Understanding Tanzania Public Holidays: A Traveler’s Guide

The people of Tanzania have an incredible and amazing culture. Their primary priorities are religion and family, and they cultivate a strong feeling of community. Living in harmony with Tanzanian customs and culture also means being aware of the significance of the country's major festivals to the populace.

Tanzania celebrates many significant historical and political occasions, including the anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution, Union Day, and the country's independence.

Tanzania public holidays consist of religious and national holidays celebrated across the country.

What Is A Tanzania Public Holiday?

This is a vacation or holiday which is declared by state and federal governments or through international agreements. During this time, the majority of offices, Government, and schools are closed.

Public holidays in Tanzania are generally set aside for cultural celebrations or events, such as the commemoration of significant historical events like the Zanzibar Revolution Day, Saba Saba Day, Karume Day, Peasants’ Day, Tanzania Independence Day, or Mwalimu Nyerere Day.

Some holidays even honor global movements or devout occasions like International Women’s Day, which honors great women in society, International Labor Day meant for workers, or religious holidays like Christmas, Eid al-Adha, Eid Al-Fitr (the end of Ramadan), and other like Boxing Day, which falls on December 26th, following Christmas.

Public holidays in Tanzania are generally set aside for cultural celebrations or events

List Of Public Holidays In Tanzania You Should Know

New Year's Day

Time: Monday, January 1, 2024

Since most nations use the Gregorian calendar, New Year's Day is observed on January 1st in most of the world. Nevertheless, some nations, such as China, celebrate New Year's Day, or the first day of the New Year, using their own calendar as opposed to the Gregorian one. Nonetheless, the majority of nations in the globe currently celebrate New Year's Day on January 1 of each year.

Like many other African countries, Tanzania's New Year's celebrations are influenced by a variety of local customs. Tanzania has created its own traditions for ringing in the New Year since it was freed from British colonial authority in 1961.

People celebrate by listening to music, indulging in food and drink, and dancing till the early hours of the morning. TV and radio programs are scheduled with the express purpose of commemorating the previous year and welcoming the new one.

New Year's Day is observed on January 1st in most of the world

Zanzibar Revolutionary Day

Time: Friday, January 12, 2024

Zanzibar Revolution Day, one of the national holidays Tanzania, observed on January 12th. It commemorates the 1964 revolution that toppled the Sultan following Zanzibar's independence from Britain, marking a milestone toward the island's eventual attainment of self-government.

The captivating archipelago of Zanzibar is located close to Tanzania's coast and is well-known for its stunning beaches, spice farms, rich cultural heritage, and history.

Zanzibar Revolution Day is one of the national holidays Tanzania

Ramadan

Time: Monday March 10th, 2024

This is a month-long religious celebration observed by Muslims across the country, during which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset every day for nearly 30 days. In regions where the Muslim religion is more thoroughly ingrained, such as Zanzibar, it is common to find several establishments closed, and travelers should avoid eating in public during this time period. Eid al-Fitr, the grand holiday that celebrates the conclusion of Ramadan, is a significant event for the community, which hosts feasts and balls in which you can also participate. Zanzibar is the perfect destination to experience the mood and friendliness of Eid al-Fitr firsthand.

Good Friday

Time: Friday, March 29, 2024

Christians observe Good Friday as a day to remember the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, as told in the Bible.  This day usually falls on the Jewish holiday of Passover. Black Friday, Great Friday, and Holy Friday are some other names for the holiday known as Good Friday. Every Christian in the world celebrates this festival.

Good Friday is a public holiday in Tanzania. The majority of businesses and schools are closed, and most population have the day off. 

Easter Day

Time: Sun, Mar 31, 2024

Easter is the most significant Christian holy day in Tanzania, and it is commemorated with two holidays on Good Friday and the day following Easter Sunday. The Christian Ecclesiastical Calendar, which is based on centuries-old computations, determines the Easter date each year. This means that Easter Sunday might fall anywhere between March and April. During this time, like with other big holidays, individuals frequently purchased new clothes and prepared special dinners for their family.

Easter is the most significant Christian holy day in Tanzania

Karume Day 

Time: Sunday, April 7, 2024

Every year on April 7, people celebrate Karume Day, which honors the assassination of Abeid Amani Karume, a former vice president of Tanzania and president of Zanzibar.

Karume, who made significant contributions to education, healthcare, agriculture, and other fields, is recognized for his role in the struggle for independence. People come together on this day to honor him, consider his accomplishments, and celebrate Zanzibar's rich cultural legacy. Let us celebrate this wonderful occasion together and discover more about this amazing leader!

Eid al-Adha 

Time: Monday, June 17, 2024

One of the primary main holidays in Tanzania is the Eid al-Kabir, which holds the most importance in the Islamic festivals. Also known as the festival of sacrifice, it occurs on the tenth day of the final month of the Islamic calendar. Like Ramadan, the date of Eid varies annually.

Eid al-Kabir, which commemorates Ibrahim's offering of his son to God, is a Muslim holiday that represents faith and giving. The entire Muslim community in Tanzania comes together for many days of prayer and celebration on this significant day. 

Saba Saba Day

Time: Sunday, July 7, 2024

Every year on July 7, Tanzania celebrates Saba Saba Day, a secular festival. The term Saba Saba, means "seven seven" in Swahili, Tanzania's official language, which alludes to the holiday's date. On this day in history, the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU), a political organization that was instrumental in the development and unity of Tanzania, was founded.

The holiday holds great significance in Tanzanian history as it commemorates the nation's journey towards independence and the 1964 union of Zanzibar and Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanzania. The Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair honors the day by showcasing goods from Tanzania as well as Central, East, and Southern Africa.

Saba Saba Day is a special day in Tanzania that commemorates the formation of the Tanganyika African National Union

Nane Nane Day

Time: Thursday, August 7, 2024

The first week of August is dedicated to agriculture in Tanzania. Agricultural fairs are held throughout starting on August 1st and ending on August 8th with the national holiday, Nane Nane.

Tanzanians commemorate the significant contribution of farmers to the country's economy on Nane Nane. Mbeya is one of eight cities where agricultural fairs are held. 

Prophet Muhammad's Birthday

Time: Sunday, September 15, 2024

The anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday is one of the most important Tanzania public holidays for Muslims.

Nyerere Day

Time: Monday, October 14, 2024

Tanzania observes Mwalimu Nyerere Day on October 14 every year. It honors the day in 1999 that former Tanzanian president Julius Nyerere passed away. Julius Nyerere, affectionately known as the "father of the nation," was born in Tanganyika's Mara Region on April 13, 1922.

Independence Day

Time: Monday, December 9, 2024

The people of Tanzania commemorate their Independence Day on December 9, 1961, the day Tanganyika was freed from British rule and Zanzibar province gained independent. Tanganyika and Zanzibar later united together to form the United Republic of Tanzania.

At Dar es Salaam's National Stadium, there will be musical group performances, a military parade, and a presidential speech in honor of this day.

The people of Tanzania commemorate their Independence Day on December 9

Christmas Day

Time: Wednesday, December 25, 2024

About one-third of the country's population is Christian, so Christmas is a big holiday in Tanzania.

Christmas in Tanzania is as magical as any other. You will get dazzling white sand instead of snow and locally brewed beer in place of hot mulled wine.

Boxing Day

Time: Thursday, December 26, 2024

Boxing Day is observed on December 26, which is the first weekday following Christmas. Tanzania observes Boxing Day as a public holiday, with a mostly Christian populace. This is the day to share gifts with loved ones.

Tanzania public holidays reflect the country’s rich cultural and religious tapestry. If you can visit during one of these holidays in Tanzania, don't miss immersing in the festivities with locals.  This is an excellent opportunity to discover the country's distinctive culture. Finally, but just as importantly, obtain a Tanzania eVisa to ensure a smooth travel to this stunning country. You can choose to get a Tanzania visa through Tanzania immigration services