Public Holidays in Eritrea 2026 – National & Christian Holidays
Eritrea recognizes a mix of national, Christian (mostly Eritrean Orthodox), and Islamic holidays. These observances reflect the country’s diverse faith heritage and historical events. On public holidays, government institutions, schools, and many businesses close, allowing citizens to commemorate or celebrate according to tradition.
Overview of Public Holidays in Eritrea
Public holidays in Eritrea include fixed secular observances such as New Year, Independence Day, and Martyrs’ Day, alongside religious observances rooted in both Eritrean Orthodox Christianity and Islam. Because Islamic dates follow the lunar calendar, holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may shift yearly. Major state holidays like Independence Day, Revolution Day, and Martyrs’ Day commemorate milestones in the country’s liberation history.
List of Public Holidays in Eritrea (2026)
| Holiday | Date (2026) | Day | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday | Start of the Gregorian year. |
| Orthodox Christmas (Leddet) | January 7 | Wednesday | Christmas according to the Eritrean Orthodox tradition. |
| Epiphany / Timket | January 19 | Monday | Commemoration of the baptism of Jesus. |
| Fenkil Day | February 10 | Tuesday | Honors the Battle of Fenkil during the liberation struggle. |
| Women’s Day | March 8 | Sunday | Celebration of women’s contributions to society. |
| Women’s Day (observed) | March 9 | Monday | Observed when March 8 falls on Sunday. |
| Eid al-Fitr* | March 20 / 21* | Fri / Sat* | Islamic festival marking the end of Ramadan. |
| Orthodox Good Friday | April 10 | Friday | Christian commemoration of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. |
| Orthodox Easter / Tensae | April 12 | Sunday | Celebration of the Resurrection of Christ. |
| Labour Day / May Day | May 1 | Friday | International Workers’ Day. |
| Independence Day | May 24 | Sunday | Marks independence from Ethiopia in 1991. |
| Independence Day (observed) | May 25 | Monday | Observed substitute when falling on Sunday. |
| Eid al-Adha* | May 27* | Wednesday* | Islamic Feast of Sacrifice. |
| Martyrs’ Day | June 20 | Saturday | Honors those who died during the liberation struggle. |
| Revolution Day (Bahti Meskerem) | September 1 | Tuesday | Marks the start of the armed struggle for independence. |
| Milad un Nabi (Prophet’s Birthday)* | August 26* | Wednesday* | Commemoration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad. |
| Geez New Year (Keddus Johannes) | September 11 | Friday | New Year in the Ge’ez / Ethiopian calendar. |
| Meskel (Finding of the True Cross) | September 27 | Sunday | Commemoration of the discovery of the True Cross. |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday | Widely observed Christian holiday. |
* Islamic dates may vary depending on moon sighting.
List of Public Holidays in Eritrea (2025)
| Holiday | Date (2025) | Day | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Wednesday | Start of the Gregorian year. |
| Orthodox Christmas (Leddet) | January 7 | Tuesday | Christmas according to the Eritrean Orthodox tradition. |
| Epiphany / Timket | January 19 | Sunday | Commemoration of the baptism of Jesus. |
| Fenkil Day | February 10 | Monday | Honors the Battle of Fenkil during the liberation struggle. |
| Women’s Day | March 8 | Saturday | Celebration of women’s contributions to society. |
| Eid al-Fitr* | March 30 / 31* | Sun / Mon* | Islamic festival marking the end of Ramadan. |
| Orthodox Good Friday | April 18 | Friday | Christian commemoration of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. |
| Orthodox Easter / Tensae | April 20 | Sunday | Celebration of the Resurrection of Christ. |
| Labour Day / May Day | May 1 | Thursday | International Workers’ Day. |
| Independence Day | May 24 | Saturday | Marks independence from Ethiopia in 1991. |
| Eid al-Adha* | June 7 | Saturday | Islamic Feast of Sacrifice. |
| Martyrs’ Day | June 20 | Friday | Honors those who died during the liberation struggle. |
| Revolution Day (Bahti Meskerem) | September 1 | Monday | Marks the start of the armed struggle for independence. |
| Milad un Nabi (Prophet’s Birthday) | September 5 | Friday | Commemoration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad. |
| Geez New Year (Keddus Johannes) | September 11 | Thursday | New Year in the Ge’ez / Ethiopian calendar. |
| Meskel (Finding of the True Cross) | September 27 | Saturday | Commemoration of the discovery of the True Cross. |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Thursday | Widely observed Christian holiday. |
Religious and Cultural Significance
Eritrea’s holiday calendar reflects a strong spiritual heritage shaped by the Eritrean Orthodox Church and significant Muslim observances. Orthodox celebrations such as Leddet (Christmas), Timket, Tensae (Easter), Geez New Year, and Meskel are central to national cultural identity. Islamic festivals like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha highlight the country’s religious diversity. National commemorations, including Fenkil Day, Martyrs’ Day, and Independence Day, honor the sacrifices that led to statehood.
Public Observances and Closures
Government offices, banks, and schools are closed on national and religious holidays. In major cities such as Asmara, Massawa, and Keren, official ceremonies and religious gatherings take place. Many people travel to their hometowns to celebrate with family, and public life slows during longer observances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Eritrea have?
Eritrea observes around 16 officially recognized public holidays each year, including national, Orthodox Christian, and Islamic observances.
Do Islamic holidays shift each year in Eritrea?
Yes. Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha follow the lunar calendar and may shift slightly depending on moon sighting.
What is Fenkil Day?
Fenkil Day commemorates a major battle in the Eritrean liberation struggle and is observed annually on February 10.
What is Meskel in Eritrea?
Meskel is a Christian festival celebrated on September 27 that marks the discovery of the True Cross and is widely honored by the Orthodox community.
Conclusion
Eritrea’s public holidays reflect a deep connection to religious tradition, historical sacrifice, and national identity. From Orthodox Christian feasts to Islamic celebrations and state commemorations of liberation, each holiday plays a meaningful role in the country’s cultural rhythm.
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