Ivory Coast Holidays And Celebrations In 2024/2025

Ivory Coast is a country rich in cultural traditions, and its holidays and celebrations are a testament to its diverse heritage. From lively festivals to significant national observances, the Ivorian calendar is filled with events that bring people together in joy and unity. Whether you're planning a trip or curious about the vibrant celebrations, this guide to Ivory Coast holidays in 2024 and 2025 will help you explore the country's most cherished traditions, festivals, and special occasions.  Let's read on.

In Côte d'Ivoire, public holidays are observed throughout the year, reflecting the country's cultural, religious, and historical significance. Here’s a list of the main public holidays in Ivory Coast for 2024 and 2025:

1. Ivory Coast New Year's Day

Time:

• Monday, January 1st, 2024
• Wednesdays, January 1st, 2025

The New Year in the Ivory Coast marks the beginning of the year in the Gregorian calendar. It is celebrated with vibrant energy and cultural enthusiasm. The festivities often begin with families gathering for special meals featuring traditional Ivorian dishes like kedjenou (spicy chicken stew) or attiéké (cassava couscous). People dress in colorful attire, and neighborhoods come alive with music, dancing, and fireworks. Young people organize street parties, and communities engage in lively drumming and dancing late into the night. It's a time of renewal and hope, with many reflecting on the past year and setting intentions for the year ahead. In some regions, spiritual ceremonies and rituals are performed to usher in prosperity and good fortune.

Ivory Coast New Year

2. Easter Monday

Time:

• Monday, April 1, 2024
• Monday, April 21, 2025

In Ivory Coast, Easter Monday is observed with a mix of religious significance and cultural traditions. This day typically follows Easter Sunday and is a public holiday when families and communities come together for gatherings and activities. Many Ivorians attend church services in the morning to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Afterward, families often enjoy festive meals featuring local delicacies. In some regions, there are colorful parades or cultural performances that showcase traditional music and dance.

3. Revelation of the Qur'an

Time:

• Sunday, April 7, 2024
• Friday, March 28, 2025

The revelation of the Qur'an (or the holy month of Ramadan) is an important holiday for the Muslim community. During this month, Muslims in Ivory Coast observe fasting from dawn until dusk as a way to commemorate the Qur'an's revelation to Prophet Muhammad. The month is marked by spiritual reflection, prayer, and acts of charity. Mosques are adorned and bustling with worshippers attending nightly prayers, including the special Taraweeh prayers. Families come together for special meals before dawn (suhoor) and after sunset (iftar) to break their fast.

4. Korite

Time:

• Wednesday, April 10, 2024
• Monday, March 31, 2025

The Korite celebration, also known as Eid al-Fitr, is an important occasion for Muslims in the Ivory Coast. It marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. On this day, Muslims gather early in the morning to perform special prayers, known as Salat al-Eid, in mosques or open prayer grounds. People dress in their finest attire, often new clothes, and exchange warm greetings of "Eid Mubarak" to each other. Giving Zakat al-Fitr, a form of charity, is also customary before the Eid prayers. This is a way to invite everyone in the community to partake in the celebrations.

5. Labour Day

Time:

• Wednesday, May 1, 2024
• Thursday, May 1, 2025

Labour Day is an important national holiday dedicated to honoring and appreciating the contributions of workers. On this day, various events and activities are organized to recognize the efforts and achievements of the labor force. Trade unions and workers' organizations often hold rallies, marches, and speeches advocating for workers' rights and fair labor practices. On this day, most businesses and government offices are closed.

6. Ascension Day

Time:

• Thursday, May 9, 2024
• Thursday, May 29, 2025

Christians celebrate Ascension Day to remember when Jesus Christ ascended into heaven. This day falls 40 days after Easter Sunday and is observed with religious services and gatherings in churches nationwide. Many Christians attend special Mass or prayer services to reflect on the significance of Christ's ascension and its importance in Christian theology. After attending church, families often come together for meals and fellowship, enjoying traditional Ivorian dishes and desserts.

Ivory Coast Ascension Day

7. Whit Monday

Time:

• Monday, May 20, 2024
• Monday, June 9, 2025

Whit Monday, also known as Pentecost Monday in the Ivory Coast, is observed in various ways. Ivorians may attend special church services or participate in religious observances highlighting the significance of Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit. Additionally, community events, parades, and gatherings may take place, fostering a sense of unity and celebration among neighbors.

8. Tabaski

Time:

• Monday, June 17, 2024
• Friday, June 6, 2025

Tabaski, also known as Eid al-Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice, is a cherished occasion for the Muslim community. This holiday commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Families begin the day of Tabaski with special prayers at mosques. One of the central traditions of Tabaski is the sacrificial offering of livestock, typically a sheep, which symbolizes Ibrahim's sacrifice. The meat is shared among family members, neighbors, and the less fortunate to enhance the spirit of generosity and community. Additionally, Tabaski is also a time for people to visit relatives, give gifts, and partake in festive meals featuring traditional Ivorian dishes like thieboudienne (fish and rice) or kedjenou (spicy chicken stew).

9. Independence Day

Time:

• Wednesday, August 7, 2024
• Thursday, August 7, 2025

Independence Day is an important Ivory Coast holiday. This holiday commemorates the country's liberation from French colonial rule in 1960. Festivities often include parades, cultural performances, and speeches by political leaders. Streets are decorated with national flags and banners, and communities gather to celebrate this special day with music, dance, and traditional Ivorian cuisine.

Ivory Coast Independence Day

10. Assumption Day

Time:

• Thursday, August 15, 2024
• Friday, August 15, 2025

Assumption Day commemorates the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was assumed into heaven after her earthly life ended. In Ivory Coast, Assumption Day is marked with special church services and processions attended by devout Christians. On this day, churches are adorned with flowers and candles, and believers gather to honor Mary. 

11. Prophet's Birthday

Time:

• Sunday, September 15, 2024
• Friday, September 5, 2025

The celebration of the Prophet's Birthday, known as Mawlid al-Nabi in the Ivory Coast, creates an inclusive atmosphere across the nation. A few days before the holiday, streets are adorned with colorful banners and lights. On the day itself, families gather for special prayers at mosques, followed by communal feasts where traditional Ivorian dishes are shared generously among neighbors and those in need. The streets become joyous with the melodious sounds of drums and local music.

12. All Saints' Day

Time:

• Friday, November 1, 2024
• Saturday, November 1, 2025

On All Saints' Day, family members often gather at the gravesites of their departed loved ones, adorned with bright tropical flowers and offerings of local delicacies. People pray for the souls of the departed amidst the rhythms of traditional music and dance. The air is filled with the aromas of incense and roasted corn, creating a mosaic of senses that pays homage to the interconnectedness of life and remembrance.

Explore more about this special national day of Ivory Coast - All Saints' Day through our sharings.

13. National Peace Day

Time:

• Friday, November 15, 2024
• Saturday, November 15, 2025

National Peace Day is an Ivory Coast holiday established to foster peace and reconciliation. This holiday is celebrated annually by government and civil service groups, and speeches, parades, and other events are held there. Colorful banners are hung everywhere and people swarm the streets to take in the cultural arts, music, and dancing. Also, family members gather and share meals on this day to symbolize peace and unity. National Peace Day encapsulates the spirit of hope, forgiveness, and togetherness that defines the Ivorian nation.

14. Christmas Day

Ivory Coast Christmas Day

Time:

• Wednesday, December 25, 2024
• Thursday, December 25, 2025

As December approaches, homes and streets are adorned with colorful decorations, twinkling lights, and festive displays. That's when Christmas is about to come. It's a time of warmth, generosity, and community spirit as Ivorians come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Families gather for special meals featuring traditional Ivorian dishes alongside Christmas favorites such as roast chicken or turkey. On Christmas, churches hold lively services filled with singing, dancing, and prayers. Children eagerly anticipate gifts from Père Noël (Father Christmas) or Papa Gâteau (Father Cake), and the air is filled with laughter and music.

Each of these holidays in the Ivory Coast is a reflection of the country's rich religious and cultural diversity. If you can visit during these public holidays in Ivory Coast, don't forget to participate in the festivities with the local people. This is an excellent opportunity to discover the country's distinctive culture. Last but not least, get your Ivory Coast visa to have a seamless journey to this beautiful nation.