Public Holidays in Libya 2026 – Islamic & National Holidays
Libya observes a mixture of national, historical, and Islamic public holidays. Some are fixed by law (such as Independence Day and Revolution Day), while Islamic holidays follow the Hijri (lunar) calendar and may shift slightly each year depending on moon sightings.
Overview of Libya’s Public Holidays
Libya’s public holidays include national commemorations (Revolution Day, Martyrs’ Day, Liberation Day), independence observances, and major Islamic festivals such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Because Libya’s working week is typically Sunday–Thursday, public holiday arrangements and compensatory days may vary by sector or region.
List of Public Holidays in Libya (2026)
| Date | Day | Holiday | Notes / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 17 | Tuesday | Revolution Day | Commemorates the 2011 revolution |
| March 20 | Friday | Eid al-Fitr (tentative) | End of Ramadan (lunar-based) |
| March 21 | Saturday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday | Continuation of Eid celebrations |
| March 22 | Sunday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday | Extended Eid observance |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day | International Workers’ Day |
| May 26 | Tuesday | Day of Arafah (tentative) | Day before Eid al-Adha |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha (tentative) | Feast of Sacrifice begins |
| May 28 | Thursday | Eid al-Adha Holiday | Continuation of Eid |
| May 29 | Friday | Eid al-Adha Holiday | Extended observance |
| June 16 | Tuesday | Islamic New Year (Hijri) | First day of Muharram |
| August 26 | Wednesday | Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid) | Islamic observance |
| September 16 | Wednesday | Martyrs’ Day | Honors those killed under colonial rule |
| October 23 | Friday | Liberation Day | Marks liberation in 2011 |
| December 24 | Thursday | Independence Day | Commemorates independence in 1951 |
List of Public Holidays in Libya (2025)
| Date | Day | Holiday | Notes / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 17 | Monday | Revolution Day | Commemorates start of 2011 revolution |
| March 30 | Sunday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday | First day of Eid al-Fitr |
| March 31 | Monday | Eid al-Fitr | Continued Eid observance |
| April 1 | Tuesday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday | Extended Eid holiday |
| May 1 | Thursday | Labour Day | International Workers’ Day |
| June 5 | Thursday | Day of Arafah | Preceding Eid al-Adha |
| June 6 | Friday | Eid al-Adha | Feast of Sacrifice begins |
| June 7 | Saturday | Eid al-Adha Holiday | Continuation of Eid |
| June 8 | Sunday | Eid al-Adha Holiday | Further observance |
| June 9 | Monday | Eid al-Adha Holiday (except Benghazi) | Regional compensatory day |
| June 26 | Thursday | Islamic New Year | First day of Muharram |
| September 4 | Thursday | Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | Mawlid observance |
| September 16 | Tuesday | Martyrs’ Day | National commemoration |
| October 23 | Thursday | Liberation Day | Anniversary of 2011 liberation |
| December 24 | Wednesday | Independence Day | Independence from Italy in 1951 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Libya have in 2026?
Libya observes around 14–18 public holidays in 2026, depending on the length of Islamic holiday periods.
Which holidays are uniquely national (non-religious)?
National holidays include Revolution Day (Feb 17), Martyrs’ Day (Sept 16), Liberation Day (Oct 23), and Independence Day (Dec 24).
Why do Eid holidays span multiple days?
Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are observed over multiple days to allow for prayer, family gatherings, and rest.
Are Islamic holiday dates fixed?
No. Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar and may shift by one or two days depending on moon sightings.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Libya reflect the country’s political history, religious traditions, and national identity. From Revolution Day and Independence Day to multi-day Eid observances, these holidays define Libya’s civic and cultural calendar each year.
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