Algeria has 14 verified nationwide public holiday dates in 2026, including three days each for Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The country's holiday calendar also recognises Amazigh New Year, Islamic religious observances, Independence Day, Revolution Day and Labour Day.
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Public holidays are governed by Law No. 63-278 of 26 July 1963, as amended by subsequent legislation. Most national holidays are paid non-working days, while Islamic celebrations follow the Hijri calendar and are confirmed through official religious and government announcements. This guide covers the verified dates, religious holiday rules, employee entitlements, weekend arrangements and practical information for 2026.
Next Public Holiday in Algeria
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Public Holidays in Algeria 2026
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The official 2026 holiday schedule includes 14 individually verified nationwide public holiday dates. These comprise fixed annual celebrations and movable Islamic holidays whose Gregorian dates change from year to year.
Algeria's holiday framework is established by the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security under Law No. 63-278, as amended.
In June 2023, Law No. 23-10 extended the statutory duration of both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha from two days to three days. The amendment is published in the Official Gazette No. 43 of 2023.
How Many Public Holidays Are There in Algeria in 2026?
Algeria has 14 verified nationwide public holiday dates in 2026. This count includes three dates for Eid al-Fitr and three for Eid al-Adha, with each officially recognised day counted separately.
The figure excludes religious holidays available only to eligible Christian or Jewish employees, ordinary commemorations and any election-related non-working day without an independently verified nationwide declaration.
Islamic holiday dates in 2026 have been confirmed through announcements from Algeria's religious authorities and the relevant government ministries. No lunar holiday dates in the verified schedule remain tentative.
National and Historical Public Holidays in Algeria
Several of Algeria's public holidays commemorate independence, national identity and the country's diverse cultural heritage.
Algerian Independence Day
Independence Day is celebrated annually on 5 July and commemorates Algeria's independence from France in 1962, following the Algerian War of Independence.
The holiday recognises the country's struggle for sovereignty and honours those who contributed to national liberation. Official commemorations may include ceremonies, remembrance activities and public celebrations.
In 2026, Independence Day falls on Sunday, 5 July. The Ministry of Labour and General Directorate of Public Service confirmed that the date was a paid non-working holiday for employees across public and private sectors.
Revolution Day in Algeria
Revolution Day, observed annually on 1 November, commemorates the beginning of the Algerian Revolution in 1954.
The date marks the start of the organised armed struggle against French colonial rule and remains a major national remembrance occasion.
In 2026, Revolution Day falls on Sunday, 1 November. It is recognised as a statutory nationwide public holiday under Algeria's holiday legislation.
Amazigh New Year (Yennayer)
Yennayer, the Amazigh New Year, is celebrated on 12 January and recognises the cultural heritage and traditions of Algeria's Amazigh communities.
The celebration is associated with family gatherings, traditional meals, cultural events and customs that vary across different regions.
Yennayer is a nationwide paid public holiday, not merely a regional cultural observance.
For 2026, the government confirmed Monday, 12 January, as a paid non-working holiday for employees in public and private institutions.
Labour Day
Labour Day is celebrated on 1 May in recognition of workers' contributions and the international labour movement.
It is an established nationwide statutory public holiday in Algeria. In 2026, Labour Day falls on Friday, 1 May.
Islamic Public Holidays in Algeria in 2026
Islamic celebrations account for a substantial share of Algeria's national public holidays. Their dates are based on the Hijri lunar calendar and are confirmed by the country's competent religious authorities.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Wakfs and the National Moon Sighting Commission play important roles in confirming religious dates. The Ministry of Labour and relevant public service authorities issue announcements concerning paid holiday arrangements.
Eid al-Fitr 2026 in Algeria
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. It is celebrated through communal prayers, family gatherings, charitable giving and visits to relatives.
In 2026, Algeria officially observed Eid al-Fitr on 20, 21 and 22 March.
The National Moon Sighting Commission confirmed Friday, 20 March, as the first day of Eid al-Fitr following the observation of the Shawwal crescent.
The joint government announcement for Eid al-Fitr established the first three days of Shawwal as paid non-working holidays for employees across public and private institutions.
The three-day entitlement reflects the amendment introduced by Law No. 23-10 of 26 June 2023.
Eid al-Adha 2026 in Algeria
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.
In 2026, Algeria officially observed Eid al-Adha on Wednesday, 27 May, Thursday, 28 May and Friday, 29 May.
The Ministry of Labour and General Directorate of Public Service announcement confirmed all three dates as nationwide paid non-working holidays.
Eid al-Adha is traditionally associated with communal prayers, charitable giving, family visits and the distribution of sacrificial meat.
The holiday may affect normal business operations, public administration, transport arrangements and commercial services.
Islamic New Year (Awal Muharram)
Islamic New Year marks the beginning of a new year in the Hijri calendar. It is observed on the first day of Muharram, the first Islamic month.
In 2026, Islamic New Year fell on Tuesday, 16 June, corresponding to 1 Muharram 1448 AH.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Wakfs officially confirmed the date, which is recognised as a paid public holiday under Algerian legislation.
Ashura in Algeria
Ashura is observed on the tenth day of Muharram and holds religious significance in Islamic tradition.
In 2026, Ashura fell on Thursday, 25 June, corresponding to 10 Muharram 1448 AH.
The date was confirmed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Wakfs, followed by a government announcement establishing the day as paid and non-working.
Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (Mawlid al-Nabawi)
Mawlid al-Nabawi commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad. In Algeria, the celebration is associated with religious gatherings, prayer, family traditions and community activities.
In 2026, Mawlid al-Nabawi fell on Tuesday, 25 August.
A joint announcement from the Ministry of Labour and General Directorate of Public Service confirmed the date as a nationwide paid non-working holiday.
How Are Islamic Holiday Dates Confirmed in Algeria?
Algeria follows the Hijri lunar calendar for religious celebrations such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year, Ashura and Mawlid al-Nabawi.
The National Moon Sighting Commission, operating within the country's religious authority framework, determines the beginning of relevant lunar months using official moon-sighting procedures.
Because lunar months do not correspond exactly to the Gregorian calendar, Islamic holiday dates move earlier each year relative to the solar calendar.
Predicted dates published in advance may change when an official religious announcement is made. The verified 2026 dates reflect announcements issued by the relevant Algerian authorities.
Employers, travellers and institutions should prioritise official announcements over preliminary holiday estimates.
Are Public Holidays Paid in Algeria?
Yes. Algeria's statutory public holidays are paid non-working days under Law No. 63-278, as amended.
The Ministry of Labour states that the statutory holiday framework applies to employees of public administrations, public institutions, local authorities and businesses, including workers paid by the day or hour.
Official announcements for Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha and other national holidays confirm the application of these arrangements to both public and private institutions.
Organisations operating continuous services or shift-based activities may be required to maintain essential operations during national holidays.
Employees required to work on these dates should consult the applicable labour rules, collective agreements and employer arrangements regarding compensation and rest entitlements.
The statutory framework is outlined in the Ministry of Labour's official labour legislation guidance.
Religious Holidays for Christian and Jewish Employees
Algeria's labour legislation separately recognises certain paid religious holidays for eligible employees belonging to Christian and Jewish religious communities.
These entitlements are distinct from the general nationwide statutory holiday calendar.
Christian Religious Holidays
The Ministry of Labour identifies the following paid religious holidays for eligible Christian employees:
- Easter Monday
- Ascension Day
- Assumption of Mary on 15 August
- Christmas Day on 25 December
These are not automatically general public holidays for the entire Algerian population.
Jewish Religious Holidays
The Ministry of Labour also recognises certain paid holidays for eligible Jewish employees:
- Rosh Hashanah
- Yom Kippur
- Passover (Pesach)
The legislation sets out employment entitlements for these recognised religious observances. Employees should consult the current legal framework and their employer regarding eligibility and implementation.
These religion-specific holidays are excluded from the primary nationwide public holiday database to avoid presenting them as general holidays for all workers.
Weekend and Substitute Holiday Rules in Algeria
Algeria generally follows a Friday-Saturday weekend, with Sunday forming part of the normal working week for many public offices and businesses.
This distinction is important when interpreting Algeria's public holiday calendar and planning extended breaks.
For example, Eid al-Fitr in 2026 covered Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Although Friday and Saturday are normally weekend days, Sunday was also included in the officially designated three-day holiday period.
Independence Day and Revolution Day both fell on Sundays in 2026. Since Sunday is normally a working day in Algeria, these statutory holidays created non-working days for eligible employees following the standard weekly schedule.
Algeria's general holiday legislation does not establish an automatic substitute day after every holiday that falls on a Friday or Saturday.
Any additional non-working date should therefore be supported by an applicable government announcement or employment provision rather than assumed.
Long Weekends in Algeria in 2026
Algeria's Friday-Saturday weekend and statutory religious holiday periods create several opportunities for extended breaks.
For workers following a standard Sunday-to-Thursday schedule, notable holiday periods in 2026 include:
- 20–22 March: Eid al-Fitr created a three-day break from Friday through Sunday.
- 27–30 May: Eid al-Adha covered Wednesday through Friday, followed by the normal Saturday weekend.
- 3–5 July: Independence Day fell on Sunday, immediately after the Friday-Saturday weekend.
- 30 October–1 November: Revolution Day fell on Sunday, creating a three-day break with the preceding weekend.
Islamic New Year and Mawlid al-Nabawi both fell on Tuesdays in 2026. Employees could potentially extend these breaks by requesting annual leave on adjacent working days, subject to employer approval.
Holiday arrangements may differ for healthcare, transport, tourism, retail and other sectors that operate during normal weekends or public holidays.
Are Banks and Government Offices Closed on Public Holidays in Algeria?
National public holidays generally affect normal operations across public administration, banking and private businesses in Algeria.
Banks and Financial Services
Bank branches may close or follow modified working schedules on national public holidays. Electronic payments, cash machines and online banking services may remain available, although some transaction processing can be delayed.
Customers should check the announcements of their bank or the Bank of Algeria before making time-sensitive arrangements.
Government Offices
Government administrations and public institutions generally observe statutory paid non-working holidays.
However, official announcements require organisations responsible for continuous or shift-based services to make arrangements ensuring service continuity.
Shops and Private Businesses
Private businesses are also covered by the relevant statutory holiday framework, but some commercial establishments may continue operating under applicable arrangements.
Opening hours for shops, restaurants, pharmacies and transport services can vary, especially during Eid celebrations.
Visitors and residents should confirm operating hours directly with the relevant business or institution.
National Commemorations and Special Holidays
Algeria recognises certain national commemorations that should not automatically be classified as statutory paid public holidays.
Day of Fraternity and Cohesion
The National Day of Fraternity and Cohesion between the People and Their Army for Democracy is observed on 22 February.
The commemoration was established in connection with the popular demonstrations that began in February 2019.
Although it is an officially recognised national commemorative occasion, its establishment does not automatically make it a general paid non-working holiday under Algeria's statutory holiday legislation.
Election-Related Non-Working Days
Election-related working arrangements may be governed by separate official decisions rather than the annual statutory public holiday list.
Algeria held legislative elections on 2 July 2026. The election date was formally established by presidential decree, but the designation of an election date alone does not establish a nationwide paid public holiday.
An election-related date should be included in a public holiday database only when an applicable official declaration confirms its non-working status and scope.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many public holidays are there in Algeria in 2026?
The verified nationwide schedule contains 14 public holiday dates in 2026. This includes three days each for Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha and excludes religion-specific employee holidays and ordinary commemorations.
What is the next public holiday in Algeria?
The next public holiday depends on the current date. The live Next Public Holiday in Algeria section at the beginning of this page displays the upcoming holiday from the national database.
Is Eid al-Fitr a three-day holiday in Algeria?
Yes. Law No. 23-10 of 26 June 2023 increased the statutory Eid al-Fitr holiday to three days. In 2026, the confirmed dates were 20, 21 and 22 March.
How many days are given for Eid al-Adha in Algeria?
Eid al-Adha is a three-day statutory public holiday in Algeria. The government confirmed 27, 28 and 29 May as paid non-working days in 2026.
Is Yennayer a nationwide public holiday in Algeria?
Yes. Amazigh New Year, also known as Yennayer, is a nationwide paid statutory public holiday observed on 12 January. It celebrates Amazigh cultural heritage and the beginning of the Amazigh calendar year.
Are Islamic public holiday dates fixed in Algeria?
No. Islamic holidays follow the Hijri lunar calendar, and their Gregorian dates change each year. Algeria's competent religious authorities confirm the dates, with official announcements establishing the corresponding public holiday arrangements.
Are Algeria's public holidays paid?
Yes. Statutory public holidays are paid non-working days under Law No. 63-278, as amended. The provisions apply to eligible public and private sector employees, including employees paid by the day or hour.
What are the weekend days in Algeria?
Algeria generally follows a Friday-Saturday weekend. Sunday is normally a working day, so public holidays falling on Sundays can create an extended weekend for employees following the standard weekly schedule.
Is February 22 a public holiday in Algeria?
February 22 is observed as the National Day of Fraternity and Cohesion between the People and Their Army for Democracy. It is a national commemoration, but it is not established as a general paid non-working holiday by the statutory public holiday framework.
Where are official public holidays announced in Algeria?
Official holiday information is provided through the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security, the General Directorate of Public Service and the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Wakfs. Relevant laws are published in the Official Gazette of Algeria, while the Algerian Press Service communicates government announcements.
Official Sources for Public Holidays in Algeria
- Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security – Labour Legislation: Explains the statutory holiday framework under Law No. 63-278 and paid holiday provisions for employees.
- Official Gazette of Algeria – Law No. 23-10 of 26 June 2023: Confirms the amendment extending Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha to three days each.
- Government Announcement – Amazigh New Year 2026: Confirms 12 January 2026 as a nationwide paid non-working day.
- Government Announcement – Eid al-Fitr 2026: Confirms the three-day Eid al-Fitr paid holiday period.
- Government Announcement – Eid al-Adha 2026: Confirms 27–29 May as nationwide paid holidays.
- Ministry of Religious Affairs and Wakfs – Islamic New Year and Ashura 2026: Confirms 16 June as Islamic New Year and 25 June as Ashura.
- Government Announcement – Ashura 2026: Confirms 25 June as a paid non-working day.
- Government Announcement – Independence Day 2026: Confirms 5 July as a paid nationwide public holiday.
- Algerian Press Service – Mawlid al-Nabawi 2026: Confirms 25 August as a paid non-working holiday for employees.
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