Public Holidays in Iran 2026 – Islamic, National & Public Holidays
Iran has a rich holiday calendar combining national, religious (Islamic / Shia), and cultural or seasonal observances. Some holidays are fixed by the Solar Hijri calendar, while others—especially Islamic ones—depend on lunar sighting and official decree. Many public offices, banks, and schools close on these days.
Overview of Iran’s Public Holidays
Iran’s public holidays reflect its Islamic identity, Persian heritage, and modern history. They include major Shia Islamic observances, national commemorations, and the multi-day Nowruz (Persian New Year) celebrations around the spring equinox.
List of Public Holidays in Iran (2026)
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| January 3 | Saturday | Birthday of Imam Ali & Father’s Day |
| January 17 | Saturday | Eid al-Mab’ath (Prophet’s Ascension) |
| February 11 | Wednesday | Islamic Revolution Day |
| February 3 | Tuesday | Birthday of Imam Mahdi |
| March 19 | Thursday | Oil Nationalization Day |
| March 20 | Friday | Nowruz (Persian New Year) |
| March 21 | Saturday | Nowruz Holiday |
| March 22 | Sunday | Nowruz Holiday |
| March 23 | Monday | Nowruz Holiday |
| March 21 | Saturday | Martyrdom of Imam Ali |
| March 21–22 | Sat–Sun | Eid-e Fitr (End of Ramadan) |
| April 14 | Tuesday | Islamic Republic Day |
| April 15 | Wednesday | Nature Day (Sizdah-be-Dar) |
| April 12 | Sunday | Martyrdom of Imam Jafar Sadeq |
| June 4 | Thursday | Demise of Imam Khomeini |
| June 5 | Friday | Khordad Uprising (15 Khordad) |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Eid-e Qorban (Feast of Sacrifice) |
| June 14 | Sunday | Eid-e Ghadir |
| June 24 | Wednesday | Tassoua |
| June 25 | Thursday | Ashura |
| August 3 | Monday | Arbaeen |
| August 12 | Wednesday | Demise of Prophet Muhammad & Martyrdom of Imam Hassan |
| August 13 | Thursday | Martyrdom of Imam Reza |
| August 21 | Friday | Martyrdom of Imam Hasan al-Askari |
| August 30 | Sunday | Birthday of Prophet Muhammad & Imam Sadeq |
| November 25 | Wednesday | Martyrdom of Hazrat Fatima |
Note: Islamic holidays are approximate and subject to official moon sighting confirmation.
List of Public Holidays in Iran (2025)
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| January 13 | Monday | Birthday of Imam Ali & Father’s Day |
| January 27 | Monday | Eid al-Mab’ath (Prophet’s Ascension) |
| February 11 | Tuesday | Islamic Revolution Day |
| February 14 | Friday | Birthday of Imam Mahdi |
| March 19 | Wednesday | Oil Nationalization Day |
| March 20 | Thursday | Nowruz (Persian New Year) |
| March 21 | Friday | Nowruz Holiday / Martyrdom of Imam Ali |
| March 22 | Saturday | Nowruz Holiday |
| March 23 | Sunday | Nowruz Holiday |
| March 31 | Monday | Eid-e Fitr (End of Ramadan) |
| April 1 | Tuesday | Islamic Republic Day / Additional Eid-e Fitr Holiday |
| April 24 | Thursday | Martyrdom of Imam Jafar Sadeq |
| June 4 | Wednesday | Demise of Imam Khomeini |
| June 5 | Thursday | Khordad Uprising (15 Khordad) |
| June 6 | Friday | Eid-e Qorban |
| June 14 | Saturday | Eid-e Ghadir |
| July 5 | Saturday | Tassoua |
| July 6 | Sunday | Ashura |
| August 14 | Thursday | Arbaeen |
| August 23 | Saturday | Demise of Prophet Muhammad & Martyrdom of Imam Hassan |
| August 24 | Sunday | Martyrdom of Imam Reza |
| September 1 | Monday | Martyrdom of Imam Hasan al-Askari |
| September 10 | Wednesday | Birthday of Prophet Muhammad & Imam Sadeq |
| December 5 | Friday | Martyrdom of Hazrat Fatima |
Notes & Observations
- Many Islamic holidays depend on the lunar calendar and official moon sighting.
- Nowruz (around March 20–23) is Iran’s longest continuous public holiday period.
- Some religious and national observances may overlap in certain years.
Public Observance & Closures
On public holidays, government offices, banks, schools, and many private institutions close nationwide. Extended shutdowns are common during Nowruz and major Islamic observances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Iran have?
Iran typically observes 20+ public holidays annually, combining national, religious, and seasonal observances.
Do Eid and Ashura dates change each year?
Yes. These holidays follow the Islamic lunar calendar and are finalized after moon sighting.
What is Nowruz?
Nowruz is the Persian New Year marking the spring equinox and is celebrated nationwide for several consecutive days.
Are all holiday dates final?
No. Some religious holidays are confirmed only after official announcements.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Iran reflect a deep blend of Islamic tradition, Persian heritage, and national history. From Nowruz celebrations to major Shia observances, these holidays strongly influence public and social life across the country.
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