promise of the year ahead.
Independence Day, celebrated on February 18th, commemorates The Gambia's independence from British colonial rule in 1965. Locally known as "Jamhuri Day," it is a national holiday filled with parades, cultural performances, and flag-raising ceremonies. Independence Day is a symbol of national pride and unity, highlighting the cultural importance of freedom and self-determination. It serves as a reminder of The Gambia's history and its ongoing journey toward progress and development as an independent nation.
Ramadan is a significant Islamic holiday observed by Muslims in The Gambia, and its start is based on the lunar calendar. It is a sacred month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, focusing on spirituality and self-discipline. The cultural importance lies in the sense of community and shared devotion that Ramadan fosters. Families come together for pre-dawn and evening meals, and there is an increased emphasis on charity and helping those in need. Ramadan promotes unity and reinforces the cultural ties within the Muslim community in The Gambia.
Good Friday, known as "Juma'at al-Khayr" in The Gambia, is a Christian holiday observed during Holy Week. It commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. On this day, Christians attend church services, participate in processions, and reflect on the significance of Jesus' sacrifice. Good Friday is culturally important as it deepens the faith and spirituality of the Christian community in The Gambia. It is a time for believers to come together, strengthen their bonds, and reaffirm their commitment to their faith and values.
Easter Monday, known as "Abarasa" in The Gambia, follows Easter Sunday and is a continuation of the Easter celebrations. It is a public holiday that allows people to extend their time with family and friends. Many Gambians use this day for leisure activities, picnics, and outings. Easter Monday is culturally significant as it emphasizes the value of spending quality time with loved ones and enjoying the blessings of the Easter season. It fosters a sense of togetherness and happiness within the community.
Lailat al-Qadr, also known as the Night of Decree or Power, is one of the holiest nights in Islam. It falls within the last ten nights of Ramadan and is a night of intense prayer, reflection, and seeking forgiveness. Muslims believe that it is during this night that the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. In The Gambia, this night holds great cultural importance for Muslims as it is a time of deep spiritual connection and seeking blessings and forgiveness. Believers gather at mosques for extended prayers and recitation of the Quran, creating a strong sense of unity and devotion within the community.
Eid al-Fitr, known as "Koriteh" in The Gambia, is a major Islamic holiday celebrated at the end of Ramadan. It is a time of joy, feasting, and giving thanks to Allah for the strength to complete the fast. Families come together for special prayers at the mosque, followed by communal meals. Giving to the less fortunate is a central aspect, and children receive gifts and money. Eid al-Fitr is a culturally significant event for the Muslim community in The Gambia, fostering a sense of unity and generosity among its members.
Labour Day, celebrated on May 1st, is known as "May Day" in The Gambia. It honors the contributions of workers to society and highlights the importance of workers' rights and fair labor practices. On this day, labor unions, workers, and activists organize parades, rallies, and discussions about labor-related issues. Labour Day is culturally relevant as it underscores the value of labor and the well-being of workers in The Gambia. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for workers' rights and social justice.
Election Day Holiday in The Gambia is a significant day when citizens exercise their democratic right to vote in elections. It is a momentous event that shapes the future of the country. The cultural importance lies in the promotion of civic engagement and the strengthening of the democratic process. Elections allow Gambians to have a voice in their government and contribute to the nation's development. It is a time when people come together to make informed choices and actively participate in shaping their society.
Africa Day, celebrated on May 25th, is known as "African Liberation Day" in The Gambia. It commemorates the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU), in 1963. The day is marked by cultural events, parades, and discussions about African unity and development. Africa Day is culturally significant as it highlights the continent's history, diversity, and the ongoing journey towards unity and progress. It fosters a sense of Pan-African identity and solidarity among Gambians and Africans across the continent.
Eid al-Adha, known as "Tobaski" in The Gambia, is a significant Islamic holiday that commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Families come together for special prayers at the mosque and share meals. A central tradition is the sacrifice of an animal, and the meat is distributed to the needy. Eid al-Adha promotes solidarity, compassion, and devotion within the Muslim community in The Gambia, making it a culturally important religious observance.
Revolution Day, celebrated on July 22nd, commemorates the 1994 military coup that brought President Yahya Jammeh to power. It is a national holiday marked by parades, speeches, and cultural performances. Revolution Day holds cultural significance as it reflects The Gambia's political history and the changes that have occurred over the years. It serves as a reminder of the country's journey towards democracy and the need for continued progress and unity among its people.
Ashura, known as "Tasua" in The Gambia, is an important Islamic observance that falls on the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic lunar calendar. It is a day of fasting, reflection, and remembrance. For Sunni Muslims, it commemorates various events in Islamic history, including the rescue of the Prophet Moses and the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali. Ashura holds cultural significance as it deepens the spiritual connection among Muslims in The Gambia. Believers gather for prayers, recitation of religious texts, and acts of charity, fostering a sense of unity and devotion.
The Assumption of Mary, known as "Assunta" in The Gambia, is a Christian holiday that celebrates the belief that the Virgin Mary was taken into heaven. It is a day of religious observance, marked by church services, processions, and gatherings. The Assumption of Mary is culturally significant as it deepens the faith and spirituality of the Christian community in The Gambia. It is a time for believers to reflect on their devotion and strengthen their bonds with fellow worshipers. The holiday emphasizes the importance of faith and the role of Mary in Christian tradition.
The Prophet's Birthday, also known as "Mawlid al-Nabi," is an Islamic holiday that commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. The date is based on the Islamic lunar calendar and may vary each year. In The Gambia, it is observed with special prayers, recitation of religious texts, and communal gatherings. The cultural importance of this holiday lies in the deep respect and love that Muslims in The Gambia have for the Prophet Muhammad. It is a time to reflect on his teachings and the values of compassion and kindness he promoted. The holiday fosters unity and a sense of spiritual connection within the Muslim community.
Christmas Day in The Gambia, known as "Kersa" or "Nawetan" in the local Wolof language, is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a day of religious observance, marked by church services, nativity scenes, and the exchange of gifts. Families gather to share special meals, and there is a sense of joy and togetherness in the air. Christmas caroling and festive decorations enhance the cultural atmosphere. Christmas is a cherished and culturally significant holiday in The Gambia, bringing people of all backgrounds together in the spirit of love and giving.
