Public holidays in Niger


The government and people of Niger observe twelve official public holidays. These include international commemorations, the commemoration of important dates in the history of Niger, and religious holidays. Both Christian and Muslim holidays are observed as official public holidays. While the former colonial power, France, instituted Christian observances, the vast majority of Nigeriens are Muslim.
Because Muslim holiday are dependent on the Islamic calendar, and—like Christian Easter—move from year to year. Some Muslim holidays are also dependent upon astronomical sightings. National commemorations and secular international holidays are fixed on the Gregorian calendar, the standard civil calendar used in Niger as most of the world.
Nigeriens celebrate a number of other holidays, festivals, and commemorations which are not public holidays. Some are yearly civic commemorations, some religious, ethnic, or regional festivals which may be widely celebrated only by specific groups or in specific areas. Other yearly events, such as cultural festivals, markets, or sporting events may be much anticipated events without being legal holidays.

Official holidays

Below are the twelve official public holidays recognized by the Government of Niger. Businesses, schools, and public services are closed on these days. They are often dates of public festivals, political speeches, and large gatherings.

Fixed holidays

The following are official public holidays whose date may vary, according to their corresponding calendar. Some Muslim holiday observance is also dependent upon local astronomical observance. For the period 2008–2013, the order they occur:
Month: 2008–2013Name and TranslationRemarks
January—DecemberEid al AdhaCommemoration of Abraham's sacrifice: feasting on Lamb or Goat.
Especially important family gathering in Niger.
January—DecemberMuharram
April—MayEaster MondayChristian holiday of the Resurrection, breaking the Lenten fast.
March—JanuaryThe Prophet's BirthdayMawlid, locally Mouloud: celebrated with overnight gatherings of families and communities.
October—AugustLaylat al-QadrNightly prayers and reflection in the last 10 nights of Ramadan.
November—SeptemberEid al FitrEvening feasts and parties to celebrate the breaking of the Ramadan fast.
Regional gatherings and festival include the carnival festivities at the Sultan's Palace in Zinder.

Other festivals

Nigeriens celebrate a number of holidays and festivals. Many are regional, recognized partially or only locally by government, or are traditions of specific ethnic groups. They include: