There is a number of Holidays in Senegal, which you are sure to enjoy while on your Senegal Tour. The holidays are either civil holidays, or observed for religious events. So, throughout the year, there are a number of holidays. If you are planning for a tour to Senegal, you can take a note of the holidays, so that you can chalk out your tour.
Senegal is officially known as the Republic of Senegal. It is a country, which is located at the south of the River Senegal, in west Africa. The Atlantic Ocean lies on the west, Mauritania in the north, Mali in the east and Guinea and Guineas-Bissau lie is the south of Senegal. This country celebrates a number of festivals and there are many civil holidays as well.
Civil Holidays in Senegal
There are a number of civil holidays in Senegal which people in the country enjoy. They are:
- New Year's Day: Celebrated on January 1st.
- National Holiday (or Independence Day): Celebrated on April 4th.
- Labor Day: Celebrated on May 1st.
- "Tirailleur senegalais" day: Celebrated on August 23rd.
There are several festivals in Senegal which people in the country enjoy. They are:
- Tamkharit: This is the Muslim New Year. It was the same time when Prophet Mohammed left Mecca for Medine.
- Maouloud (Gamou): This was the birth date of Prophet Mohammed.
- Ramadan: This is when the Islamic communities begin their fast.
- Leylatoul Khadre: This is the 27th day of the fast and is the day when Prophet Mohammed received the first verses of the Koran.
- Korite (Eid Al Fitr): This marks the end of the fast.
- Tabaski (Aid el Kebir): This day corresponds to the time when Abraham wanted to sacrifice his son to God. Moments before the deed was done, the archangel Gabriel told him to kill a sheep instead.
- Magal de Touba: This day marks the return of Sheik Amadou Bamba Mbacke, founder of the Mourides brotherhood, after his long exile.
The other festivals in Senegal which people enjoy are:
- Easter: This day commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- Ascension: After 40 days from Easter, this day marks the ascent of Christ into heaven.
- Pentecost: This day which is the 7th Sunday after Easter, celebrates the descent of the Holy Ghost on the disciples. The Christians on Senegal, make a pilgrimage to Popenquine.
- Assumption: This is the day when the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus was raised to heaven after her death.
- All Saint's Day: This day is observed in memory of the saints.
- Christmas: Celebrated on 25th December, this day is the birth of Jesus.
There are so many Holidays in Senegal that you can enjoy. So, make sure to plan for your Senegal travel during any of these holidays.
| 
