Tanzania Public & National Holidays (2026)

Known for its vast wilderness areas, Tanzania is home to the famously known Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, and the Serengeti. The country itself spans 945,087 km² while the population is estimated at 58.01 million.

Public holidays in Tanzania consist of religious and national holidays observed by Tanzanians across the country.

When are public holidays in Tanzania?

What are the public holidays in Tanzania?

New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Tanzania that commemorates the start of a brand new year, according to the Gregorian calendar.

Zanzibar Revolution Day
The Zanzibar Revolution Day is a public holiday that marks the 1954 revolution to overthrow the Sultan, following independence from British rule.

Karume Day
Karume Day, also known as Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume Day, commemorates the assassination of Abeid Karume in 1972, who was the first president of Zanzibar.

Good Friday
Observed by Christians around the world, Good Friday in Tanzania commemorates the death and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday in Tanzania celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the most important Christian holiday. It also signifies the end of the 40-day fasting period known as Lent.

Easter Monday
Easter Monday is a Christian holiday that is celebrated the day after Easter Sunday.

Union Day
Union Day in Tanzania marks the unification of Tanganyika and commemorates the union of Zanzibar in 1964.

Labor Day
Labor Day in Tanzania marks the achievements of the labor movement and is also a public holiday in over 80 countries.

Eid-al-Fitr
Eid-al-Fitr, known as the Festival of Fast-breaking, marks the end of Ramadan and is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims all around the world.

Farmer’s Day
Farmer’s Day is celebrated to mark the contributions of farmers to Tanzania’s national economy. Half of all workers in the country work in the farming and agriculture sector which contributes to almost a third of Tanzania’s gross domestic product and accounts for 85% of exports.

Eid-al-Adha
Eid-al-Adha is celebrated by Muslims in Tanzania, commemorating the sacrifice made by Prophet Abraham to God. It is the most important religious feast.

Mwalimu Nyerere Day
Mwalimu Nyerere Day commemorates the death of Julius Nyerere who was known as the “father of the Nation”. Nyerere was a founding member of the Tanganyika African National Union and was a strong voice in Tanzania’s independence from British rule.

Maulid Day
In Tanzania, Maulid is a public holiday that commemorates the anniversary of the birth of the founder of Islam and the proclaimer of the Qu’ran, Prophet Muhammad.

Independence Day
Independence Day in Tanzania marks the day in 1961 where the country was free from British rule. The Tanzanians celebrate by speeches, flags and parades.

Christmas Day
Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is celebrated by Christians in Tanzania and around the world.

Boxing Day
Celebrated the day after Christmas, Boxing Day is said to signify the empty boxes left from presents received on the Christmas holiday.

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