Public Holidays in Iraq 2024
Iraq observes several public holidays throughout the year, reflecting its cultural, religious, and historical diversity. These holidays hold significant importance for the people of Iraq and are celebrated with various traditions and customs. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the public holidays in Iraq for the year 2024, providing detailed descriptions of each holiday along with information on the groups entitled to days off.
New Year’s Day – January 1, 2024
New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year and is celebrated worldwide. In Iraq, New Year’s Day is a time for gatherings, parties, and festivities as people welcome the new year with hope and optimism.
Days off: New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Iraq, observed by government offices, businesses, and educational institutions, providing a day off for employees and students.
Army Day – January 6, 2024
Army Day commemorates the establishment of the Iraqi Army on January 6, 1921. It is a day to honor the contributions and sacrifices of the Iraqi military in defending the nation’s sovereignty and security.
Days off: Army Day is a public holiday in Iraq, observed by government offices, businesses, and educational institutions, providing a day off for employees and students.
Eid al-Fitr – April 2, 2024
Eid al-Fitr, also known as the Festival of Breaking the Fast, marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. It is a time of joy, thanksgiving, and celebration as Muslims gather with family and friends to break their fast and exchange gifts.
Days off: Eid al-Fitr is a public holiday in Iraq, observed by government offices, businesses, and educational institutions, providing a day off for employees and students.
Revolution Day – July 14, 2024
Revolution Day commemorates the 1958 Iraqi Revolution, which led to the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of the Republic of Iraq. It is a day to reflect on the country’s history and the struggle for independence and democracy.
Days off: Revolution Day is a public holiday in Iraq, observed by government offices, businesses, and educational institutions, providing a day off for employees and students.
Eid al-Adha – July 21, 2024
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. It is celebrated with prayers, feasting, and the sacrifice of animals, with the meat distributed to the needy.
Days off: Eid al-Adha is a public holiday in Iraq, observed by government offices, businesses, and educational institutions, providing a day off for employees and students.
Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year) – August 31, 2024
The Islamic New Year, also known as the Hijri New Year, marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar year. It is a time for reflection, prayer, and renewal as Muslims commemorate the migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina.
Days off: Islamic New Year is a public holiday in Iraq, observed by government offices, businesses, and educational institutions, providing a day off for employees and students.
Ashura – September 21, 2024
Ashura is a significant religious observance for Shia Muslims, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala. It is a day of mourning and reflection, with rituals such as processions, reenactments, and recitations of lamentations.
Days off: Ashura is a public holiday in Iraq, primarily observed by Shia Muslims, with some businesses and institutions granting leave or reduced hours for employees to participate in related activities.
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi) – October 17, 2024
Mawlid al-Nabi celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam. It is a day of joy, reverence, and remembrance, with Muslims attending mosque services, reciting poetry, and engaging in acts of charity.
Days off: Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday is a public holiday in Iraq, observed by government offices, businesses, and educational institutions, providing a day off for employees and students.
Republic Day – October 31, 2024
Republic Day commemorates the declaration of the Republic of Iraq on October 31, 1958, following the overthrow of the monarchy. It is a day to celebrate the country’s republican principles and democratic aspirations.
Days off: Republic Day is a public holiday in Iraq, observed by government offices, businesses, and educational institutions, providing a day off for employees and students.
Christmas Day – December 25, 2024
Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed by Christians around the world, including Iraq. It is a day of worship, fellowship, and goodwill, with Christians attending church services and gathering with loved ones to exchange gifts and share meals.
Days off: Christmas Day is a public holiday in Iraq, primarily observed by the Christian community, with some businesses and institutions granting leave or reduced hours for employees to participate in related activities.
Table: Summary of Public Holidays in Iraq 2024
| Holiday | Date | Description | Days Off for Groups |
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Beginning of the Gregorian calendar year | Government, Businesses, Educational |
| Army Day | January 6 | Commemoration of the establishment of the Iraqi Army | Government, Businesses, Educational |
| Eid al-Fitr | April 2 | End of Ramadan | Government, Businesses, Educational |
| Revolution Day | July 14 | Commemoration of the 1958 Iraqi Revolution | Government, Businesses, Educational |
| Eid al-Adha | July 21 | Festival of Sacrifice | Government, Businesses, Educational |
| Islamic New Year | August 31 | Beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar year | Government, Businesses, Educational |
| Ashura | September 21 | Commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein | Some businesses, Educational |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | October 17 | Celebration of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad | Government, Businesses, Educational |
| Republic Day | October 31 | Commemoration of the declaration of the Republic of Iraq | Government, Businesses, Educational |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ | Some businesses, Educational |