Public Holidays in Syria 2026 – Islamic & National Days
Syria observes a mix of national, Islamic, and Christian public holidays that reflect its cultural diversity, religious traditions, and evolving political landscape. Public holidays include fixed national dates as well as movable Islamic observances based on the lunar calendar.
Also Explore: Public Holidays in Switzerland
Overview of Public Holidays in Syria
Public holidays in Syria consist of national commemorations, Islamic festivals, and Christian religious observances. Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha follow the Hijri calendar and therefore shift each year. Recent government decrees have restructured parts of the national holiday calendar, including the introduction of Liberation Day.
List of Public Holidays in Syria (2026)
| Holiday | Date (2026) | Day | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday | Beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. |
| Revolution Day | March 8 | Sunday | Commemorates the Syrian revolution. |
| Mother’s Day | March 21 | Saturday | Honors mothers nationwide. |
| Eid al-Fitr* | March 20–21* | Friday–Saturday* | Festival marking the end of Ramadan. |
| Independence Day / Evacuation Day | April 17 | Friday | Marks the withdrawal of foreign troops and national sovereignty. |
| Easter (Gregorian & Orthodox) | April 12 | Sunday | Christian celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. |
| Labor Day | May 1 | Friday | Honors workers and labor contributions. |
| Eid al-Adha* | May 27–28* | Wednesday–Thursday* | Islamic festival commemorating sacrifice. |
| Islamic New Year (Muharram)* | June 17* | Wednesday* | Beginning of the Hijri calendar year. |
| The Prophet’s Birthday (Mawlid)* | August 25* | Tuesday* | Celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). |
| October Liberation Day | October 6 | Tuesday | Commemorates the October War. |
| Liberation Day | December 8 | Tuesday | Marks political transition under the 2025 decree. |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday | Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. |
*Islamic holiday dates are approximate and subject to official moon sighting announcements.
Many Syrians use extended Eid holidays for family visits or short trips. When travel is possible, readers often explore places to visit in Syria and nearby regional destinations during these breaks.
List of Public Holidays in Syria (2025)
| Holiday | Date (2025) | Day | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Wednesday | Beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. |
| New Year Holiday | January 2 | Thursday | Extended New Year observance. |
| Revolution Day | March 8 | Saturday | Commemorates the Syrian uprising. |
| Mother’s Day | March 21 | Friday | Honors mothers nationwide. |
| Eid al-Fitr | March 31 | Monday | Festival marking the end of Ramadan. |
| Eid al-Fitr Holiday | April 1 | Tuesday | Extended Eid holiday. |
| Independence Day / Evacuation Day | April 17 | Thursday | Marks Syria’s independence. |
| Easter (Gregorian & Orthodox) | April 20 | Sunday | Christian celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. |
| Labor Day | May 1 | Thursday | Honors workers and labor rights. |
| Eid al-Adha | June 6 | Friday | Islamic festival of sacrifice. |
| Islamic New Year | June 27 | Friday | Beginning of the Hijri year. |
| The Prophet’s Birthday | September 5 | Friday | Celebration of Prophet Muhammad’s birth. |
| October Liberation Day | October 6 | Monday | Commemoration of the October War. |
| Liberation Day | December 8 | Monday | Introduced under the 2025 decree. |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Thursday | Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. |
Religious and Cultural Significance
Syria’s public holidays reflect its multi-faith society. Islamic holidays such as the two Eids emphasize prayer, charity, and family gatherings. Christian communities observe Easter and Christmas, while national days such as Independence Day and Liberation Day highlight the country’s historical and political milestones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Syria have in 2026?
Syria typically observes around 12 to 14 public holidays per year, depending on the number of Islamic observance days.
Why do Islamic holidays change dates every year?
Islamic holidays follow the Hijri lunar calendar, which is shorter than the Gregorian calendar, causing dates to move earlier each year.
What is Liberation Day in Syria?
Liberation Day, observed on December 8, was introduced by a 2025 decree and marks a major political transition in the country.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Syria for 2026 and 2025 reflect a blend of religious devotion, cultural tradition, and national transformation. From the sacred celebrations of Eid to Christian festivals and newly defined national days, these observances provide insight into Syria’s heritage and evolving identity.
