Public Holidays in Iraq 2026 – Islamic & National Observances
Iraq observes a mixture of national, religious, and regional public holidays. Some holidays are fixed, while others follow the Islamic (lunar) calendar and require official confirmation (such as Eid festivals). Certain observances may apply only in specific regions, including the Kurdistan Region.
Overview of Public Holidays in Iraq
Iraq’s public holidays include national commemorations (Army Day, Independence Day, Victory Day), major Islamic observances (Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Ashura, Mawlid), and cultural or seasonal celebrations such as Nowruz. The exact observance may vary by governorate or region.
List of Public Holidays in Iraq (2026)
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day (Sovereignty Day) |
| January 6 | Tuesday | Army Day |
| March 21 | Saturday | Nowruz / Spring Day |
| March 20–21 | Fri–Sat | Eid al-Fitr (tentative) |
| March 22–23 | Sun–Mon | Eid al-Fitr Holiday |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha (tentative) |
| May 28–29 | Thu–Fri | Eid al-Adha Holiday |
| June 16 | Tuesday | Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year) |
| June 25 | Thursday | Ashura |
| July 14 | Tuesday | Republic Day (Kurdistan Region) |
| August 25 | Tuesday | Mawlid al-Nabi (Prophet’s Birthday) |
| October 3 | Saturday | Independence Day (National Day) |
| December 10 | Thursday | Victory Day (Victory over ISIS) |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
Note: Islamic holiday dates are approximate and subject to official moon sighting and government confirmation.
List of Public Holidays in Iraq (2025)
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day (Sovereignty Day) |
| January 6 | Monday | Army Day |
| March 21 | Friday | Nowruz / Spring Day |
| March 30 | Sunday | Eid al-Fitr (tentative) |
| March 31 | Monday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday |
| April 1 | Tuesday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday |
| April 2 | Wednesday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday / Yazidi New Year (regional) |
| May 1 | Thursday | Labour Day |
| June 6 | Friday | Eid al-Adha (tentative) |
| June 9 | Monday | Eid al-Adha Holiday |
| June 14 | Saturday | Eid al-Ghadir |
| June 27 | Friday | Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year) |
| July 6 | Sunday | Ashura |
| July 14 | Monday | Republic Day (Kurdistan Region) |
| September 4 | Thursday | Mawlid al-Nabi (Prophet’s Birthday) |
| October 3 | Friday | Independence Day (National Day) |
| December 10 | Wednesday | Victory Day (Victory over ISIS) |
| December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day |
Notes & Observations
- Islamic holidays depend on lunar sighting and may shift by one day.
- Some holidays apply only in specific regions, particularly the Kurdistan Region.
- Nowruz is especially observed in Kurdish-majority areas.
- Victory Day (December 10) commemorates Iraq’s defeat of ISIS.
Public Observance & Closures
On public holidays, government offices, schools, banks, and many businesses close nationwide or regionally. Multi-day Islamic holidays often result in extended closures. Official confirmation is typically awaited for lunar-based holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Iraq have?
Iraq observes approximately 20–25 public holidays each year, depending on regional observances and lunar confirmations.
Do Islamic holidays change dates each year?
Yes. Eid festivals, Ashura, Islamic New Year, and Mawlid follow the lunar calendar and are confirmed by moon sighting.
Is Nowruz observed nationwide?
Nowruz is a public holiday, particularly in Kurdish regions, and marks the spring equinox.
Is Victory Day a national holiday?
Yes. Victory Day on December 10 is a nationwide holiday commemorating Iraq’s victory over ISIS.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Iraq reflect a blend of religious devotion, national history, and regional diversity. From Eid celebrations and Nowruz to Army Day and Victory Day, these observances shape Iraq’s public and cultural life.
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