Public Holidays in Cabo Verde 2024
Cabo Verde, an archipelago located off the coast of West Africa, celebrates a variety of public holidays throughout the year. These holidays are significant events that reflect the country’s cultural, historical, and religious heritage. In this guide, we will explore the public holidays in Cabo Verde 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 Cabo Verde, 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 Cabo Verde, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Heroes’ Day – January 20, 2024
Heroes’ Day in Cabo Verde commemorates the lives and contributions of national heroes who fought for the country’s independence and freedom. It honors individuals who played significant roles in Cabo Verde’s history, including political leaders, activists, and cultural figures. Heroes’ Day is observed with ceremonies, speeches, and cultural events that celebrate the nation’s heroes and their legacy.
Days off: Heroes’ Day is a public holiday in Cabo Verde, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Carnival (Carnaval) – February 26-28, 2024
Carnival, known as “Carnaval” in Cabo Verde, is a festive season that precedes the Christian season of Lent. It is celebrated with colorful parades, music, dance, and elaborate costumes. In Cabo Verde, Carnival is a time for communities to come together and celebrate with joy and exuberance. Each island in the archipelago has its own unique Carnival traditions and festivities.
Days off: Carnival is not an official public holiday in Cabo Verde, but it is widely celebrated, and many businesses and schools may be closed or have reduced hours during this period.
Good Friday – April 19, 2024
Good Friday is a Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. In Cabo Verde, it is observed with religious services, processions, and prayers. Many Christians participate in solemn rituals and reflections on the significance of Christ’s sacrifice.
Days off: Good Friday is a public holiday in Cabo Verde, 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.
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 Cabo Verde, 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 Cabo Verde, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Independence Day – July 5, 2024
Independence Day in Cabo Verde commemorates the country’s independence from Portuguese colonial rule on July 5, 1975. 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 Cabo Verdeans to celebrate their sovereignty and reflect on their nation’s history.
Days off: Independence Day is a public holiday in Cabo Verde, 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 Cabo Verde, 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 Cabo Verde, 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.
National Day – September 12, 2024
National Day in Cabo Verde celebrates the country’s culture, history, and achievements. It is a day for Cabo Verdeans to come together and celebrate their national identity and pride. National Day is observed with cultural events, performances, and ceremonies that highlight the richness and diversity of Cabo Verdean heritage.
Days off: National Day is a public holiday in Cabo Verde, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
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 Cabo Verde, 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 Cabo Verde, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Table: Summary of Public Holidays in Cabo Verde 2024
| Holiday | Date | Description | Days Off for Groups |
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Beginning of the Gregorian calendar year | Nationwide |
| Heroes’ Day | January 20 | Commemoration of national heroes | Nationwide |
| Carnival | February 26-28 | Festive season preceding Lent | Not an official public holiday |
| Good Friday | April 19 | Commemoration of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ | Nationwide |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Celebration of workers’ contributions | Nationwide |
| Independence Day | July 5 | Commemoration of Cabo Verde’s independence | Nationwide |
| Assumption of Mary | August 15 | Commemoration of the assumption of the Virgin Mary | Nationwide |
| National Day | September 12 | Celebration of Cabo Verdean culture and achievements | Nationwide |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ | Nationwide |
