Public Holidays in Bosnia and Herzegovina 2025 – National & Religious Calendar
Bosnia and Herzegovina observes a variety of public holidays that reflect its multi-ethnic and multi-religious society. The official calendar recognizes Christian, Islamic, and national events celebrated by Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs across the country.
Overview of Public Holidays in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Public holidays in Bosnia and Herzegovina are defined by the country’s two entities — the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska — as well as Brčko District. While some holidays are celebrated nationwide, others are specific to religious or regional communities. Key observances include Christian feasts like Easter and Christmas, Muslim holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, and the state’s Independence and Statehood Days.
List of Public Holidays in Bosnia and Herzegovina (2025)
| Holiday | Date (2025) | Day | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 – 2 | Wednesday – Thursday | Celebrates the start of the new year nationwide. |
| Orthodox Christmas Day | January 7 | Tuesday | Observed by the Serbian Orthodox community. |
| Independence Day (Federation) | March 1 | Saturday | Marks Bosnia and Herzegovina’s independence referendum (1992). |
| Good Friday & Easter Monday (Catholic) | April 18 & April 21 | Friday & Monday | Christian holy week observed by Catholics and Protestants. |
| Orthodox Good Friday & Easter Monday | April 25 & April 28 | Friday & Monday | Orthodox Easter celebration by Serbian Christians. |
| Labour Day / International Workers’ Day | May 1 – 2 | Thursday – Friday | Honors workers and trade unions across the nation. |
| Eid al-Fitr (Ramazan Bayram) | March 31 – April 2* | Monday – Wednesday* | Marks the end of Ramadan; observed by Muslim communities. |
| St. Vitus Day (Vidovdan) – Republika Srpska | June 28 | Saturday | Commemorates the Battle of Kosovo and Serbian heritage. |
| Eid al-Adha (Kurban Bayram) | June 7 – 10* | Saturday – Tuesday* | Commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s faith and sacrifice. |
| Assumption of Mary (Catholic) | August 15 | Friday | Honors the Virgin Mary; a holy day for Catholic communities. |
| All Saints’ Day (Catholic) | November 1 | Saturday | Remembers all Christian saints and martyrs. |
| Statehood Day (Federation) | November 25 | Tuesday | Commemorates the 1943 Anti-Fascist Council (ZAVNOBiH) meeting in Mrkonjić Grad. |
| Orthodox Christmas Eve & Day (Republika Srpska) | January 6 – 7 | Monday – Tuesday | Religious holiday honoring the birth of Christ. |
| Christmas Day (Catholic) | December 25 | Thursday | Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ; observed by Catholics nationwide. |
*Islamic holidays are determined by the lunar calendar and may vary by one or two days based on moon sightings.
Religious and Cultural Significance
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s public holidays symbolize its religious and ethnic diversity. Catholics celebrate Easter and Christmas, Orthodox Christians observe Vidovdan and their own Easter dates, and Muslims celebrate Eid festivals with family and charity. Statehood Day and Independence Day highlight the country’s modern sovereignty and unity.
Public Observances and Closures
Government offices, banks, and schools close on official holidays within each entity. Major cities like Sarajevo, Banja Luka, and Mostar host parades, cultural programs, and religious ceremonies reflecting their distinct traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Bosnia and Herzegovina have?
The country observes around 12 to 15 official public holidays each year, depending on religious and regional entities.
Do all entities share the same public holidays?
No. The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska observe some different holidays based on their cultural and religious communities.
Is Eid celebrated as a public holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Yes. Both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are official holidays in the Federation and widely celebrated by Muslim communities.
When is Statehood Day celebrated?
Statehood Day is celebrated on November 25 to honor the founding principles of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1943.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Bosnia and Herzegovina reflect the country’s unity in diversity. Through Eid, Easter, and Statehood Day, Bosnians honor faith, freedom, and shared heritage across its distinct regions and traditions.
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