| Day | Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Jan 01,2023 | New Year's Day | Public Holiday |
| Thursday | Mar 23,2023 | Ramadan Start | Observance |
| Monday | Apr 03,2023 | Second Republic Day | 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 |
| Monday | May 01,2023 | Labour Day | Public Holiday |
| Thursday | May 25,2023 | Africa Day | Public Holiday |
| Wednesday | Jun 28,2023 | Eid al-Adha | Public Holiday |
| Tuesday | Aug 15,2023 | Assumption of Mary | Public Holiday |
| Wednesday | Sep 27,2023 | The Prophet's Birthday (Tentative Date) | Public Holiday |
| Monday | Oct 02,2023 | Independence Day | Public Holiday |
| Wednesday | Nov 01,2023 | All Saints' Day | Public Holiday |
| Monday | Dec 25,2023 | Christmas Day | Public Holiday |
New Year's Day, known as "Jour de l'An" in Guinea, is celebrated with joy and excitement on January 1st. It marks the beginning of a new year and is a time for Guineans to reflect on the past and make resolutions for the future. People gather with family and friends for festive parties, fireworks, and special meals. It's a culturally significant occasion that promotes unity and hope, setting a positive tone for the year ahead in Guinea.
Ramadan, a sacred month for Muslims, begins based on the lunar calendar. It's a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection, observed by Muslims in Guinea and around the world. Known as "Ramadan" in the local context, this holy month encourages spiritual growth, empathy for the less fortunate, and communal unity. The breaking of the fast, or "Iftar," is a special cultural event where families and friends come together to share meals. Ramadan fosters a sense of devotion and strengthens the bond within the Muslim community, making it a culturally important observance in Guinea.
Second Republic Day, celebrated on April 3rd, commemorates the establishment of the Second Republic of Guinea in 1984. It's a day to honor Guinea's political history and the transition to a new government. Festivities include parades, cultural performances, and speeches that reflect on the nation's progress and development. Second Republic Day serves as a reminder of Guinea's commitment to democracy and its cultural identity as an independent nation.
Easter Monday, known as "Lundi de Pâques" in Guinea, is a Christian holiday that follows Easter Sunday. It's a continuation of Easter celebrations, marked by church services, processions, and joyful gatherings with family and friends. Guineans exchange Easter eggs and share special meals, enhancing the cultural significance of the holiday. Easter Monday is a time for spiritual reflection and unity within the Christian community in Guinea.
Lailat al-Qadr, known as "Nuit du Destin" in Guinea, is a significant night for Muslims observed in the last ten days of Ramadan. It is believed to be the night when the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims engage in intense prayers, seeking blessings and forgiveness. Cultural activities may include communal prayers at the mosque and the sharing of meals with family and friends. Lailat al-Qadr promotes a strong sense of spirituality and community among Muslims in Guinea, making it a culturally important and spiritually enriching occasion.
Eid al-Fitr, known as "Aïd el-Fitr" in Guinea, is a major Islamic holiday celebrated at the end of Ramadan. It's a time of joy, feasting, and gratitude for the strength to complete the fast. Families come together for special prayers at the mosque and communal meals. Giving to the less fortunate is a central aspect, and children receive gifts and money. Eid al-Fitr promotes solidarity, compassion, and devotion within the Muslim community in Guinea, making it a culturally significant religious observance.
Labour Day, known as "Fête du Travail" in Guinea, is celebrated on May 1st to honor the contributions of workers to society. It's a day when labor unions, workers, and activists organize parades, rallies, and discussions about workers' rights and labor-related issues. It serves as a reminder of the importance of fair labor practices and social justice. Labour Day highlights the role of workers in the country's development and is a culturally relevant occasion that underscores the value of labor and workers' well-being in Guinea.
Africa Day, also known as "Journée de l'Afrique," is celebrated on May 25th to commemorate the founding of the African Union (formerly the Organization of African Unity) in 1963. This day promotes unity, diversity, and the cultural richness of the African continent. Guineans participate in various activities, including cultural festivals, music performances, and educational events, to celebrate Africa's heritage and the common aspirations of African nations. Africa Day reaffirms Guinea's cultural connection to the broader African community and its commitment to regional cooperation.
Eid al-Adha, known as "Aïd el-Adha" in Guinea, 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 Guinea, making it a culturally important religious observance.
The Assumption of Mary, known as "Assomption de Marie" in Guinea, is a Christian holiday that celebrates the belief that the Virgin Mary was taken into heaven. Guinean Christians attend church services, processions, and religious gatherings to honor this event. It is a day of spiritual reflection and devotion, strengthening the cultural ties that unite the Christian community in Guinea. The Assumption of Mary is a culturally significant occasion that reaffirms the importance of Mary in the Christian faith and the role of faith in Guinean culture.
The Prophet's Birthday, known as "Mawlid al-Nabi" in Guinea, is observed on the 12th day of Rabi' al-Awwal in the Islamic lunar calendar (tentative date). It commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad and is marked by special prayers, readings from the Quran, and celebrations. Guinean Muslims come together to learn about the life and teachings of the Prophet, fostering a sense of community and spiritual connection. The celebration serves as a culturally significant occasion that deepens faith and cultural ties within the Muslim community in Guinea.
Independence Day, celebrated on October 2nd, marks the day when Guinea gained independence from French colonial rule in 1958. It's a day of national pride and cultural celebration, featuring parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and traditional performances. Guineans reflect on their history and the struggle for freedom, reinforcing their cultural identity as an independent nation. Independence Day is a symbol of unity and a reminder of Guinea's journey towards sovereignty and cultural self-determination.
All Saints' Day, known as "La Toussaint" in Guinea, is a Christian holiday that honors all saints and martyrs. It is a day for Guinean Christians to remember and celebrate the lives of these holy individuals. Many people visit cemeteries to pay their respects to deceased loved ones. All Saints' Day is a culturally relevant occasion that underscores the significance of faith and the importance of remembering those who have passed away in Guinea.
Christmas Day, known as "Noël" in Guinea, is a Christian holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time of religious observance, marked by church services, nativity scenes, and the exchange of gifts. Families gather to share special meals, enhancing the cultural significance of the holiday. Christmas caroling and festive decorations enhance the cultural atmosphere, making Christmas a cherished and culturally significant holiday in Guinea that brings joy and togetherness to communities.
