Public Holidays in the Democratic Republic of the Congo 2026
10 listed public holiday dates in 2026
The Democratic Republic of the Congo's national calendar is heavily shaped by independence history and major political figures, alongside Labour Day, Kimbangu Day and Christmas.
Democratic Republic of the Congo Public Holidays 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year's Day |
| Jan 4 | Sunday | Martyrs' Day |
| Jan 16 | Friday | Laurent Kabila Heroes' Day |
| Jan 17 | Saturday | Patrice Lumumba Heroes' Day |
| Apr 6 | Monday | Kimbangu Day |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day |
| May 17 | Sunday | Liberation Day |
| Jun 30 | Tuesday | Independence Day |
| Aug 1 | Saturday | Parents' Day |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
* 2027 observed-day entries should be checked against final government announcements where weekend substitution is involved.
Heroes, Independence and Kimbangu Day 2026
January includes Martyrs' Day and commemorations for Laurent-Désiré Kabila and Patrice Lumumba. Independence Day is fixed on 30 June, while Kimbangu Day on 6 April has become an important national holiday.
Holiday Rules in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Most holidays have fixed Gregorian dates. When a statutory holiday falls on a weekend, authorities can announce an adjacent observed day, so those substitute arrangements should be verified each year.
Democratic Republic of the Congo Holiday Calendar: What to Know
- Independence Day is 30 June.
- Kimbangu Day is 6 April.
- January contains several national remembrance days.
- The country spans two time zones.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is DRC Independence Day?
It is observed on 30 June.
What is Kimbangu Day?
It commemorates Simon Kimbangu and is observed nationally on 6 April.
Why are some observed days marked with an asterisk?
Observed-day arrangements around weekends can depend on official annual decisions.
Does the DRC use one time zone?
No. The western part uses UTC+1 and the eastern part UTC+2.
Sources & methodology
View sources used for this page
Official ministry calendar cites Ordinance 23-042 and lists the legal public holidays falling in 2026.
Independent calendar cross-check used for date, weekday and observed-day review. Government notices and statutory rules take precedence where they differ.
Source note: the source note includes an independent calendar cross-check where a current year-specific government calendar was not readily accessible. Statutory rules and later official declarations take precedence. Future lunar, observed or annually proclaimed dates should be reconfirmed.