National Holidays in Liberia: The Complete Guide

Planning a trip to Liberia, or simply curious about its calendar? Liberia — Africa's oldest republic — observes 12 national public holidays each year. Some, like Independence Day, are grand national celebrations; others, like Decoration Day, are uniquely Liberian traditions you will find nowhere else. This guide walks through each one and how to plan around them.

Looking for this year's exact dates? See our always-up-to-date National Holidays in Liberia calendar, where the movable dates are calculated automatically.

How many national holidays does Liberia have?

Liberia currently recognises 12 official national public holidays. On these days, government offices, banks and many businesses close. The President may also declare additional holidays by proclamation, so the calendar can occasionally shift from year to year.

The full list of national holidays in Liberia

• New Year's Day — January 1
• Armed Forces Day — February 11
• Decoration Day — second Wednesday of March (date varies)
• J. J. Roberts' Birthday — March 15
• National Fast & Prayer Day — second Friday of April (date varies)
• National Redemption Day — April 12
• National Unification Day — May 14
• Independence Day — July 26
• National Flag Day — August 24
• National Thanksgiving Day — first Thursday of November (date varies)
• William V. S. Tubman's Birthday — November 29
• Christmas Day — December 25

The biggest celebrations

Independence Day (July 26) is by far the largest celebration of the year, marking Liberia's 1847 Declaration of Independence as Africa's first independent republic. Expect parades, cultural programmes, music and nationwide festivities.

National Flag Day (August 24) honours the Liberian flag — the "Lone Star" — whose eleven red and white stripes represent the signatories of the Declaration of Independence. Christmas Day is celebrated warmly across the country with church services, feasting and family gatherings.

Uniquely Liberian holidays

A few holidays are distinctly Liberian:

• Decoration Day — families visit cemeteries to clean, decorate and lay flowers on the graves of loved ones.
• National Fast & Prayer Day — a day of fasting and prayer for peace and national prosperity.
• National Unification Day — celebrates the coming together of Liberia's diverse peoples, uniting the hinterland with the coast.
• National Thanksgiving Day — a day of gratitude for the nation's blessings and peace.

Travel tips for visiting during a holiday

• Any holiday that falls on a Sunday is observed the following Monday.
• Government offices, banks and many businesses close — plan transport, tours and money exchange in advance.
• Holidays like Independence Day bring a vibrant, festive atmosphere — a wonderful (if busy) time to experience Liberian culture. Book accommodation and tours early.

Plan your visit around a Liberian holiday

Want to time your trip with a celebration? Check the full national holidays calendar for this year's dates, then request a custom trip and a licensed Liberian operator will build an itinerary around it.