Burkina Faso Public Holidays 2012
Guideforafrica.com gives as much possible information on Public, gazetted and national holidays in Burkina Faso for the Calendar year 2012. All the public holidays as declared by the government are also applicable to all its employees and they need not work on those days. Some extra optional holidays are also given.
So during these days / periods, you will not be able to access any government services. The Central Bank of the country and other major banking institutions also remain closed, although ATMs stay operational (24 hours service). Some foreign exchange points stay open for just a few hours of the public holiday. However, remember if planning for a visa application or extension, or send something from a post office, or use the main branch of a bank, travelers should endeavor to avoid these days. However, most of the happening hotspots such as resort beaches, night clubs, recreation grounds and small shopping centres generally remain open to their clients.
Below are the Public and National Holidays in Burkina Faso for the January 2012-December 2012 period.
01 January: New Year’s Day
03 January: Anniversary of the 1966 Coup d’État
04 February: Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet) (Islamic Day)
08 March: Women’s Day (International Day)
09 April: Easter Monday (Christian Day)
01 May: Workers Day (International Day) – Government offices, and most banking institutions and businesses remain closed.
17 May: Ascension (Christian Day)
04 August: Revolution Day
05 August: Independence Day
15 August: Assumption (Christian Day)
19 August: Aid El Segheir (End of Ramadan)
15 October: Anniversary of the 1987 Coup d’État
26 October: Aid El Kébir (Feast of the Sacrifice)
01 November: All Saints’ Day (Christian Day)
15 November: El am Hejir (New Year) (Islamic Day)
11 December: Proclamation of the Republic
25 December: Christmas Day (Christian Day)
26 December: Boxing Day (Christian Day)
Note:
- Some public holidays are celebrated on the same date every year. This is particularly applicable to the internationally recognized dates.
- The main impact for the tourist during Public Holidays in Burkina Faso is the increased competition for travel and accommodation especially to those who use long weekends to get away from the busy centres. It is therefore plausible to make your hotel as well flight bookings well in advance especially for the foreign visitors.