2024 Public Holidays in Burundi
Public Holidays in Burundi 2024
Burundi, a landlocked country in East Africa, celebrates several public holidays throughout the year, each with its own cultural, historical, and religious significance. These holidays are important occasions for Burundians to come together, celebrate their heritage, and observe traditional customs and rituals. In this guide, we will explore the public holidays in Burundi for the year 2024, providing detailed descriptions of each holiday along with information on the groups entitled to days off.
New Year’s Day – January 1, 2024
New Year’s Day is celebrated worldwide on January 1st, marking the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. In Burundi, it is a time for family gatherings, festive meals, and socializing with friends. Many people attend church services and participate in traditional rituals to usher in the new year with hope and optimism.
Days off: New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Burundi, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Unity Day – February 5, 2024
Unity Day in Burundi commemorates the signing of the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement on February 5, 2000. The agreement aimed to end the civil war in Burundi and promote national unity, reconciliation, and peace. Unity Day is observed with various events and activities, including speeches, cultural performances, and community gatherings.
Days off: Unity Day is a public holiday in Burundi, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Labour Day – May 1, 2024
Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, is observed worldwide to honor the contributions of workers to society and advocate for labor rights and improved working conditions. In Burundi, it is a day of rallies, marches, and speeches organized by trade unions and labor organizations. Workers from various sectors come together to demand better wages, working conditions, and social benefits.
Days off: Labour Day is a public holiday in Burundi, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Ascension Day – May 30, 2024
Ascension Day, also known as the Feast of the Ascension, commemorates the Christian belief in the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. In Burundi, it is observed with religious services, processions, and prayers. Many Christians attend church on this day to reflect on the significance of Christ’s ascension and its relevance to their faith.
Days off: Ascension Day is a public holiday in Burundi, primarily observed by members of the Christian community, but it is also recognized by the wider population, with many businesses and schools closing for the occasion.
Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) – May 14, 2024 (subject to change based on moon sighting)
Eid al-Fitr, also known as the Festival of Breaking the Fast, marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. In Burundi, it is a joyous occasion celebrated with prayers, feasting, and the exchange of gifts. Muslims gather in mosques and open spaces to perform special prayers and listen to sermons. They also participate in acts of charity to help those in need celebrate the festival.
Days off: Eid al-Fitr is a public holiday in Burundi, primarily observed by members of the Muslim community, but it is also recognized by the wider population, with many businesses and schools closing for the occasion.
Independence Day – July 1, 2024
Independence Day in Burundi commemorates the country’s independence from Belgian colonial rule on July 1, 1962. It is a day of national pride and patriotism, marked by flag-raising ceremonies, parades, cultural performances, and speeches by government officials. Independence Day is an opportunity for Burundians to celebrate their sovereignty and reflect on their nation’s history.
Days off: Independence Day is a public holiday in Burundi, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Assumption of Mary – August 15, 2024
The Assumption of Mary is a Christian feast day that commemorates the belief in the bodily assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven. In Burundi, it is observed with religious services, processions, and prayers. Many Catholics attend Mass and participate in special devotions to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary on this day.
Days off: Assumption of Mary is a public holiday in Burundi, primarily observed by members of the Christian community, but it is also recognized by the wider population, with many businesses and schools closing for the occasion.
Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) – July 3, 2024 (subject to change based on moon sighting)
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. In Burundi, it is celebrated with prayers, the sacrifice of animals, and the sharing of meat with family, friends, and the less fortunate. Muslims also engage in acts of charity and goodwill during this time.
Days off: Eid al-Adha is a public holiday in Burundi, primarily observed by members of the Muslim community, but it is also recognized by the wider population, with many businesses and schools closing for the occasion.
All Saints’ Day – November 1, 2024
All Saints’ Day is a Christian holiday dedicated to honoring all the saints, known and unknown. In Burundi, it is observed with religious services, visits to cemeteries to honor deceased loved ones, and the lighting of candles. Many Christians also engage in acts of charity and prayers for the souls of the departed.
Days off: All Saints’ Day is a public holiday in Burundi, primarily observed by members of the Christian community, but it is also recognized by the wider population, with many businesses and schools closing for the occasion.
Christmas Day – December 25, 2024
Christmas Day is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed with religious services, festive meals, and the exchange of gifts. In Burundi, Christmas is a time for family gatherings, church services, and traditional celebrations. Many people attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and enjoy special meals with loved ones on Christmas Day.
Days off: Christmas Day is a public holiday in Burundi, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Table: Summary of Public Holidays in Burundi 2024
| Holiday | Date | Description | Days Off for Groups |
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Beginning of the Gregorian calendar year | Nationwide |
| Unity Day | February 5 | Commemoration of the signing of the Arusha Agreement | Nationwide |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Celebration of workers’ contributions | Nationwide |
| Ascension Day | May 30 | Commemoration of the ascension of Jesus Christ | Nationwide |
| Eid al-Fitr | May 14 | Celebration marking the end of Ramadan | Nationwide |
| Independence Day | July 1 | Commemoration of Burundi’s independence | Nationwide |
| Assumption of Mary | August 15 | Commemoration of the assumption of the Virgin Mary | Nationwide |
| Eid al-Adha | July 3 | Celebration commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice | Nationwide |
| All Saints’ Day | November 1 | Honoring all the saints, known and unknown | Nationwide |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ | Nationwide |
