> National Holidays > Nigeria

Upcoming Holidays and Celebrations in Nigeria

Nigeria

Day Date Holiday Type
Sunday Jan 01,2023 New Year's Day Public Holiday
Monday Jan 02,2023 Day off for New Year's Day Public Holiday
Tuesday Feb 14,2023 Valentine's Day Observance
Wednesday Feb 22,2023 Ash Wednesday Observance, Christian
Wednesday Mar 08,2023 Women's Day Observance
Sunday Mar 19,2023 Mothering Sunday Observance
Thursday Mar 23,2023 Ramadan Start Observance
Friday Apr 07,2023 Good Friday Public Holiday
Saturday Apr 08,2023 Holy Saturday Observance, Christian
Sunday Apr 09,2023 Easter Sunday Observance, Christian
Monday Apr 10,2023 Easter Monday Public Holiday
Friday Apr 21,2023 Id el Fitr Public Holiday
Monday Apr 24,2023 Id el Fitr holiday Public Holiday
Monday May 01,2023 Workers' Day Public Holiday
Saturday May 27,2023 Children's Day Observance
Monday May 29,2023 Presidential Inauguration Holiday Public Holiday
Monday Jun 12,2023 Democracy Day Public Holiday
Sunday Jun 18,2023 Father's Day Observance
Wednesday Jun 28,2023 Id el Kabir Public Holiday
Thursday Jun 29,2023 Id el Kabir additional holiday Public Holiday
Wednesday Jul 19,2023 Al-Hijra Local holiday
Sunday Aug 20,2023 Isese Day Local holiday
Wednesday Sep 27,2023 Id el Maulud (Tentative Date) Public Holiday
Sunday Oct 01,2023 National Day Public Holiday
Monday Oct 02,2023 Day off for National Day Public Holiday
Friday Dec 22,2023 Sambisa Memorial Day Local holiday
Sunday Dec 24,2023 Christmas Eve Observance, Christian
Monday Dec 25,2023 Christmas Day Public Holiday
Tuesday Dec 26,2023 Boxing Day Public Holiday
Sunday Dec 31,2023 New Year's Eve Observance
**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's Day

New Year's Day is celebrated on January 1st in Nigeria and marks the beginning of a new year. Nigerians welcome the year with joyous festivities, fireworks, and parties. It's a time for resolutions and fresh starts, and people often spend time with family and friends.

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14th, is a day for expressing love and affection to significant others. Nigerians exchange gifts, cards, and spend quality time with their loved ones. It's a day to celebrate romance and strengthen relationships.

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and reflection before Easter. Christians in Nigeria attend church services and receive ashes on their foreheads as a symbol of repentance and mortality. It's a solemn day of spiritual significance.

Women's Day

International Women's Day on March 8th celebrates the achievements and contributions of women worldwide. In Nigeria, it's a time to honor and empower women, highlighting their role in society and advocating for gender equality and women's rights.

Mothering Sunday

Mothering Sunday, observed on the fourth Sunday of Lent, is a day to appreciate and honor mothers and mother figures. Nigerians often visit their mothers, give them gifts, and express gratitude for their love and care. It's a heartfelt celebration of maternal bonds.

Ramadan Start

Ramadan is the holy month of fasting and spiritual reflection for Muslims. Its start varies each year based on the Islamic lunar calendar. During Ramadan, Muslims in Nigeria fast from dawn to sunset, engage in prayers, and focus on self-purification and charity. It's a significant religious observance.

Good Friday

Good Friday, observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Nigerian Christians attend church services, reflect on the suffering of Jesus, and engage in acts of devotion and charity. It's a day of somber reflection and worship.

Holy Saturday

Holy Saturday falls between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It's a day of vigil and anticipation for Nigerian Christians. Many churches hold special services and ceremonies to prepare for the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday. It's a day of hope and spiritual significance.

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Nigerians attend church services, exchange Easter eggs and gifts, and enjoy festive meals with family and friends. It symbolizes new life and is a joyful occasion in the Christian calendar.

Easter Monday

Easter Monday is a continuation of Easter celebrations in Nigeria. It's a public holiday, and people often spend it with loved ones, engage in outdoor activities, and relax. It provides an extended opportunity for reflection and enjoyment during the Easter season.

Id el Fitr

Id el Fitr, also known as Eid al-Fitr, marks the end of Ramadan. It's a joyous Muslim festival celebrated with special prayers, feasting, and acts of charity. Nigerians exchange greetings, visit family and friends, and share meals to break the fast. It signifies gratitude and community.

Workers' Day

Workers' Day, celebrated on May 1st, honors the labor and contributions of workers in Nigeria. It's a day for labor unions and organizations to advocate for workers' rights and fair labor practices. Many people participate in parades and rallies to demand better working conditions.

Children's Day

Children's Day, on May 27th, is a day dedicated to celebrating and promoting the well-being of children in Nigeria. It's a time for fun activities, educational programs, and awareness campaigns to address children's rights and issues. Children are the focus of attention and love.

Presidential Inauguration Holiday

This holiday marks the inauguration of Nigeria's president, occurring every four years when a new president takes office. It's a significant political event and a day for Nigerians to witness the peaceful transition of power and celebrate democracy in the country.

Democracy Day

Democracy Day, on June 12th, commemorates Nigeria's return to civilian rule in 1999. It's a day to celebrate democracy, freedom, and the struggle for political rights. Nigerians engage in various activities, including parades, discussions, and events that promote democracy and unity.

Father's Day

Father's Day, typically celebrated on the third Sunday in June, honors fathers and father figures. Nigerians show appreciation to their dads through gifts, cards, and spending quality time together. It's a day to recognize paternal love and the role of fathers in families.

Id el Kabir

Id el Kabir, also known as Eid al-Adha, is a significant Islamic festival that commemorates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son. Nigerians engage in prayers, feasting, and the sacrifice of livestock to share with family and the less fortunate. It emphasizes faith and generosity.

Id el Kabir additional holiday

This additional holiday provides extra time for Nigerians to celebrate Id el Kabir and spend time with loved ones. It allows for extended festivities, prayer, and acts of charity during this important Islamic holiday.

Al-Hijra

Al-Hijra marks the Islamic New Year and the migration of the Prophet Muhammad to Medina. It's a time for reflection, prayer, and renewing one's commitment to Islam. Nigerians participate in religious activities and seek spiritual growth during this Islamic holiday.

Isese Day

Isese Day celebrates traditional African religions and spirituality in Nigeria. It's an occasion to honor the gods and ancestors, with ceremonies, rituals, and cultural performances. It promotes cultural heritage and the diversity of religious beliefs in Nigeria.

Id el Maulud (Tentative Date)

Id el Maulud, also known as Mawlid al-Nabi, commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. It's a time for Muslims to reflect on the life and teachings of the Prophet. In Nigeria, people engage in prayers, recitations, and community gatherings to celebrate this important event.

National Day

National Day, celebrated on October 1st, marks Nigeria's independence from British colonial rule in 1960. It's a day of national pride, patriotism, and unity. Nigerians participate in parades, cultural events, and flag-raising ceremonies to honor their country's history and progress.

Sambisa Memorial Day

Sambisa Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for the victims of terrorism and conflict in Nigeria. It honors the memory of those affected by violence, with ceremonies, prayers, and efforts to promote peace and healing in the nation. It emphasizes unity and resilience in the face of adversity.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve, on December 24th, is a time of anticipation and preparation for Christmas. Nigerians attend church services, decorate their homes, and exchange gifts with loved ones. It's a festive and joyous evening leading up to the celebration of the birth of Jesus.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day, on December 25th, is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Nigerians attend church services, exchange gifts, and enjoy special meals with family and friends. It's a day of spreading love, goodwill, and the spirit of giving in Nigeria.

Boxing Day

Boxing Day, observed on December 26th, is a public holiday for relaxing and spending time with family and friends. Nigerians often engage in sports, games, and charitable activities. It's a day to unwind after Christmas and extend the holiday celebrations.

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve, on December 31st, is a night of parties and celebrations to welcome the upcoming year. Nigerians gather for countdowns, fireworks, and festive gatherings with music and dancing. It's a night of joy and anticipation for the year ahead.