| Most businesses are closed during public holidays, but festivities during religious occasions can be colourful and are an event not to be missed. Businesses are also closed on Sundays and late Saturday afternoons. Please note that during the lunar month of Ramadan, restaurants and businesses on the coast may be closed during midday and open again after sundown.
New Year’s Day � 1 January
Zanzibar Revolution Day � 12 January
Eid al-Kebir* � 1 February
Easter � March/April (Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday)
Union Day � 26 April
Labour Day � 1 May
Eid al-Moulid* � 1 May
Saba Saba (Peasants’ Day) � 7 July
Nane Nane (Farmers’ Day) � 8 August
Ramadan begins* – 15 October
Eid al-Fitr* – 13 November
Independence Day � 9 December
Christmas � 25 December
Boxing Day � 26 December
* Indicates an Islamic holiday, which falls approximately eleven days earlier each year. The dates given are for 2004. For other years, please consult an Islamic calendar, which is available online. Dates for Islamic holidays depend on the sighting of the moon and may fall a few days before or after the stated date. |
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