A fete legale. Introductory day of the modernised Traditional Religions Festival (Fete des Religions Traditionnelles) observance.
1/8/2016, Fri
Traditional Religions Festival
Note
A fete legale added by Loi 2024-32 du 2 septembre 2024. Also known as Vodoun Day / Fete des Religions Traditionnelles. Replaces the fixed 10 January date established by the now-repealed Loi 97-031/1997. Flagship celebration in Ouidah.
3/27/2016, Sun
Easter
Note
A Christian religious observance. Not a fete legale.
3/28/2016, Mon
Easter Monday
Note
A fete legale chomee et payee (Lundi de Paques).
5/1/2016, Sun
Labour Day
Note
A fete legale chomee et payee (Fete du Travail). International Workers' Day.
5/5/2016, Thu
Ascension Day
Note
A fete legale chomee et payee (Ascension).
5/16/2016, Mon
Whit Monday
Note
A fete legale chomee et payee (Lundi de Pentecote).
7/7/2016, Thu
Eid al-Fitr (Korite)
Note
A fete legale chomee et payee (Fete de Korite / Eid al-Fitr). The dates for Islamic holidays typically are determined by local religious authorities based on moon sightings and may vary by + or - one day.
8/1/2016, Mon
Independence Day
Note
A fete legale chomee et payee (Fete Nationale). Commemorates Benin's independence from France on 1 August 1960.
8/15/2016, Mon
Assumption of Mary
Note
A fete legale chomee et payee (Assomption). Catholic feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
9/13/2016, Tue
Eid al-Adha (Tabaski)
Note
A fete legale chomee et payee (Fete de Tabaski / Eid al-Adha, Islamic Dhu al-Hijjah 10 1447 AH). Date confirmed by Ministry of Labour communique. The dates for Islamic holidays typically are determined by local religious authorities based on moon sightings and may vary by + or - one day.
11/1/2016, Tue
All Saints' Day
Note
A fete legale chomee et payee (Toussaint). Catholic All Saints' Day.
12/12/2016, Mon
Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (Maouloud)
Note
A fete legale chomee et payee (Maouloud / Mawlid al-Nabi, Islamic Rabi al-Awwal 12 1448 AH). Date confirmed by Ministry of Labour communique. The dates for Islamic holidays typically are determined by local religious authorities based on moon sightings and may vary by + or - one day.
12/25/2016, Sun
Christmas Day
Note
A fete legale chomee et payee (Noel). The Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.